SCERT Director Meghna Shetgaonkar while addressing a news conference in Porvorim.
PORVORIM
State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Director Meghna Shetgaonkar has stated that the State government has decided to conduct common exams for Stds 3 to 8 across schools affiliated to Goa Board in October.
Addressing a news conference in Porvorim, Shetgaonkar said the exams for Stds 3 and 4 will be held from October 9 to 15, while exams for Stds 5 to 8 will be from October 7 to 15.
“The exams will be held simultaneously through a common timetable and through question papers framed by the Goa SCERT. The evaluation of the answer sheets will be done by the schools themselves,” said Shetgaonkar.
“The main objective of setting common question papers for all schools is to bring standardisation and uniformity. This is part of the implementation of National Education Policy 2025.”
She also mentioned that about 50 unaided schools have also opted to follow SCERT’s schedule and use the common question papers.
Shetgaonker further mentioned that flying squads will be sent to all schools in 12 talukas, to ensure that all schools adhere to the schedule of examinations. “The common exams are compulsory for schools, and any lapses will be viewed seriously. Recently, SCERT officials paid a surprise visit to government schools in Sanguem, and they were happy to note that they are following the guidelines of SCERT,” said Shetgaonkar.
Shetgaonkar said a written request has come from 6 of 70 Konkani-medium schools to give them question papers in English.
“Similarly, a request has been made by some Urdu-medium schools that they want English as a third language. Such written requests have been considered. No written request received after September 30 will be considered. Next year, no relaxation will be given to any school by the government,” Shetgaonkar added.
