PANAJI
After Class 9, the Goa Government is contemplating introducing semester pattern for Class 11, most preferably from the academic year 2025-26.
Gearing up to restructure the academic term -- starting from April instead of June -- the government may, subsequently adopt a semester pattern at the secondary school education level -- Class IX to XII.
The Committee for Development of Goa State Curricular Framework for School Education in their report has proposed the new shift in the education system that aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP).
The report, submitted to the government, recommends transitioning to a semester-based approach for higher secondary education, which involves splitting examinations into two parts.
From this academic year, NEP 2020 was implemented for Class IX, with two semester examinations -- October and March -- for which the exam papers for core subjects are to be set by the Goa Board.
Sources said that, like Class IX, Class XI will also have two semesters, and the results would be determined by scores from both semesters, scheduled for November and March. The November exams will feature multiple-choice questions (MCQs), while the March exams will include descriptive and short-answer questions.
Sources informed that the Committee has focused on introducing National Curriculum Framework (NCF) starting with grade 9 from the ongoing academic year and subsequently covering the entire secondary stage -- Class IX to XII in a span of over four years that is by 2027-28.
“According to the Committee recommendation, the semester system should be introduced right from the introduction of NCF at the secondary stage,” sources said adding that the committee is of the clear view that the Goa Board may follow the annual pattern of examination for Class X and XII until such time other Boards in the country accept the semester pattern -- something that was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
“If the semester pattern is to be followed at the level of school education, then the academic terms will need to be restructured in such manner that both semesters shall have equal time duration,” the Committee said in its recommendation.
Sources said that the government believes that the Semester-end examinations can test the depth of the curriculum better than annual examinations and the students would be also better prepared to answer the entrance examination.
The Committee also said that for effective implementation of the NEP, the academic year will have to begin in April -- a proposal which is currently under consideration of the government.
“The Odd Semester examination to be held in September and Even Semester examination to be held in March as per new format,” it said.
