Maharashtra Government has chalked out a plan for implementing National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in a phase-wise manner. For Std I, it will start from 2025-26 and will end in the year 2028 covering students of Class XII. First phase will focus on children aged three to eight, covering kindergarten, pre-primary, and Std I and Std II. In the pre-preparation level, the students aged 8 to 11, covering Std III, IV and V will be focussed on. In the Pre-Secondary level, the students of Class VI, VII and VIII will be covered, while in secondary level, the students of Class IX, X, XI and XII will be covered. The phase will conclude in 2028.

 

 

After introducing NEP for undergraduate courses in the 2023-24 academic year, the State Government has been contemplating for its application in school education. The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has developed a State Curriculum Framework based on the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) guidelines, outlining academic competencies. The NEP introduced a ‘5+3+3+4’ school education structure, replacing the traditional 10+2 system. The new curriculum will be at par with Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) pattern. Presently, in State Board course, there is not much flexibility for students. With the implementation of NEP, the students will be benefitted by the flexibility.

 

 

With a plan to improve quality of education, Maharashtra Government has planned to create a bank of highly skilled, influential teachers and developing high-quality schools. The Government is committed to improving the quality of education in both Government and private schools. The Government aims to ensure that all children aged 6-14 receive a universal elementary education, bridging any existing gaps in access and quality. The Government is investing in teacher training programmes and professional development opportunities to enhance the skills and knowledge of educators.

 

The school infrastructure enhancement and providing adequate resources for learning are also priorities of the Government. Taluka-level, district-level, division-level and State-level committees will constitute committees at their respective level to create bank of quality schools, educational institutes and ideal teachers. Government has chalked out the criteria for creating the bank.

 

 

NEP has introduced Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) as a subject to be included in the curriculum from Class III to Class V, while most other subjects remain consistent. Social Science will be the one subject with History, Civics, and Geography to be integrated. The Art Education and Pre-Vocational Skills from Std VI to Std VIII, For Std IX and Std X, new subjects such as Art Education, Vocational Skills, Social Personalities and Environmental Education will be included, expanding curriculum to 10 subjects.