After starting the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommendations for Class IX in June 2024 and at the pre-primary level in previous years, Goa is now set to extend its implementation to Classes III, VI, and X starting from the 2025-26 academic year. The official announcement regarding the implementation of NEP for these classes is expected to be made this month, allowing schools time to prepare for the transition.
Academic Year Changes and New Subjects
As part of the NEP’s phased implementation, the state government is considering starting the academic year earlier in April instead of the usual June. This adjustment is to accommodate the introduction of new subjects like vocational education and art education. According to the NEP, students from Classes VI to VIII will learn nine subjects, while students in Classes IX and X will now study ten subjects.
Currently, Goa has already initiated a phase-wise rollout of the NEP at the foundational level, starting with nursery education for children at age 3. The state also introduced the policy at the secondary stage with Class IX in 2024, in line with the NEP’s guidelines.
Preparatory and Middle Stages under NEP
From 2025 onwards, the NEP will be implemented for the first time at the preparatory stage, starting at Class III, which typically includes children aged 8. It will also be extended to the middle stage in Class VI, at age 11. The state will also include Class X under the secondary stage in the new academic framework.
Changes to the Academic Calendar
A source close to the development shared that the state is exploring the possibility of adjusting the academic calendar by starting the school year in April. This shift could reduce the summer vacation from two months to one month, providing an opportunity for schools to conclude classes earlier, around noon, to avoid the intense summer heat. The source noted that this system already exists in ICSE and CBSE boards, and by aligning with these boards, Goa would streamline the academic schedule.
Currently, all school exams in Goa end on March 31, and the Goa Board has adjusted the Class X and XII exams to conclude by the end of March, thus making it feasible to start classes earlier in the year. The Goa School Education Act, which states that the academic year begins in June, will need to be amended with a new notification to implement these changes.
Semester System for Class X
The NEP also suggests dividing the academic year for secondary stage students (Classes IX to XII) into two semesters. While the semester system has already been implemented in Class IX since June 2024, the state is considering whether to introduce this system in Class X from the first year of NEP’s implementation in 2025. Given the significance of the public exams at the end of Class X, this transition may be carefully considered to align with the existing structure.
Impact of NEP Implementation
The implementation of NEP in Goa reflects the state’s commitment to improving educational standards and providing students with a more holistic learning experience. By integrating vocational education, art education, and a revised academic structure, the NEP aims to foster well-rounded students who are prepared for the challenges of the future.
As Goa prepares to embrace these changes, educators and parents are urged to stay informed about the upcoming developments to ensure a smooth transition as the NEP becomes a cornerstone of the state’s educational framework from 2025.
