Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Beginning with the academic year 2025–2026, Odisha is expected to be significantly impacted by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which was announced by the Ministry of Education with the goal of revolutionizing India’s educational system. The policy prioritizes digital literacy, mother-tongue education, vocational skills, competency-based assessments, holistic child development, and fundamental literacy and numeracy, all of which are guided by the pillars of access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability.
On January 15, 2025, the Odisha Department of School and Mass Education released a notification announcing the gradual implementation of NEP 2020. As part of the State Curriculum Frameworks, the State intends to implement the National Curriculum Frameworks (NCFs) while modifying them for regional circumstances. Odisha established Nipun Odisha in September 2024 with the goal of attaining universal fundamental literacy and numeracy in accordance with NEP 2020. In order to demonstrate the policy’s objective, PM Shri model schools are also being constructed.
The modification of the minimum age for Grade 1 enrollment to 6+ years as of September 1 of the academic year is a significant move that was announced on January 15. Additionally, “Shishu Vatika” centers will be established in every primary school to offer preschool instruction to kids five years of age and up.
The transition to the 5+3+3+4 structure, spanning ages 3-18, will also begin in 2025-26. This structure includes:
- Foundational Stage (5 years): Ages 3-8, comprising 3 years of preschool and Grades 1-2.
- Preparatory Stage (3 years): Ages 8-11, corresponding to Grades 3-5.
- Middle Stage (3 years): Ages 11-14, covering Grades 6-8.
- Secondary Stage (4 years): Ages 14-18, corresponding to Grades 9-12.
Priority will be given to the foundational stage first, with preliminary, intermediate, and secondary stage alterations added in later stages.
