Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa government has rolled out a major overhaul of its school education system for Classes I to VIII under the National Education Policy (NEP), bringing in a fresh assessment structure, experiential learning practices and revised textbooks from the current academic year.
Officials from the Goa State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) said schools will now follow a rubric-based internal evaluation process for students studying in the foundational, preparatory and middle stages.
However, students from Classes III to VIII will continue to appear for externally conducted assessments based on common question papers designed by SCERT.
The updated framework is aimed at creating a more engaging classroom environment by encouraging practical and activity-centred learning. In addition to regular subjects, students will participate in co-curricular and experiential activities including sports, yoga, craft work, reading sessions and gardening.
Authorities have also introduced a revised teaching approach focused on interactive learning methods instead of conventional textbook-oriented instruction.
The curriculum, officials said, aligns with the NEP’s emphasis on holistic development and incorporates elements of the Indian Knowledge System.
For the revised syllabus, Goa has adopted NCERT textbooks for major subjects, while SCERT has prepared separate learning material for regional languages and local requirements.
The implementation of NEP in Goa is being carried out in stages. During the previous academic year, the policy was introduced for Classes III and VI. From the 2026-27 academic session, the expanded rollout now includes Classes I, II, IV, V, VII and VIII as well.
As part of the new academic guidelines, students in Classes I and II will complete 800 instructional hours annually, while Classes III to V will have 1,000 learning hours every year. SCERT has additionally instructed schools to encourage students of Classes III to V to spend a minimum of 10 hours annually on home reading activities.
