Bhubaneswar: The implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in government universities and affiliated colleges across Odisha will commence in the 2024-25 academic year, as officially announced on Saturday.
This decision, approved by Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, signifies a substantial transformation in the state’s higher education system.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, all government universities and affiliated colleges operating under the Department of Higher Education will adopt the NEP 2020.
With the NEP, Odisha will introduce a four-year undergraduate programme that offers certificates, diplomas, degrees, and honours qualifications based on students’ year of completion. Students will have the flexibility to exit and re-enter the system as needed, enabling them to complete their degree within seven years if necessary.
In line with the University Grants Commission’s credit framework, a new state-level credit system is being developed. This system includes provisions for skill development, internships, community service, and extracurricular activities such as the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Service Scheme (NSS), all of which will contribute to students’ academic credits. Furthermore, students will have the autonomy to select subjects based on their interests, fostering a personalised and holistic learning experience.
The NEP 2020 aims to enhance the quality, autonomy, and inclusivity of Odisha’s higher education system. This policy shift also prioritises research, innovation, and practical learning aligned with industry needs. Skill-based and multidisciplinary courses are emphasised to prepare students for employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. The curriculum includes 40 primary undergraduate subjects, two skill enhancement courses, 112 multidisciplinary courses, 14 vocational courses, 56 value-based courses, and 84 skill development programmes, all of which have been approved for implementation.
This educational reform is expected to promote interdisciplinary learning and research while supporting practical skills through internships and training. Odisha’s universities are now prepared to integrate NEP-aligned syllabi and credit frameworks, ensuring that students benefit from a flexible, dynamic, and industry-relevant curriculum.
Union Education Minister Hails Odisha’s Decision to Implement NEP 2020
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed gratitude towards Odisha’s Chief Minister, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, for the state’s decision to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in higher education from the 2024-25 academic year.
In a social media post, the Union Minister acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary NEP 2020 and commended Odisha’s commitment to its adoption in all state universities and affiliated colleges.
The NEP 2020, recognised as a transformative framework for education in the 21st century, aims to make education in Odisha more inclusive and accessible while enhancing students’ skills and unlocking their hidden potential. The Minister emphasised that the policy will promote research-based and employment-focused education, driving both personal growth and the state’s development goals. Odisha’s initiative to integrate NEP 2020 is expected to act as a catalyst for establishing a more prosperous Odisha and a developed India, the Minister stated with strong confidence.
The rollout of NEP 2020 in Odisha is set to bring broad-based reforms across the higher education sector, focusing on inclusivity, skill-building, and employability. Through this decision, Odisha’s education system is anticipated to align with modern requirements, fostering an environment conducive to research, skill development, and comprehensive student development.
