Bhubaneswar, May 14: The Directorate of Technical Education and Training, Odisha, has opened applications for government and private diploma courses for the 2026-27 academic year. The online application process began on April 1 and will continue until May 15. Students can apply for engineering diploma programs, although this year, several course changes have been introduced.
According to the Directorate, emphasis is being given to employment-oriented programs. Consequently, the academic curriculum has been reviewed, and certain courses may be discontinued. Government institutions such as Bhubaneswar School of Engineering (BOS) offer 11 trades, including Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Electronics, Applied Electronics, Computer Science, Automobile, Mechatronics, Digital Manufacturing Technology, Automation, and Robotics. However, the IT department at BOS remains closed.
Previously, non-engineering trades like Beauty Culture, Pharmacy, Tourism, and Office Management had separate admission processes, each with its own curriculum. This year, some of these courses are being discontinued, and applications for these programs have been closed. Students attempting to apply online have reportedly faced difficulties due to the absence of official notifications regarding the portal closure.
Senior educators in technical education have expressed concern, emphasizing that these diploma courses are vocational, skill-based, and provide employment opportunities, especially for students from economically weaker backgrounds who may not afford private education.
Technical Education Director Chakravarty Singh Rathore stated that the success of engineering courses has been analyzed over the past five years through an apex committee. Factors such as enrollment, dropout rates, pass percentages, and employability have been considered. Courses with high dropout rates, low pass percentages, or poor employment outcomes are being discontinued. Meanwhile, courses with higher demand and better employment prospects will have their seats increased.
Additionally, applications have been submitted to AICTE for the introduction of new courses in diploma engineering programs. The Directorate has assured that steps are being taken to ensure that students have access to skill-based, employment-oriented programs that align with industry needs.
