Cambridge University Press & Assessment has partnered with the School Education Department, Maharashtra, through the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), to introduce Cambridge Climate Quest for students in government schools across the state.
Climate Quest introduces students to the science of climate change, its impact on ecosystems, communities, and economies, and sustainable solutions such as renewable energy, responsible consumption, and climate resilience. The programme uses a contextual, activity-based approach that encourages students to think critically about environmental challenges, apply knowledge to real-world situations, and connect sustainability to their everyday lives and future careers. The programme will also lay a foundation for learners to engage with opportunities emerging in the global green economy.
As part of the collaboration, Cambridge will provide programme modules, teacher training sessions, user manuals, progress monitoring dashboards, and certificates for students who successfully complete the course.
The programme will be delivered in English and Marathi through Cambridge’s digital learning platform and is expected to reach up to 200,000 students across Maharashtra. Designed for students in Classes 8 and 9 in government-aided and non-aided schools, the initiative aims to strengthen climate literacy while encouraging learners to think critically about sustainability and their role in shaping a more responsible future.
The programme rollout will include teacher orientation, student enrolment, structured learning modules and certification upon successful completion. Implementation will be coordinated through SCERT, District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs), and participating government schools across Maharashtra.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this partnership was signed by Dr. Hemant Wasekar, IAS – Director, SCERT (State Council of Educational Research and Training), Government of Maharashtra, and Arun Rajamani, Managing Director – South Asia, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, in the presence of Dadaji Bhuse, Minister for School Education, Pankaja Tai Munde, Cabinet Minister for Environment and Climate Change and Animal Husbandry, Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar, Minister of State for School Education, Home (Rural), Housing, Mining & Cooperation, Shri. Ranjit Singh Deol, Principal Secretary for the School Education and Sports Department, Government of Maharashtra, along with senior officials from the School Education Department and Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
Dadaji Bhuse, Cabinet Minister for School Education further commented: “Through this initiative, students will be provided with a comprehensive curriculum on environment, climate change and related topics. The programme will initially be implemented for students of Classes 8 and 9, and will later be expanded further. Additionally, the department will also undertake special initiatives to promote hygiene awareness among students. Focus will be placed on personal hygiene, as well as cleanliness in school and home surroundings. In June, the School Education Department will actively participate in environmental conservation activities.”
Speaking at the event held at Mantralaya, Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar, Minister of State for School Education, said: “The main objective of this initiative is to empower the next generation to protect the environment by providing the right education to today’s students. I would also like to specially mention that students who excel in this programme will have the valuable opportunity to receive a joint certificate from Cambridge University Press & Assessment (CUPA) and the Government of Maharashtra.”
Arun Rajamani, Managing Director – South Asia, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, said: “The starting point for addressing the complex challenges of sustainable growth is education, which equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and problem-solving abilities needed to shape solutions. At Cambridge, supporting the next generation of learners and the future workforce through research-driven education focused on sustainable development is a key priority.
Our partnership with the Government of Maharashtra is an important step in expanding access to climate education and empowering students across the state to become informed, responsible, and future-ready citizens.”
