Panaji: After the introduction of option of mathematics level 1 and 2 from the academic year 2020-21 for Class X students in Goa, the number of students opting for the tougher mathematics level 1 in the state has declined by nearly 3,000.In 2025-2026, only 23.2% students have opted for mathematics level 1. This is down from 32.2% the previous year and from 41% during 2023-24.The data raises concern as mathematics level 1 is to be chosen by students who want to pursue engineering and other science discipline as a career. Mathematics level 2 is for students who do not wish to join science stream.From 2023-24 to 2025-26 academic years, the number of students opting for mathematics level 1 has gone down by 2,969, as per a reply tabled in the state assembly earlier this week.In some talukas of Goa, the drop is sharper than others. In Canacona, only 98 students opted for level 1 last year as against 503 who chose level 2.In Dharbandora, just 15 signed up for level 1 as compared to 325 level 2 students.Pernem saw 199 students take up level 1 with 798 choosing level 2.The syllabus for mathematics level 2 is same as that of level 1 and the subject is taught by the same teacher, however, the question paper is of a lower difficulty level.Though students who answer mathematics level 1 get preference during admissions to the science stream, the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education through a circular issued in 2023 student demand said that if seats are vacant in science stream students of mathematics level 2 can be admitted, provided no student with math level 1 is in the institute wait list.It may be recalled that in previous national achievement surveys, Goa students’ performance in mathematics was lower than peers in other states.“Already over 300 of 1,700 engineering seats in Goa are seen going vacant each year. If the number of students opting for mathematics level 1 continues to decline than what is the future of engineering and other science stream programmes in the state, which have expanded recently offering newer emerging programmes,” said an engineering college professor.Govt in its reply in the assembly has said that mathematics is being taught now through a competency-based approach with implementation of the National Education Policy. The teaching is now with greater emphasis on experiential, activity-based and application-oriented.“This approach enables students to develop a thorough understanding of mathematical concepts by connecting learning with real-life situations and practical experiences,” the reply said about measures taken to improve performance in mathematics by state’s students.
