Panaji: Goa University (GU) is introducing nine integrated master’s programs from the academic year 2026-27, which students who have completed Class XII can pursue. The duration of each course will be five years.Students who have completed Class XII in the science stream can join the programs for integrated masters in earth sciences with a minor in artificial intelligence (AI), in chemical sciences, in physics with a minor in AI, and MSc in life sciences with a minor in either AI, wildlife biology or computational biology.Each of the integrated master’s programs will have an intake of 50 seats.GU officials said that for 15 seats, the intake will be for students from within the state and for 35 seats, the intake will preferably be from students who have completed their Class XII from outside Goa.Officials said this was a conscious decision as the programs start after Class XII and filling all 50 seats in nine programs with local students would affect intake in the local general stream colleges.Officials also said that the university is looking to generate resources from the new nine programs as the students from outside the states will be charged double the fees as compared to local students.“The 35 seats are not reserved for students from outside the state. The university may decide to revise the number of seats depending on demand and available infrastructure. But the seats are being offered to generate resources for the university. Some seats will also be open to international students and they will be charged fees in USD,” said the official.GU is accepting applications for the programs online up to May 10. Candidates who have appeared for Class XII and equivalent exams and awaiting their results are also eligible to apply, the university has said in a notification.“A student shall be selected based upon the merit list prepared by the Goa University,” the notification reads.
