Team siliconindia

• ICAI proposes adding commerce lessons to Classes 5–10 to build early financial awareness
• MSCERT is reviewing the plan before taking a final decision
• Initiative aims to help students make informed academic and career choices after Class 10

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has recommended that Maharashtra introduce commerce subjects for students from Class 5 to Class 10. The proposal aims to help children build basic financial and economic understanding well before they choose their academic stream after Class 10.

ICAI believes early exposure to topics like money management, markets, and simple business concepts can strengthen students’ confidence and real-world awareness. The move aligns with long-standing discussions around making financial literacy a core part of school education. By bringing commerce into the middle-school curriculum, the council hopes to give students a clearer sense of the opportunities available in finance, accounting, and business sectors.

The Maharashtra State Council of Educational Research and Training (MSCERT) is currently evaluating the proposal. As the body responsible for designing and approving school curricula, MSCERT will assess the structure, age-appropriateness, and depth of the suggested coursework. Officials noted that ICAI will need to submit a detailed curriculum for review before any final approval is granted. The department has indicated that it will study the proposal thoroughly to ensure it fits academic standards and student needs.

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According to Ketan Saiya, chair of the Western India Regional Council of ICAI, the state’s initial response has been positive, suggesting openness to broadening the scope of school-level education. If approved, this would mark a shift from the usual early focus on science and technology by giving commerce an equally strong presence at the foundational level.

Introducing commerce subjects earlier could help reduce the uncertainty many students face at the end of Class 10 and encourage more informed decisions about higher studies and future careers.