Mumbai: In a bid to bring uniformity and equity to the education system, the Maharashtra government has mandated that all state board schools, including aided institutions, follow a single academic calendar. The new schedule sets final exams from April 8 to April 25, with results declared on May 1, followed by the commencement of summer vacations. Currently, most state board schools begin their summer break in mid-April. The directive is effective immediately.
Additionally, students of Classes V and VIII will now have to take two papers each for Mathematics, their first language, and English—one set by the school and the other by the state. This change follows the Centre’s abolition of the no-detention policy last December, making assessments for these students more challenging.
With nearly 90,000 state board schools in Maharashtra, education officers have been instructed to ensure uniform school timetables. However, the government’s directives, issued through two circulars, have raised concerns among school managements and principals.
Many school heads have called for a deferment until the next academic year, arguing that such significant changes should be introduced at the start of a school year. Some have also pointed out logistical challenges, particularly for students from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat, who may have already booked tickets to return home for summer break and might miss exams scheduled after mid-April.
“Even if the state authorities believe that teachers can complete assessments within three to four days between papers, how will faculty evaluate papers for exams held on April 24-25, enter marks, inform class teachers, and prepare final results in time?” questioned Sanjay Patil, president of the School Principals’ Association.
Officials from the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) assert that the decision aims to provide students with standardized education and an equal opportunity for academic success. The directive emphasizes the need for structured instructional time, ensuring that students receive adequate time for studying, preparing, and appearing for exams.
To maintain consistency, exams for Classes I-IX must be scheduled in a way that guarantees students complete the required number of study days, preventing rushed assessments. Additionally, three periodic assessments—foundation tests and composite assessments 1 and 2—will be conducted throughout the academic year to bring structure and predictability.
The move is also influenced by the latest Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) findings, which revealed that many Class IV students in rural areas struggle to read Class II-level texts. SCERT Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh emphasized the need to enhance academic quality, especially in Maharashtra’s rural schools.
The state government is also taking steps beyond academic standardization. SCERT has developed various teaching-learning materials to keep students engaged during vacations.
“We recognize that while children in urban areas often travel during summer, many in rural communities remain in their villages,” said Singh. “Our goal is to ensure that every child, regardless of location, has access to educational resources to strengthen their academic foundation.”
With these sweeping changes, the Maharashtra government aims to streamline the academic schedule while addressing learning gaps, especially in rural regions. However, school authorities and parents remain concerned about the immediate implementation and its practical challenges.