Maharashtra to implement CBSE curriculum up to Class 12 by 2028: Education minister Dada Bhuse

NEW DELHI: Maharashtra’s school education minister, Dada Bhuse, announced that the state will implement the CBSE curriculum up to Class 12 by 2028. Speaking in both houses of the state legislature, Bhuse stated that the new curriculum will be introduced for Class 1 in 2025 and will be gradually expanded to all grades by 2028.

The Maharashtra school education department has issued a clarification after widespread confusion over the implementation of CBSE curriculum in state schools. Education minister Dadaji Bhuse assured that the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) will continue to operate and is not being replaced. However, the Maharashtra board will adopt CBSE’s assessment system, which is considered more ‘holistic and student-friendly’.

Maharashtra has developed its school education curriculum framework based on the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) for school education and the foundational stage. As per the official statement, while aligning with national standards, the Maharashtra board curriculum has been tailored to suit the state's specific educational and socio-cultural needs, ensuring a positive learning experience for students.

Textbook and CBSE curriculum implementation timeline

The Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research (Balbharati) has been responsible for developing the revised textbooks after reviewing NCERT materials. The textbooks based on the new curriculum will be introduced in following phases

• 2025 – Class 1

• 2026 – Classes 2, 3, 4, and 6

• 2027 – Classes 5, 7, 9, and 11

• 2028 – Classes 8, 10, and 12
  
  

Maharashtra Board: Assessment and examination reforms

In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Maharashtra is shifting away from a rote-based examination system. The state education board will introduce skill-based, conceptual, and competency-driven evaluation methods similar to CBSE.

The curriculum framework was developed after extensive expert consultations, considering Maharashtra’s socio-educational background. Drafts were made available for public feedback through the SCERT website, and suggestions were incorporated before the final draft was approved by the state-level steering committee on September 9, 2024.

Also read CBSE launches entrance exam 2025, career guide for parents to plan for Class 10, 12 students' future

Advantages of CBSE’s assessment system

Maharashtra’s move to incorporate CBSE’s assessment methods is expected to bring several advantages:

• Concept-based learning: Focuses on conceptual understanding rather than memorization.

• Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE): Ensures ongoing assessment of students' progress.

• Preparation for competitive exams: The CBSE syllabus is beneficial for JEE, NEET, and UPSC aspirants.

• Skill Development: Emphasizes leadership, creativity, and stress management.
  
  

Infrastructure and teacher training initiatives

To support these reforms, the Maharashtra government is enhancing educational infrastructure, including sanitation, classrooms, and digital learning tools. Additionally, efforts are being made to train teachers for the new curriculum and recruit qualified faculty.

Recognizing the challenges faced by rural students, special programmes are being introduced to ensure a smooth transition to the new curriculum. The "Nipun Maharashtra" initiative is one such programme focusing on skill-based learning and digital literacy.