The Goa government has announced that the academic year for Classes 6 to 10 and Class 12 will now begin in April instead of June. This change will take effect from the 2025-26 session.
Director of Education Shailesh Zingde issued a circular. The circular stated that all government, government-aided, and unaided recognised schools must start their new academic year on April 1. Classes will run until 11:30 AM throughout April. Students will then go on summer vacation from May 1 to June 3, with regular school timings resuming on June 4.
Previously, the school year started in June, aligning with the monsoon season. Education Secretary Prasad Lolayekar explained that the shift aims to synchronise Goa’s school calendar with CBSE, ICSE, and other central boards. He pointed out that Maharashtra and Mizoram have already made similar changes, and more states will likely follow.
Lolayekar noted that April was previously unproductive, as schools completed exams but conducted no academic work. By utilising April for classes, schools can balance the first and second terms without altering their daily schedules. Since Goa experiences high temperatures during this period, schools will conduct classes only in the morning to avoid the heat. He also mentioned that this change would help schools meet central government requirements, such as the mandatory mid-day meal program.
However, the decision has faced opposition. The All Goa Secondary School Teachers Association raised concerns about extreme heat and humidity making classrooms uncomfortable. The association’s president, Savio Suraj Victoria, emphasised that most schools lack proper cooling facilities. This increases risks like dehydration and heat exhaustion. Teachers also fear that the rushed transition will affect the quality of academic and co-curricular activities.
The association’s letter stressed that students and teachers have adapted to the June start, which aligns with Goa’s climate and culture. A sudden shift, they warned, could cause stress and disrupt learning.
