In a major step towards implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Odisha Higher Education Department has directed all government and non‑government higher education institutions to introduce Multidisciplinary Courses (MDC), Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC), and Value‑Added Courses (VAC).
In a letter issued by Director of Higher Education Kaliprasanna Mohapatra, principals were instructed to ensure effective rollout of the NEP‑2020 curriculum framework. Model syllabi for MDC, SEC, and VAC have already been developed, and each department must offer at least two courses from the approved list, based on faculty expertise.
The directive clarifies that students must select MDCs from departments other than their major subject. For example, a Home Science student cannot opt for an MDC from the Home Science Department but must choose from another discipline. Where departments lack adequate MDC options, students may register for courses offered by other departments.
Colleges have been asked to make necessary arrangements for faculty allocation, class schedules, and academic planning to ensure smooth conduct. The move aims to provide students with wider academic choices and strengthen the multidisciplinary approach envisioned under NEP‑2020.
