PANAJI
In a significant shift in the conduct of Grade 9 examinations, the Goa Board has asked each school to set its own question papers for the upcoming Semester II examination, scheduled to commence on March 4, 2026. However, the Board will evaluate the answer papers and marking schemes after the examination.
GBSHSE has warned of action against the teacher or headmaster if the question papers are found to be sub-standard or not in accordance with the blueprint.
This year marks the second year of implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for Grade 9. While the Board had set question papers for both semesters last academic year, it framed only the Semester I papers this year, leaving Semester II paper-setting to the schools.
“Question paper for the Semester II examination for Grade 9 is to be set by the respective schools for their students as per the Blueprint available on the official website of the Board under study material,” Goa Board secretary Vidhyadatta Naik said in the circular issued.
The Board has said that the question paper/marking scheme has to be submitted to them in the sealed envelope, separately for each subject, within five days from the completion of the Semester II examination. The examination ends on March 12.
The Board has decided to constitute a committee to thoroughly scrutinize the question paper and marking scheme as per the Blueprint.
“If discrepancies are noticed, the same will be communicated to the concerned school to take remedial measures in future. If need arises, explanation will be sought from the said school for setting up sub-standard question paper (s). In such cases, the Board will not hesitate to initiate appropriate action as deemed fit against the concerned subject teacher or headmaster,” Naik said.
The Board has said that it is mandatory for the head of institution to conduct the examination in the hall where CCTV is installed and operational.
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.
