CM-Vashistha Guru Puraskar is a state award that recognizes and rewards the finest teachers in Goa. This scheme honors educators who show exceptional commitment and hard work in improving school education and enriching student lives. Selected teachers receive a cash award of ₹1,00,000 along with a formal citation for their service.
Directorate of Education, Government of Goa has invited self-nominations for CM-Vashistha Guru Puraskar 2025-26. The registration window is open from 01 July 2026 to 31 July 2026 for teachers of the state at all Educational Zones at Panaji, Mapusa and Margao.
CM-Vashistha Guru Puraskar - Introduction
CM-Vashistha Guru Puraskar, run by the Directorate of Education, Government of Goa, celebrates the unique contributions of dedicated educators across the state. The purpose of the State Awards to Teachers is to honor those teachers who, through their commitment and industry, have improved the quality of school education and enriched the lives of their students.
State Government has declared 10 State Awards to Teachers, and each award consists of a cash prize of ₹1,00,000 and a Citation. For the 2025-26 cycle, self-nominations are invited from eligible teachers of Government and Government Aided schools of Primary, Secondary and Higher Secondary across the state.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | CM-Vashistha Guru Puraskar |
| State | Goa |
| Nodal Department | Directorate of Education |
| Benefit | ₹1,00,000 cash award plus Citation |
| Number of Awards | 10 (1 reserved for differently abled) |
| Application Mode | Self-nomination (offline form) |
| Application Window | 01 July 2026 to 31 July 2026 |
| Official Website | education.goa.gov.in |
Benefits
Outstanding teachers receive a cash award of ₹1,00,000 accompanied by a formal citation. The government confers a total of 10 awards every year.
| Category | Number of Awards |
|---|---|
| Primary Teacher | 2 (1 per district) |
| Secondary Teacher | 4 (2 per district) |
| High School Headmaster | 2 (1 per district) |
| Higher Secondary Teacher | 1 (Statewide) |
| Higher Secondary Principal | 1 (Statewide) |
Out of the 10 awards, 1 award is reserved for a differently abled teacher or Head of the School or Special Educator from Regular or Special Schools. Award recipients are felicitated by the Chief Minister of Goa during the Teacher's Day function. Selected candidates have to make a presentation before the State Level Committee.
Eligibility
To apply, you should meet these requirements:
- You should be a school teacher, special educator, or Head of School currently working in a recognized government or aided primary, middle, high, or higher secondary school.
- You must be an in-service teacher and should hold the required academic and professional qualifications for your specific cadre.
- Regular teachers or special educators should have at least 15 years of regular teaching service in Goa as of June 30th of the academic year.
- Headmasters must possess 5 years of administrative experience out of their 15 years of total regular service.
- One award is reserved for a differently abled teacher or head (disability over 40% verified by a valid certificate).
Exclusions
You are not eligible if you belong to any of the following categories:
- You are due for retirement within the current award year.
- You are involved in providing tuitions.
- You are a contractual teacher, para teacher, part-time instructor, or a National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) instructor.
- You have any pending vigilance or criminal cases.
- You have faced penalties from the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (GBSHSE) or are currently under an official inquiry.
Application Process
Follow these steps to submit your application for CM-Vashistha Guru Puraskar 2025-26:
STEP 1 - Visit the official website at education.goa.gov.in to download the prescribed application form. You may also collect forms from your local Taluka Assistant District Education Inspector or Educational Zone office.
STEP 2 - Fill in Part I (Mandatory) and Part II (as applicable). Attach a recent passport-sized photograph and include all mandatory self-attested documents. Every applicant shall submit a portfolio along with the Entry Form, which includes supporting material such as documents, tools, reports of activities, field visits, photographs, audios or videos.
STEP 3 - Submit your completed application and portfolio in person to the respective Zonal Head. Applications for the 2025-26 cycle are accepted from 01 July 2026 to 31 July 2026 at Educational Zones in Panaji, Mapusa, and Margao.
STEP 4 - The District Selection Committee carries out the first level scrutiny and shortlists names three times the number of awards in each category. Shortlisted candidates then have to make a presentation before the State Selection Committee.
If you need help, contact the Directorate of Education, Alto - Porvorim, Bardez, Goa, via email at dir-educ.goa@nic.in, fax at 0832-2416136, or phone at 0832-2416023/2416033.
Documents
Make sure your application includes the following:
- Recent passport size photograph with attestation by a Gazetted Officer on the reverse.
- Disability certificate (if applying under the reserved category, indicating over 40% disability).
- Abstracts detailing new methods used to improve educational quality.
- A detailed portfolio including reports, field visit documents, tools, photos, or videos.
- A signed undertaking confirming the accuracy of the provided information.
Note: Newspaper clippings or media publications are generally not considered for evaluation.
References
Official Guidelines 2025-26 (PDF)
Official Circular - Invitation for Self-Nominations (PDF)
FAQ's
What is the minimum years of service needed?
You must have at least 15 years of regular service in the state as of June 30th of the relevant academic year.
Are teachers from aided schools eligible?
Yes, teachers working in recognized government or government-aided schools are welcome to apply.
Is the government obligated to grant all awards?
No, the government is not bound to fill every award category if there are no suitable or eligible candidates of required quality.
Can contractual or para-teachers apply?
No, contractual staff, para-teachers, part-time instructors, and NSQF instructors are not eligible.
Does a past penalty from the Goa Board disqualify me?
Yes, any teacher previously penalized by the GBSHSE is excluded from this award.
What if I have an active disciplinary inquiry?
Teachers facing any ongoing official inquiries are not eligible.
What documents are needed for physically disabled applicants?
You must submit a disability certificate confirming at least 40% impairment.
Are there specific qualifications required?
Yes, you must meet the academic and professional standards typical for your specific educator cadre.
Is there a reservation for differently abled teachers?
Yes, one out of the 10 awards is specifically reserved for a differently abled teacher, Head of School, or Special Educator.
What is the administrative experience rule for Headmasters?
You must show 5 years of administrative experience as part of your 15-year total service.
Are people with criminal records eligible?
No, you must have no pending criminal or vigilance cases to apply.
Does private tutoring affect my eligibility?
Yes, you should not be involved in tuitions to qualify for this award.