In a major step forward, the Odisha government has announced that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 will be implemented across all state-run universities and affiliated colleges, effective this academic year. This transformative move, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, aims to modernise Odisha’s education system, making it more flexible, inclusive, and employment-oriented.
As part of the NEP framework, four-year undergraduate programs will replace the traditional three-year courses, offering students progressive certification: a certificate after the first year, a diploma after the second, a degree after the third, and an honours degree upon completing the fourth year. This structure is designed to enhance both academic flexibility and employment prospects for students in the state.
The state has introduced a credit-based framework aligned with University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, enabling students to earn credits through skill development, internships, community service, and extracurriculars such as NCC and NSS. By participating in these activities, students can enrich their learning experience while enhancing their employability.
Further, the NEP introduces significant flexibility for students to complete their degrees over seven years, with options for multiple entries and exits. This feature allows students to return to their studies after a break or transition to new areas of interest without losing credits.
Aligned with NEP 2020, the Odisha government is also committed to enhancing the quality, autonomy, and inclusivity of its higher education system. The policy encourages research and innovation through practical learning and skill-building internships, aligning course content with industry needs for greater employability.
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The state government has approved two skill development programs, 112 multidisciplinary courses, 14 vocational courses, 56 value-added courses, and 84 additional skill-building courses, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). These initiatives, along with a model syllabus developed for 40 core undergraduate degree courses, are intended to make higher education in Odisha both rigorous and relevant to today’s job market.
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