PANAJI
In all likelihood, the upcoming Academic Year 2025-26, is likely to commence from April as against the traditional month of June. The Academic term will be from April to March instead of June to March.
Also, in the first phase, the government intends to implement the calendar change for secondary and higher secondary schools, with classes for the new academic year to be conducted from April 1 onwards, only till 11.30am, considering the summer weather.
Highly placed sources confirmed that from the next academic year, the term will commence from April, with month-long summer holiday in May.
"The final Academic calendar will be out shortly," sources said.
The new adjustment will align the State board schools with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) calendar, where the academic year commences on April 1 and concludes on March 31, with summer holidays scheduled from May 1 to June 4 (or till first week of June).
This transition aligned with National Education Policy (NEP) is expected to facilitate timely completion of the curriculum.
Considering the weather phenomenon in April, classes will be held from 8 am to 11.30 am only and from June, the regular school hours will commence.
Meanwhile, the All Goa Secondary School Teachers Association has raised strong opposition to the proposed changes of commencing the academic year in April instead of June and extending school timings to 39 hours per week.
"We believe these changes will adversely impact students, teachers, and the overall education system in Goa," the Association said in a press statement.
Association pointed out that April is one of the hottest months in Goa, with high temperatures and humidity creating extremely uncomfortable and unhealthy conditions for students and teachers.
Most schools lack proper cooling facilities, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and reduced concentration in classrooms, it said.
