Pune: The steering committee has approved a new curriculum framework for grades 3 to 12 based on the National Education Policy (NEP), with a significant alignment to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) syllabus.
Schools affiliated with the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education are proposed to operate according to CBSE’s annual schedule moving forward.
The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) had previously released a draft for the new curriculum framework, integrating aspects of India’s traditional knowledge system to familiarize students with the country's heritage.
The framework proposes several new features, such as giving students the flexibility to choose subjects, removing the stream-based system, and including elements of Indian traditional knowledge in every subject for a holistic educational approach. It also emphasizes the inclusion of art and physical education.
The state board will now adopt most of the CBSE curriculum, with NCERT and CBSE textbooks provided in English and Hindi. The task of translating and distributing these textbooks in other languages has been assigned to Balbharati.
Additionally, subjects like history and geography will be structured to include local, state, national, and global perspectives. Marathi textbooks will be developed by the state.
Currently, state board schools in Maharashtra follow an annual academic calendar from June to April. Most schools, except those in Vidarbha, begin on June 15. However, the new proposal suggests aligning with CBSE’s schedule, which runs from April to March.
The committee’s draft had also referenced changes to the academic calendar, and sources indicated that these changes aim to maintain uniformity in the policy.
A consultation meeting was held on September 19 between School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar and various organizations. The headmasters’ association raised concerns about potential challenges arising from changing the academic schedule.
Although the education minister had earlier stated that no changes would be made, the proposal now indicates a shift to the CBSE schedule.
In addition, the proposal offers flexibility for schools operating in two shifts, recommending that classes for older students be conducted in the morning and those for younger students in the afternoon.