In a remarkable push to modernize its educational system and align with national initiatives like “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and “Swayampurna Goa,” Goa is leading the charge in introducing a pioneering Coding and Robotics initiative in schools. Spearheaded by the visionary Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, and backed by the state’s innovative education department, Goa has emerged as the first state in India to implement a comprehensive and budgeted Coding and Robotics curriculum. As the first-mover, Goa is poised to set a precedent for the rest of the country.
In an exclusive interview with “Incredible Goa,” the project director, Dr. Vijay Borges shared his insights into how this game-changing initiative redefines education, shapes young minds, and positions Goa as a hub of future-ready talent.
Visionary Leadership: Atmanirbhar Bharat Meets Tech-Savvy Education
Dr. Vijay Borges credits Goa’s success in rolling out this ambitious project to the foresight of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, who understood the importance of empowering students with the tools for the future. “In 2020, with the rollout of the New Education Policy (NEP), the focus shifted to computational thinking, mathematical skills, and design thinking at the middle school level. While the policy was still under discussion, our Chief Minister decided to take immediate action and implement the scheme in Goa,” shared Dr. Borges.
The Coding and Robotics program was launched as a response to the national call for innovation in school education, ensuring that students are not only well-versed in basic computer literacy but also exposed to advanced concepts that shape the tech industry. As a result, Goa became the first state to adopt and fund this transformative initiative under a dedicated scheme for school education.
Building Foundations for the Future: Middle School Focus
Designed for students in grades 6 through 8, the scheme aims to foster creativity, problem-solving, and analytical thinking. “Middle school is a critical period for cognitive development, and we wanted to ensure that students at this stage are exposed to the right foundation,” Dr. Borges explained. “By introducing them to Coding and Robotics early on, we are helping them build the intellectual foundation that will not only aid their academic growth but also instill the confidence and skills they need to thrive in a technology-driven future.”
This strategic focus on middle school is aligned with the NEP’s emphasis on developing skills for the future, especially those necessary to succeed in the global economy.
Atmanirbhar Bharat and Self-Reliance: Goa’s Homegrown Approach
Dr. Borges also stressed the alignment of this initiative with the larger goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). “Coding and Robotics are at the forefront of India’s tech landscape, and to become self-reliant, we must nurture indigenous talent and technology. Our students are not just learning to use technology; they are learning to create it, and that is a major step towards achieving true technological autonomy,” he said.
A key highlight of Goa’s initiative is the development of all teaching tools, hardware, and software in-house by local engineers and educators. “We are one of the very few states in the country where everything, from the study materials to the educational kits, has been designed and developed locally. Our engineers are not just facilitating learning—they are creating the very infrastructure that drives this program,” Dr. Borges proudly stated.
Scale and Impact: A Transformative Reach Across Goa
The scale of Goa’s Coding and Robotics initiative is nothing short of impressive. With nearly 444 schools across the state involved, over 60,000 students are currently participating in the program. The initiative is available at no extra cost to students, making it accessible to a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds. “The project is aimed at government and government-aided schools for now, but the impact has been profound. We are seeing remarkable engagement from students who are eager to explore new concepts,” Dr. Borges shared.
The program is structured into two key components: a mandatory regular curriculum, and an elective curriculum for students with a keen interest in pursuing these subjects further. “The existing computer teachers deliver the regular curriculum, while the elective curriculum allows students to choose courses based on their interests and future aspirations,” explained Dr. Borges.
The elective curriculum has already attracted over 11,000 students, enrolled in after-school classes that focus on more hands-on learning through specialized Robotics Kits. “These kits are designed to allow students to build different models that function in diverse ways, offering them a practical understanding of both coding and robotics,” he added.
Overcoming Challenges: Infrastructure, Connectivity, and Beyond
Launching such an ambitious program, however, was not without its challenges. Dr. Borges discussed the obstacles faced during the implementation phase, such as the lack of lab infrastructure in many schools and the challenge of internet connectivity. “Less than a third of schools in India have fully equipped science labs, and similarly, many schools in Goa lacked the infrastructure for this new curriculum. The Chief Minister recognized this early and stepped in to support the creation of state-of-the-art tech labs,” he explained.
Connectivity was another significant hurdle, as internet access in rural schools was inconsistent. “Our government took decisive steps to provide wireless internet across all schools in Goa, ensuring that every school had the ability to connect, access materials, and stay updated with the latest tools. We’ve installed over 4,500 computers across the state, and all are connected to the internet through routers provided to each school,” Dr. Borges said.
Moreover, the use of an open-source Linux platform has been a game-changer, enabling schools to run the program without the high licensing costs associated with proprietary software. “We believe in creating an open and transparent ecosystem, allowing schools to choose their own Internet Service Providers (ISPs), which in turn fosters competition and prevents monopolies.”
Project-Based Learning: A Hands-On Approach to Education
Dr. Borges emphasized that the program’s success lies in its approach to learning. “We follow a project-based learning model, where students are encouraged to learn by doing. The coding modules are designed to be intuitive, with drag-and-drop functionality that allows students to understand the basics of coding without prior knowledge. The modules generate code automatically, enabling students to grasp how coding works while they build and experiment,” he explained.
This hands-on approach is further enhanced by the “Teach for Goa Fellows” program, which has seen 45 engineers and tech experts volunteer to teach coding and robotics to students. An additional 45 fellows will be appointed in the coming year to ensure a broad and sustained impact. “The fellows are not just teaching; they are mentoring, helping students navigate this new world of technology with a focus on practical learning and innovation.”
A Bright Future: Expanding Horizons
Looking ahead, Dr. Borges shared plans to extend the program to other states in India. “We are already being approached by other states interested in replicating this model. We are more than willing to share our learnings and help them implement a similar system,” he said. Additionally, the expansion to grade 9 is on the horizon, although it is dependent on approval from the state education department.
“We’ve already piloted the program for grades 6 and 7, and the next phase involves launching it for grade 8. While the pandemic delayed our plans in 2021-22, we are now on track to extend it to grade 9 next year,” he said.
As the initiative evolves, the elective curriculum will continue to offer students a path toward specialized careers in coding, robotics, and beyond, ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of the rapidly changing tech landscape.
The Goa Model: A Blueprint for India
Dr. Borges concluded by reiterating the state’s commitment to becoming a global model for tech-savvy education. “The vision of Goa is clear—we are not just teaching students how to use technology; we are equipping them to innovate and lead in the world of tomorrow. Our indigenous development of the entire educational stack, from hardware to software, ensures that we are not just self-reliant but also empowering our youth to drive the future of India’s tech industry.”
With its unwavering commitment to innovation, Goa is setting the stage for a new era of education, and its successful model is poised to inspire other states across India and beyond. The state’s journey towards becoming a tech education powerhouse is just beginning, and the possibilities are endless.
