Panaji: Over the last several decades, there was a definitive trend in school entry-level admissions – govt-aided schools were the first preference for parents. The enrolment always exceeded that of govt-run and private schools across Goa. For the first time, this trend is changing.In urban areas across Goa, parents are increasingly opting for private schools over aided institutions. In the two talukas of Ponda and Tiswadi, more students enrolled in Class I in private schools for the first time than in aided institutions.In urban Ponda, during 2025-26, more than double the students enrolled in private schools in Class I, at 361, as against only 147 who joined aided schools.Urban parts of Tiswadi saw 591 students enrolling in Class I last year, as compared to 418 who joined govt-aided institutions.Even in a remote taluka like Pernem, where traditionally govt and aided schools remained popular, 57 students joined Class I in private schools in urban areas and 49 enrolled in aided schools.“Some decades ago, aided schools were seen attempting to attract govt school students. Enrolment in several govt schools began declining since. Now, the same is being faced by aided schools from private institutions,” said a govt official.In urban areas of Salcete too, almost an equal number of students joined private schools in Class I, at 906, as against 1,005 who enrolled in aided schools.The gap was closing in the case of Mormugao too, where 390 students joined private schools in Class I last year, as compared to 472 in aided schools.“Goans now are increasingly showing a preference for private schools. There are mostly migrant children in aided schools, as they get education in English medium here at a very reasonable fee, which is not available in their states. They don’t have an issue studying Konkani either, as it is being taught in Devanagari script and they are able to pick it up easily,” said Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education former chairperson Jose Remedios Rebello.Former long-time head of the Goa Secondary School Teachers’ Association and also the Goa Headmasters’ Association, Vithoba Dessai, said that it is an aspirational shift again being seen to private schools, as was seen earlier from govt schools to aided schools.“Goan parents are increasingly opting for other board schools, which happen to be private schools. An aspirational shift is being witnessed. Goa parents are increasingly opting for private schools as they offer better infrastructure. But as these schools primarily offer education in English medium, it is a concern for regional languages. Govt needs to study and see how to address this trend,” said Dessai.
