Goa to appoint non-local agency to set common papers for for Class III-VIII exams

Panaji: State govt has granted approval to appoint an agency for confidential work relating to the conduct of the common examination for Class III to Class VIII in line with the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Govt said that the agency must deliver question papers to approximately 1,500 schools across Goa in a timely manner.

A renowned and experienced agency working for any other state govt, which has extensive experience in setting competency-based question papers, will be identified by the SCERT for training, question bank development, and providing access to their proprietary Course Designers’ Paradise (CDP) platform, a senior govt officer said.

Govt will allow the agency working for any other state govt as the resource partner for the training of subject experts, providing question banks in all subjects for Class III and Class VI, providing login access to the CDP (Course Designers’ Paradise) framework for subject experts, and assigning confidential printing work to non-Goa-based printers by calling for quotations to ensure security and confidentiality.

State govt commenced implementation of the NEP 2020 from the academic year 2023-2024, beginning with Baalvatika 1 (foundational stage). The policy was subsequently extended to Baalvatika 2 and Class IX (secondary stage) during 2024-25 and further expanded in 2025-26 to include Baalvatika 3, Class III (preparatory stage), Class VI (middle stage), and Class X (secondary stage).

In line with this phased implementation, the Goa State Council of Educational Research and Training (GSCERT) has been entrusted with the responsibility of developing common competency-based question papers for conducting state-level common examinations.

Given that a majority of teachers are yet to receive formal training in setting competency-based question papers, the GSCERT has initiated a plan to organise targeted training programmes, especially for question paper setters, by engaging reputed organisations with the necessary expertise.

The development of common question papers is a highly confidential process, requiring the utmost integrity and impartiality. Engaging local agencies with operational or personnel linkages within the state may pose risks of conflicts of interest and compromise examination confidentiality.

To uphold transparency and fairness, it is proposed to maintain complete independence between the appointed resource partner and any local affiliations. This principle is also to be applied in the selection of printing agencies, with no Goa-based printers being engaged, to safeguard the integrity of examination materials, a senior govt officer said.

“This approach aligns with best practices in assessment security, ensuring the credibility and sanctity of the examination process. Considering the scale and sensitivity of the operation, it is essential to engage a reliable agency with proven logistical capabilities,” the officer said.

“Distribution of common examination papers (Classes III to VIII) to all schools through the postal department to ensure timely and secure delivery,” the officer said.