PANAJI
With the beginning of the coming academic year, the Goa government will roll out an ambitious plan to establish a high-end STEM learning centre ” ‘Whiz-Kid Learning Spaces’ ” in every taluka, modelled on internationally developed ‘Math Circles’ and ‘Science Circles’, in a major step towards nurturing young talent and transforming the State into a hub for excellence in mathematics, science and innovation.
Under the Project Management Unit (PMU) of the CARES Scheme, Directorate of Technical Education, the government will establish 12 ‘Whiz-Kid Learning Spaces’ across Goa, as announced in the 2025-26 Budget. These specialised centres are envisioned as advanced, hands-on training hubs for talented students, aimed at nurturing excellence in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education.
The PMU has invited proposals from interested institutions and organisations to establish and operate these centres in each taluka. Additionally, nominations have been sought from Mathematics and Science faculty members to serve as Mentors and Master Trainers. Faculty members will play a key role in in-person mentoring, curriculum delivery and cultivating a vibrant STEM learning community in their respective regions. The last date to submit applications is February 28.
The initiative builds on the State’s earlier efforts to integrate robotics and coding into mainstream education. In Goa, robotics and coding were introduced as part of the Class VI to VIII curriculum for nearly 65,000 students across 435 government and aided schools. From the academic year 2022-23, the scheme was expanded to include an advanced elective curriculum, offered after school hours to students with a deeper interest and aptitude in the subject. In 2025-26, this elective programme was implemented in 206 lead schools, benefiting over 17,000 students.
A senior official said that the proposed Whiz-Kid Learning Spaces aim to take this vision further by creating state-of-the-art environments modelled on internationally recognised ‘Math Circles’ and ‘Science Circles’.
“The Math Circle movement, known globally for identifying and nurturing young mathematical talent, will serve as a template for fostering problem-solving abilities, computational thinking and conceptual clarity. Physics and general sciences will form the foundational base to encourage innovation and scientific inquiry,” the official said.
The centres will cater to two categories “ a junior group comprising middle school students aged 10 to 14, and a senior group of high school students aged 15 to 18.
The official said that the objective is to create a structured pathway for talented students to participate and excel in internationally recognised Olympiads and competitions, thereby building profiles suited for niche academic and industry roles in India’s emerging technology-led economy.
“These learning spaces are envisioned as high-end, hands-on STEM environments to nurture problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity among high-potential middle school students. Faculty involvement will be instrumental in facilitating in-person mentoring, supporting curriculum implementation, and fostering a vibrant learning community in their respective regions,” the official said.
