Panaji: While Goa has recorded a negligible dropout rate at the preparatory and middle stages of schooling — 0.4% and 0.8%, respectively — a sharp rise at the secondary level has raised concerns, with 8.1% of students dropping out at the stage beginning from Class XI.The issue was flagged by a central team during a review meeting held last month to assess the implementation of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) in Goa. The Project Approval Board (PAB) of SSA urged the state to ensure “comprehensive tracking of such students” and strengthen measures to prevent students from slipping out of the education system.“Concern was expressed regarding the dropout at secondary level. The Goa education secretary informed the PAB that a significant number of students at the secondary stage opt for skill-based and professional courses outside the formal school system, which may not be fully reflected in school education data. It was noted that coordination is required with the skill development ministry to ensure comprehensive tracking of such students,” the minutes of the PAB meeting stated.Officials from the Union education ministry’s department of school education and literacy also highlighted a significant decline in student retention at the secondary level. While Goa reported a retention rate of 99% at the foundational stage, 100% at the preparatory stage and 93% at the middle stage, the figure dropped sharply to 75% at the secondary stage.“Concern was expressed regarding lower retention at secondary level and the state was advised to strengthen student tracking and counselling mechanisms,” the PAB noted.The review also examined Goa’s performance in the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan, which indicated that learning outcomes in several subjects were below the national average. At Grade 3, students in Goa scored an average of 56 in language and 51 in mathematics, compared with the national averages of 64 and 60, respectively.At Grade 6, students recorded average scores of 61 in language, 47 in mathematics and 52 in ‘The World Around Us’. At Grade 9, students scored 62 in language, 37 in mathematics, 44 in science and 42 in social science.“The state was advised to undertake targeted remedial interventions and competency-based learning initiatives,” the PAB told Goa officials.The central team also asked Goa to expedite the adoption of amended provisions relating to the detention policy under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act. Under the revised framework, states are expected to move away from a blanket no-detention policy up to Class VIII and instead focus on competency-based assessments, foundational learning and improved learning outcomes.Goa was further directed to amend its RTE Rules in line with a recent Supreme Court judgment.“In light of the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated Jan 13, 2026, the state was advised to review and, wherever necessary, reframe or amend the existing RTE Rules to explicitly incorporate provisions regarding the method and manner of admission under Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act, in compliance with the judgment. The state was advised to complete the necessary amendments by June 2026 and furnish an action taken report to the Department,” the PAB meeting minutes stated.
