Panaji: Goa University has locked horns with the state government and the Forum of Principals and Representatives of Managements of Non-Govt Colleges in Goa over the decision to start integrated five-year master's degree programmes from the academic year 2026-27 without taking prior approval from the state government.
University's Decision and Opposition
Goa University has decided to admit students who have passed Class XII into these programmes. This move has caused friction between the university and government-aided colleges, which fear a further decline in enrolment in existing undergraduate courses. The Forum has been opposing the university's decision to start these new courses.
On February 18, 2026, the Directorate of Higher Education instructed the university to ensure that no such programme is introduced without prior approval from the state government, as it would have a cascading effect and impose a financial burden on the government, either directly or indirectly. The directorate issued the letter following a representation made by the secretary of the Forum regarding the proposed introduction of integrated undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Government's Directive
“It is imperative that Goa University obtains prior approval from the government before initiating any new undergraduate integrated programme or new postgraduate programme,” said Gervasio Mendes, additional director of higher education, in a letter to the registrar of Goa University. “You are hereby instructed to ensure that no such programme is introduced without prior approval from the government, since this will have a cascading effect and financial burden on the government, direct or indirect,” he added.
However, Goa University on Tuesday issued a notification to start nine integrated programmes in various disciplines after the proposal was passed by the Academic Council. Raising concerns over the university's decision, the Forum has written a letter to the Governor on Wednesday, seeking his intervention in the matter.
Forum's Appeal to the Governor
“This development appears to be in contravention of the directions conveyed by the additional director of higher education on February 18, 2026, addressed to the Registrar, Goa University, wherein the concerns raised by the Forum of Principals were duly acknowledged,” the secretary of the Forum said in a letter to the Governor, who is also the Chancellor of Goa University. The communication also stated that prior approval of the government is mandatory before initiating any new undergraduate integrated or postgraduate programme. It highlighted the potential cascading effect of such initiatives, including a significant adverse impact on enrolment in affiliated colleges, many of which are already experiencing declining admissions, as well as the resultant financial implications for the government.
The Forum has requested the Chancellor to reconsider the implementation of integrated UG+PG programmes and not to permit Goa University to commence them in the academic year 2026-27, in the larger interest of sustaining affiliated colleges and ensuring balanced development of higher education in Goa.
Programme Details
In its notification, Goa University has invited applications from students for the programmes from April 28, 2026, to May 10, 2026. For each integrated course, 15 seats are reserved for candidates who have passed Class XII in Goa, while 35 seats are for students passing from other states. The university may revise the seat allocation. The annual tuition fee is Rs 40,000 for Goan students and Rs 50,000 for students from other states.
