School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse announced in the legislative assembly the implementation of the CBSE curriculum starting with Grade 1 this year and full adoption by 2028. However, schools, teachers, and parents remain apprehensive due to the lack of an official circular.
Mahendra Ganpule, former president of the headmasters’ association, has expressed frustration over the uncertainty, stating, “There has been no official directive, and schools are left in the dark about what to expect.”
A primary school teacher echoed similar concerns, saying, “the implementation of the curriculum for class one is going to start this academic year, but I am still confused about what to expect.” With two months remaining for the academic year to commence, she hopes that the government will put out an official circular and offer clarity soon.
Despite the announcement in the assembly, the lack of complete information has led to the rise of some concerns as well.
Vijay Kombe, president of the Maharashtra State Primary Teachers’ Committee, stated, “Discussions with teachers’ unions and educational representatives should have taken place beforehand to address concerns and provide clear guidance.”
One of the major apprehensions surrounds the status of Marathi in the new curriculum. Some fear that the national curriculum’s emphasis on a broader framework may undermine regional languages, but Bhuse has assured in the assembly that, “Marathi will continue to be a compulsory subject in both government and private schools.”
It was also confirmed that the new curriculum will prioritise Maharashtra’s culture, traditions, saints, social reformers, and historical figures in subjects like History, Geography, and Languages. This came after concerns were raised about the integration of the state’s history and culture in a national curriculum.
The state government has also underscored the advantages of the CBSE curriculum, particularly for students preparing for national-level competitive exams. Bhuse has pointed out, “The CBSE curriculum provides students with knowledge at state, national, and international levels, which will greatly benefit those appearing for exams like JEE, NEET, and UPSC.”
Concerns were also raised by several activists regarding the start of the academic year from 1 April to align with the CBSE timetable. Nitin Dalvi, President of the Mumbai Students, Parents, and Teachers Association said “Maharashtra board schools traditionally begin on 15 June to account for the intense heat in April and May. Forcing students to attend school from 1 April poses health risks. If students fall ill or face any adverse effects due to extreme temperatures, who will take responsibility?”
However the state has clarified that discussions are still underway to decide the full adoption of the CBSE timetable and will be finalised based on the state’s socio-economic conditions and climate.
The phased rollout of the CBSE curriculum will follow a structured timeline, with Grade 1 implementing the new curriculum in 2025, followed by Classes 2, 3, 4, and 6 in 2026, Classes 5, 7, 9, and 11 in 2027, and full implementation in 2028 with Classes 8, 10, and 12. As Maharashtra embarks on this significant transition, it remains crucial for the government to address concerns and ensure smooth implementation while maintaining transparency and engagement with all stakeholders.
Although the state has provided clarification on several concerns raised by stakeholders, it has yet to issue an official government resolution detailing the exact implementation process.
