Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Feb 5: The Directorate of Education has released the academic calendar for the year 2026-27, confirming that the new academic year will commence from April 1, 2026, for Classes VI to X and Class XII, in line with changes introduced last year under the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP).

According to the schedule, the first term will begin on April 1 and continue until October 10. After one month of schooling, students will be given a month-long summer vacation from May 1. Schools will reopen on June 6, following which the first term will resume and conclude on October 10.

The second term will begin on October 12 and end on March 24, 2027. Students will get a short break of about a week before the start of the next academic year.

For students of lower classes, a longer summer break has been retained, considering the intense summer heat.

“As per the amended Rule 21 of the Goa School Education Rules, 1986, schools for Classes I to IV and Class XI will reopen on June 6 for the academic year 2026-27. Terms, vacations and breaks will remain the same as those for Classes VI to X and Class XII,” the circular stated.

As per the calendar, Ganesh Chaturthi holidays will be observed from September 14 to 19. The Diwali vacation will be from November 2 to 21, while the Christmas break is scheduled from December 24 to January 2, 2027.

The first term examinations will be conducted to conclude by October 10, while the second term exams are expected to be held preferably by March 13, 2027. The circular also specifies that final results should not be declared before March 31, 2027.

Earlier, Goa’s academic year traditionally began in June. However, the state government shifted the start to April, stating that additional instructional days are required to meet NEP norms.

Officials pointed out that as part of NEP implementation, four new assessment subjects have been introduced for these classes — physical education, art education, vocational education and multidisciplinary subjects.

State authorities have also maintained that the number of academic days in Goa is now in line with other boards, including central and international boards operating in the state. They noted that Goa schools previously had one of the longest summer vacations, which could be better utilised within the academic calendar.

Last year, parents had opposed the decision to start the academic year in April, citing extreme summer temperatures in the state. In response, the government directed schools to conclude classes early during April to safeguard students from excessive heat.