Pune: The grading concession for the Marathi language subject in schools, which allowed the assessment to be done in grade format instead of numerical scoring, will come to an end starting from the 2025-26 academic year.

The state government has emphasized the mandatory teaching and learning of Marathi across all government and private schools, regardless of the medium of instruction.

Since April 2020, the state has been enforcing the law that requires Marathi to be taught in all schools. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption of regular schooling, the state had provided a one-time concession for the batch of students entering 8th grade in 2022-23 (who will be in 10th grade by 2024-25).

This concession allowed these students to be evaluated in the Marathi language through a grading system instead of traditional numerical marks. However, this was a temporary measure, and starting from the 2025-26 academic year, this concession will no longer be available.

Despite the grading relaxation, it was observed that some schools misinterpreted the concession, resulting in inadequate instruction of Marathi.

The government has now issued strict directives to ensure the enforcement of the law, making the teaching and learning of Marathi compulsory in all schools across mediums.

The state's School Education Department has clarified that no other batches will be given the grading concession, and all students will be required to follow the standard evaluation process in Marathi.

The move underscores the importance of Marathi language education in schools, especially as it becomes mandatory for students in both the 11th and 12th grades as well.