Odisha to introduce new school syllabus for classes 1 to 8 from next academic session

The Odisha government is all set to implement a revised syllabus for school students. The new syllabus will be introduced for students from Class 1 to Class 8, informed School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond on Saturday.

The Odisha government made this announcement which aligns the syllabus with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Implementation Timeline and Key Focus Areas

The new syllabus will be rolled out in the 2026-27 academic session.

It will place greater emphasis on language, culture, and heritage to promote a deeper understanding of regional traditions and identity.

Clarification on School Admission Age

A debate has emerged regarding the minimum age for school admissions in Odisha. Addressing this, the Minister of School and Mass Education clarified the Odisha government’s stance:

Unlike the central guideline, which mandates children to complete 6 years by March 1, Odisha will require children to turn 6 years by September 1 for school admission.

The minister acknowledged a slight variation in rules but assured that the state’s decision aligns with its educational framework. This development marks a significant step in modernizing Odisha's education system while preserving its rich cultural heritage.