Certification Program for Goan IT Professionals

Description
Launched in 2018, the "Certification Program for Goan IT Professionals" is one of the "Information Technology Policy Schemes" by the Department of Information Technology, Government of Goa. The scheme provides reimbursement of up to 50% of the expenditure incurred for obtaining certifications for improving their employability. The scheme has been framed as a part of Goa's IT Policy that envisages Goa as an aspirational geographical and human resource base for IT Units and a preferred destination for their investment and expansion.

Exclusions
• Individuals receiving similar financial incentives under any other Government of Goa policy are ineligible for benefits under this scheme.

Benefits
• Reimbursement up to 50% of the expenditure incurred for obtaining certifications for improving their employability.

Eligibility Criteria
1. - The applicant should be of Goan origin.
2. - The applicant should possess qualifications suitable for employment in the IT Industry.
3. - The applicant's bank account should be linked to Aadhaar.
4. - The applicant should have obtained the certifications must be obtained from OEM vendors or their authorized training partners.
5. - The certifications should be directly relevant to the IT Industry.
6. - The applicant should have completed the certification during the policy's operation.
7. - The approved certifications (updated from time to time) include, but are not limited to:
8. - (ISC)2 Certifications
9. - Adobe Certifications
10. - Amazon Web Services Certified Developer
11. - APMG Certifications
12. - Apple (ACSP, ACTC)
13. - AWS Certifications
14. - Certifications on Agile Methodology
15. - Certified SCRUM Master
16. - Cisco Certifications (CCNA, CCDA, CCNP, CCiE, CISSP)
17. - Citrix Certifications (CCP-V, CCA-N)
18. - CompTIA Certifications (A+, CTP+, CDIA+, Network+, etc.)
19. - Computer System & Server Administration
20. - Development of Mobile Applications using Android with project
21. - EC-Council Certifications
22. - ISACA Certifications
23. - ITIL knowledge V2 or V3
24. - Juniper Certifications
25. - Logical Operations Certs
26. - Microsoft Certifications (MCP, MCSA/MCSE, MCTS, etc.)
27. - Oracle Certifications (OCP, OCA, MCDBA, etc.)
28. - PMI Certifications
29. - Prince2 Certifications
30. - Programming Through C, C++, Python, Java, etc
31. - Red Hat Certifications
32. - SAP Developer
33. - VMware Certifications
34. - Web Application Technologies (LAMP Stack - Linux, Apache, MySql, PHP; J2EE; ASP.Net)
35. **NOTE:** Scheme benefits are contingent upon budgetary allocation. No Promissory Estoppel is applicable if benefits are discontinued due to exceeded allocation.

Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: Visit the Official Web Portal of Goa Online. At the top right corner, click "Register".
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Step 1: Visit the Official Web Portal of Goa Online. At the top right corner, click "Register".

Step 2: Step 2: On the next page, verify your Email ID and Mobile Number using OTP. You will be redirected to the Registration Page.
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Step 2: On the next page, verify your Email ID and Mobile Number using OTP. You will be redirected to the Registration Page.

Step 3: Step 3: On the Registration Page, fill in all the mandatory fields of the registration form. Create a Login Name and a strong Password. Carefully read the Declaration and the Terms & Conditions, and tick the checkboxes. Fill in the Captcha Code, a…
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Step 3: On the Registration Page, fill in all the mandatory fields of the registration form. Create a Login Name and a strong Password. Carefully read the Declaration and the Terms & Conditions, and tick the checkboxes. Fill in the Captcha Code, and click "Register/Signup".

Step 4: Step 4: Login to the website using your Login Name and Password. Fill in the Captcha Code, and click "Login".
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Step 4: Login to the website using your Login Name and Password. Fill in the Captcha Code, and click "Login".

Step 5: Step 5: In the top ribbon, click on "Services", then click on "IT Services". Click on the name of the scheme. You will be taken to the application form for the scheme. Fill in all the mandatory fields and upload all the mandatory documents.
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Step 5: In the top ribbon, click on "Services", then click on "IT Services". Click on the name of the scheme. You will be taken to the application form for the scheme. Fill in all the mandatory fields and upload all the mandatory documents.

Step 6: Step 6: Submit the application. A unique registration number will be generated. Note this number for future reference.
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NOTE: The applicant can apply for this scheme on a quarterly/bi-annually/annual basis after incurring the relevant expenditure.
Incentive Application Receipt: D
Application scrutiny as per checklist: D+30days
Application approval by the Empowered Committee: D+60 days
Issue of Regret Letter/Sanction Orders and Disbursement: D+90 days

Required Documents
• Copy of Aadhaar
• Proof of Goan origin (one of the below)
• a. Birth Certificate of self or of parent(s) born in Goa
• b. Domicile Certificate or Residence Certificate issued by the state government
• c. Marriage certificate and proof of Goan residence of the spouse. Any of the documents listed above (5 a through c) may be submitted for the spouse
• Copies of all mark sheets from Class XII through the highest level of education obtained
• Copy of degree/diploma
• Copies of certificate(s) for which the subsidy is being claimed
• Proof of payment for certification(s)
• Voided cheque

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are self-paced online courses considered for reimbursement?
A: Yes, as long as the course is recognized, relevant, and leads to a certification from an authorized vendor or their training partner.

Q: How is the 50% reimbursement calculated for certification expenses?
A: Reimbursement is calculated based on 50% of the actual certification expenditure, excluding any taxes paid.

Q: Can I apply for certifications obtained before completing my highest level of education?
A: Yes, certifications obtained at any point during your education are eligible, provided they meet the other criteria of the scheme.

Q: Can I include the cost of study materials in the reimbursement claim?
A: No, the scheme covers certification expenditure only. Study materials, travel, and accommodation costs are excluded from the reimbursement.

Q: Is there a limit on the number of certifications I can claim benefits for?
A: There is no fixed limit. However, each certification must be directly relevant to the IT Industry, ensuring a diverse skill set.

Q: Are certifications from online courses accepted under this scheme?
A: Yes, online certifications from recognized vendors or their authorized partners are eligible, embracing the evolving landscape of digital education.

Q: Can I apply if I'm not currently residing in Goa?
A: Yes, as long as you can prove your Goan origin through the specified documents, you can apply regardless of your current residence.

Q: Is there a contingency for budget allocation in the scheme?
A: Yes, scheme benefits are contingent upon budgetary allocation, and no Promissory Estoppel is applicable if benefits are discontinued due to exceeded allocation.

Q: How is Goan origin proven for eligibility?
A: It can be proven through a birth certificate, domicile/residence certificate, or marriage certificate with proof of Goan residence.

Q: Are there any exclusions to receiving benefits under this scheme?
A: Yes, individuals already receiving similar incentives from any other Government of Goa policy are ineligible for benefits.

Q: Can I apply if I completed the certification before the policy's operation?
A: No, certifications must be completed during the policy's operation to be eligible for reimbursement.

Q: What certifications are accepted under this scheme?
A: Approved certifications include (ISC)2, Adobe, AWS, Cisco, CompTIA, Microsoft, Red Hat, SAP, and others, directly relevant to the IT Industry.