Goa Schools to Start New Academic Year in April 2025

In a significant shift, the Government of Goa has announced that the new academic year for students of grades 6 to 10 and grade 12 will commence on April 1, 2025, instead of the traditional start in June. This change applies to all government, government-aided, and unaided recognized schools across the state1.

April Schedule and Summer Vacation:

• Classes for these grades will be conducted until 11:30 am in April.
• A summer vacation will be observed from May 1 to June 3.
• Regular school timings will resume from June 4, 2025.

Reasoning Behind the Change: The decision to start the academic year in April aims to align Goa’s academic calendar with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and other national boards. This change is expected to make April a productive month for students, as previously, it was considered an unproductive month due to the end of exams and the onset of summer2.

Reactions to the Change: The move has received mixed reactions. While some educators and officials believe it will help balance the number of instructional days and make better use of the academic year, others have raised concerns about the feasibility of the new schedule and the impact of the summer heat on students1. The All Goa Secondary School Teachers’ Association (AGSSTA) has strongly opposed the proposed changes, warning that they will negatively impact students, teachers, and the overall education system in the state.

Implementation and Future Plans: School authorities have been instructed to take necessary steps for the timely commencement of the academic year on April 1. Additionally, the circular must be prominently displayed on school notice boards to inform teachers, students, and parents about the revised schedule1. The changes are part of the National Education Policy (NEP) implementation, which aims to increase the number of instructional hours and introduce new subjects such as vocational education and art education.