The Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (GBSHSE) has announced that Semester I examination for Grade 9 will be conducted from September 23 while Semester II will begin from February 20, 2026. The Board has made it mandatory for schools to have CCTV cameras installed in the examination centres or classrooms.
This is the second year of implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for Grade 9. The Board frames the question papers for both the semesters and accordingly, it has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for schools and students to follow, akin to the protocols observed for the Class X and XII public exams.
In a circular issued, the Board has directed schools without CCTV provision to install the systems before the examination is conducted. “It is mandatory for the head of institution to conduct the examination in the hall where CCTV is installed and operational. If CCTV is not installed and operational, measures may be taken to install and make it operational before the conduct of the examination,” the Board said.
While the question papers will be framed by the Board, the answer sheet corrections will be carried out by the schools themselves. The semester theory paper would be out of 40 marks while the practical and assignments comprise 60 marks.
The Board has clarified that students participating in the sports event in other States or at international level and are unable to attend the semester examination, will be provided with supplementary examination upon their return.
“Each school will conduct the examination on their own premises by maintaining the sanctity of the examination and shall take appropriate steps to avoid any malpractice that may occur. The candidates are advised to be present at the places of examination at 8.30 am. Late arrival beyond half an hour after the commencement of the examination in each subject shall disqualify the candidates from appearing at the said examination,” the board circular said.
