In a significant stride towards implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Odisha has approved 17 newly developed textbooks for Grades 5 and 8, while becoming the first state in India to translate and contextualise 55 NCERT textbooks.
This achievement was highlighted during the 4th Core Committee Meeting on Syllabi and Textbook Development, held on December 6, 2025, and chaired by Dr N. Thirumala Naik, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the School & Mass Education (S&ME) Department.
The meeting, attended by all directors under the S&ME Department and other key committee members, underscored Odisha’s proactive approach to educational reform. Building on the Odisha School Education Curriculum Framework 2025, prepared by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), the state has tailored these resources to align with local contexts. The framework was officially launched by the Hon’ble Chief Minister on Teacher’s Day, September 5, 2025.
A standout feature of this initiative is the introduction of textbooks in three innovative subjects: Art Education, Physical Education & Well-being, and Vocational Education. These have been customised to incorporate Odisha’s unique cultural, historical, and societal elements, aiming to promote comprehensive student growth. “By embedding local stories, examples from Odisha’s history, science, mathematics, literature, and art, we’re making education more relatable and engaging,” noted a SCERT official involved in the process.
All approved textbooks are set to roll out in schools starting from the 2026–27 academic year. Odisha’s rapid progress—developing the State Curriculum Framework and textbooks from Sishu Vatika (pre-primary) to Class VIII in record time—positions it as a leader among Indian states. To ensure seamless adoption, SCERT has initiated teacher familiarisation programs across the state, focusing on the new framework and effective classroom strategies.
This emphasis on contextualization not only enhances student engagement but also aligns with NEP 2020’s vision of building knowledge, skills, values, and dispositions. As Odisha continues to innovate, it sets a model for other states in blending national standards with regional relevance.
