During the visit, students were introduced to the fundamentals of the startup ecosystem, including how startups differ from traditional businesses and the benefits of being officially recognised as a startup.
The session also highlighted various programs and initiatives offered by AIC-GIM, particularly those designed to support students and women entrepreneurs. Participants gained insights into incubation support, mentorship, funding guidance, and networking opportunities.
The interaction was highly participative, with students actively engaging in discussions, asking questions, and exploring practical pathways to enter the world of entrepreneurship.
AIC-GIM continues to encourage aspiring innovators and students to explore entrepreneurship and build impactful ventures, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing Goa’s growing startup ecosystem.
Panaji: The Directorate of Higher Education (DHE), in collaboration with the Goa State Higher Education Council, successfully organised Converge 3.0 – Shiksha Udyog Sangam, a month-long Academia–Industry Summit held across Goa from January 29 to February 23, 2026. The initiative concluded with a grand finale at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium.
Held under the theme “Innovate, Integrate, Impact: Building Goa’s Future-Ready Changemakers,” Converge 3.0 emerged as a dynamic state-level movement aimed at bridging academia and industry, fostering entrepreneurship and preparing students for a rapidly evolving global economy.
Director of Higher Education Bhushan Savoikar welcomed over 3,500 students at the finale, while Dr. Niyan Marchon, Program Director, DHE and Convenor of Converge, outlined the vision and future roadmap of the initiative.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant graced the event as Chief Guest and emphasised the importance of integrating quality education with skill development, innovation in classrooms and entrepreneurship during college years. He highlighted the government’s continued support in shaping Converge into a flagship platform for the state.
Converge 3.0 witnessed participation from more than 15,000 students representing 50 colleges across disciplines including general education, engineering, pharmacy, architecture, nursing, fine arts and music. Over 300 entrepreneurs, startup mentors and industry leaders conducted sessions, workshops and panel discussions during the month-long programme. 33 Young Entrepreneurs from colleges across Goa Student-led innovation stalls and prototype exhibitions
An AI Hackathon The Innovative Idea Challenge (IIC), with 122 teams (around 300 students) from 40 colleges
The top three winners of the Innovative Idea Challenge were 1st Place: DMC College, Mapusa 2nd Place: PCCE, Verna 3rd Place: Dhempe College, Panjim The summit also recognised participants of the Young Innovators Challenge (Poster & Prototype), celebrating projects aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The inaugural keynote address was delivered by Santosh Mishra (IG Defence), encouraging students to innovate with national purpose. A panel discussion moderated by Mangirish Salelkar, President of the Goa Technology Association (GTA), featured experts including Dr. Satya Ranjan Acharya (EDII), Swetha Susan Elias (Google Mumbai), Vatsal Sheth (Prismix Studios) and Ganesh Chari (Neshaju Envirotech Pvt. Ltd.), focusing on digital innovation, sustainability and strengthening industry–academia partnerships.
Cultural performances added vibrancy to the event, including a traditional Shigmo presentation by Caculo College, a short film by Kala Academy, a mime performance by Government College, Quepem, gymnastics by Government College, Pernem and an acapella performance by St. Xavier’s College.
In January 2026, Converge received the prestigious SKOCH Award for Academic Excellence and Professional Empowerment, recognising its transformative impact.
Building on this success, the Directorate of Higher Education plans to expand Converge 4.0 to 65 colleges and invite premier institutes from across India, aiming to transform it into a nationwide innovation-driven platform.
Converge 3.0 stands not merely as a summit but as a movement reflecting Goa’s commitment to nurturing future-ready changemakers through education, innovation and enterprise.
A significant step towards building digital awareness among young students was witnessed in Siolim, Goa, as a cyber awareness and online safety programme was conducted at St. Francis Xavier’s High School on 25th February 2026. The initiative was organised by the Siolim Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M. Salgaocar College of Law, aiming to equip students with essential knowledge to navigate the increasingly complex digital world safely.
The session was led by PSI Sahil Vijay Warang, Police Sub-Inspector from Anjuna Police Station, who addressed the students as the guest speaker. His talk focused on the growing threats of cybercrime and the importance of awareness as the first line of defence. The programme was held in the presence of Fr. Dilip Tete, Headmaster of the school, and Fr. Marcos Dsouza, Principal of the Higher Secondary section, both of whom appreciated the initiative and its relevance in today’s digital age.
With participation from approximately 600 to 650 students, along with teachers and members of the Legal Aid Cell, the session turned into an engaging and insightful learning experience. Students were introduced to the concept of cybercrime as an “unseen danger,” where criminals often exploit human emotions such as fear, greed, and curiosity rather than relying solely on advanced technology.
PSI Warang shared real-life examples of various online frauds, including fake investment schemes, job scams, sextortion cases, fake loan applications, impersonation frauds, matrimonial scams, and online booking frauds. He also explained newer threats such as digital arrest scams and emotional manipulation tactics, helping students understand how easily individuals can fall prey without proper awareness.
A key focus of the session was on developing a responsible digital mindset. Students were encouraged to stay cautious while using social media platforms, online games, and digital payment systems. Practical tips were shared on identifying suspicious links, protecting personal information, and verifying online transactions before taking action.
The session also introduced students to important safety resources such as the National Cybercrime Helpline 1930 and official cybercrime reporting platforms, empowering them with tools to seek help in case of any online threat. The interactive nature of the programme allowed students to actively participate, ask questions, and relate to real-world scenarios discussed during the session.
Faculty members, including Assistant Professor Shreya Shah, who serves as the Faculty Incharge of the Legal Aid Cell, along with student coordinators and school staff, played a key role in organising the event. Their efforts ensured that the programme was both informative and impactful.
The event concluded with a strong message: awareness is the most powerful defence against cybercrime. As students left the session more informed and alert, the programme successfully reinforced the importance of staying vigilant in an increasingly digital world.
Students of Goa Vidyaprasarak Mandal’s Gopal Govind Poy Raiturcar College of Commerce and Economics in Ponda have brought pride to their institution by clinching the overall trophy at Abhiuday 2026, an intercollegiate event organised by the Government College of Commerce and Economics, Borda. The team also secured a cash prize of ₹20,000 at the prestigious event.
The full-day competition, held at Ravindra Bhavan Margao, witnessed participation from multiple colleges, with students competing across a range of events. Representing the college was a contingent of 40 students, who demonstrated remarkable talent, enthusiasm, and teamwork throughout the day.
The winning trophy was presented by Damodar Naik, adding to the significance of the achievement.
The students participated with the encouragement and permission of Principal Dr. Smita Sanzgiri and were guided by Faculty In-charge Ms. Yeshda S. Prabhu, whose support played a crucial role in the team’s success.
This accomplishment highlights the institution’s ongoing commitment to holistic student development, encouraging participation beyond academics and fostering confidence, creativity, and collaboration among its students.
Panaji: Beginning the academic year 2026-27, the Goa government has decided to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) across all classes in state board-affiliated schools.
Until 2025-26, NEP guidelines were introduced at the nursery level, Class III, Class VI, and Classes IX and X. As per a circular issued by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), the policy will now extend to Classes I-II, IV-V and VII-VIII, ensuring full-scale implementation across grades.
Under the new framework, all students will be evaluated using a credit-based system, with each credit equivalent to 30 notional hours of learning.
The SCERT will provide newly developed NEP-aligned textbooks free of cost to all government and government-aided schools.
At the foundational stage (Classes I and II), students will study additional subjects such as art and craft, sports, yoga, reading and gardening activities alongside regular academic subjects. A common syllabus will be introduced for art and craft, sports and yoga.
For Classes I and II, there will be six periods per day, each lasting 40 minutes. Institutions must ensure a minimum of four instructional hours per day, including the morning assembly, excluding recess. Assessments for these classes will be conducted internally.
Students in Classes III to V must complete a minimum of 1,000 learning hours per year. To meet this requirement, 10 hours will be allocated for reading at home. These classes will follow an eight-period schedule per day, with each period lasting 40 minutes, ensuring a minimum of five instructional hours daily, including morning assembly and excluding recess.
For Classes VI to VIII, practical examinations will be conducted in the presence of an external examiner, as part of the revised evaluation structure.
The decision marks a significant step in aligning Goa’s state education system with the National Education Policy framework, focusing on holistic learning, structured evaluation and expanded subject exposure across all grade levels.
