CARES (Coding And Robotics Education in Schools), launched by Government of Goa in 2021, is one of the first large-scale, structured coding education programs implemented specifically in government schools in India.

While there may have been isolated efforts or pilot projects in other states, Goa was among the first to institutionalize and scale such a program statewide, backed by government policy and aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision in National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. .

Over 17,000 students across 206 government schools in Goa are set to benefit from the CARES program in the upcoming academic year 2025–26—a threefold increase from just 5,825 students in 61 schools in 2022–23. This remarkable growth in enrollment reflects the overwhelming response and growing enthusiasm among students which shows a transformative shift in how new-age digital education is embraced in the state’s public schools.

CARES, an initiative launched in 2021 by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who believed that real progress begins in the classroom. The exponential growth is a testament to the increasing excitement and engagement among middle schoolers. CARES is specifically designed for students of Classes 6 to 8, offering a playful and accessible approach to complex skills.

A key enabler is GOVIN, an offline-first coding platform developed for young learners in low-connectivity areas which ensures that no child is excluded from the benefits of digital education, regardless of where they live.

But CARES is more than a curriculum—it is a vision to create future-ready citizens. It empowers students to think critically, collaborate, and innovate. By giving them tools to understand and shape the digital world, the program is not only teaching them to code, but also helping them build confidence and ambition.

As CARES continues to expand, it is setting a powerful example of how government schools can lead the way in digital transformation—making sure every child in Goa has a chance to succeed in the digital age.