Maharashtra: Schools to start on April 1 from 2026

Despite opposition from various schools and teachersrsquo unions the Maharashtra government has decided to implement a new academic calendar for schools starting from the 202627 academic year Under the new system the academic year will begin on April 1 and end on March 31 aligning with the Central Board of Secondary Education CBSE calendarHowever schools and teachersrsquo associations have stated that the decision is not final until a government resolution GR is issued They remain steadfast in their opposition to adopting the CBSE calendarThe education department has deferred implementation to 202627 Representation piciStockThis decision proposed by a stateappointed steering committee is part of the State Council for Educational Research and Trainingrsquos SCERT revised State Curriculum Framework for School Education SCFSE Released in October the framework aligns with the National Education Policy NEP 2020 and aims to enhance the holistic development of studentsInitially the state education department intended to implement the changes in the 202526 academic year However following objections raised by schools and teachersrsquo organisations during discussions with the school education minister the department has deferred implementation to 202627 The education department has also decided to gradually familiarise schools and other stakeholders with the proposed changes under the revised SCFSEA senior official from the school education department stated ldquoThe arrangement of concluding the academic year on March 31 and starting it on April 1 is expected to provide students with more time for studies The state government will issue a final directive or GR closer to the implementation daterdquoUnder the new academic calendar summer holidays for state board schools will be scheduled from May 1 to June 14 SCERT Chairman Rahul Rekhawar said ldquoA GR will be issued soon with further detailsrdquoIn addition to the academic calendar changes the revised curriculum will align with the CBSE pattern and offer greater flexibility for students to select subjects based on their interests The focus will shift from rote learning to fostering creativity particularly in Mathematics and Science ldquoThe new system aligns with the NEP 2020 and aims to redefine education for different age groups ensuring holistic developmentrdquo the official addedThe decision has been met with resistance from principalsrsquo and teachersrsquo unions who have expressed concerns over logistical challenges and the potential impact on school operations Critics argue that the government must address these issues and provide adequate support to schools before enforcing the changesSpeaking to midday Mahendra Ganpule spokesperson for the Maharashtra School Principalsrsquo Association said ldquoWe continue to oppose the proposed academic calendar that aligns with the CBSE board Starting the academic year in April could pose significant challenges especially in regions like Marathwada and Vidarbha Unless a GR is issued we will not take this decision seriously We have already submitted our objections to the school education minister not just to delay implementation to 202627 but to reject the proposal outrightrdquoMar 31Day academic year will end under new system