The Odisha government has announced the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 across all state-run universities and colleges starting this academic year. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized that this move is part of a broader effort to bring significant reforms to the state’s education system. One of the key changes is the introduction of four-year undergraduate programmes, replacing the traditional three-year courses. Students will now have the opportunity to earn certificates, diplomas, and degrees with honours at each stage.
The state government has also developed a credit framework aligned with the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, enabling students to earn credits through skill development, internships, community service, extracurricular activities, NCC, and NSS. This framework allows students to choose their subjects and complete their degree within seven years, with options for multiple entries and exits.
In line with the NEP’s focus on quality and inclusiveness, the government is working to make higher education more autonomous and relevant to industry needs. To support this, new courses have been introduced, including two skill development courses, 112 multidisciplinary courses, 14 vocational courses, 56 value-added courses, and 84 skill-focused programs. The government has also developed a model syllabus for 40 core undergraduate courses, aiming to improve employability and align education with practical industry demands. This approach is expected to enhance research, innovation, and skill-based learning, benefiting students across Odisha.
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