Bhubaneswar, Jan 17: In a significant step towards educational reforms, Odisha will introduce new textbooks for students from class I to VIII beginning the 2026-2027 academic year. The new curriculum will be based on the Odisha State Curriculum Framework (OSCF), and teachers across the state will undergo extensive training to equip them with the necessary skills to implement the updated syllabus effectively.
A total of 1.67 lakh teachers in Odisha will receive training to enhance their proficiency in the new curriculum. The training will focus on integrating modern technology in teaching and ensuring continuous professional development for educators. Additionally, the state is committed in strengthening education in the mother tongue, with a particular emphasis on the delivery of lessons in the Odia language from Class V onward.
The upcoming changes are designed to reinforce the fundamental learning aspects for young children, particularly in reading, writing, and numeracy skills. From class VIto class X, students will benefit from a new 10-day bag-free education initiative, aimed at promoting practical knowledge and critical thinking.
As part of this initiative, the education department will also give special attention to child nutrition and health from birth to class XII. The goal is to nurture a holistic approach towards learning, combining academic knowledge with physical well-being.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized that the changes in the education system would bring about a transformative shift, thanks to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's National Education Policy 2020. These reforms aim to foster the development of skilled, well-rounded students and contribute to the progress of Odisha.
During a video conference with master trainers and educational leaders from across the state, Pradhan noted that these reforms would not just bring a change in textbooks or curriculum but also focus on the future of children and the state’s overall progress. Odisha is firmly committed to developing into a progressive educational hub.
State School and Mass Education Minister, Niranjan Pujari, shared that 55 new NCERT textbooks have been translated and adapted in accordance with the National Education Policy 2020. This step ensures that Odisha's education system stays in line with national standards.
Along with the new curriculum and training, a sense of collective responsibility towards students' future and the state's development is being emphasized. Several key officials, including Archnana Sharma, Additional Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy, and senior educators from organizations like the Odisha State Educational Project Authority (OSEPA), have been involved in the rollout of this ambitious plan.
The introduction of the new curriculum and the training of teachers reflect the state's commitment to educational excellence and the holistic development of students across Odisha.
