The Odisha government has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its school education system, aiming to revise the Class 10 curriculum and merge the secondary and higher secondary levels into a unified educational framework.
The landmark initiative focuses heavily on enhancing student readiness for higher studies, boosting employability, and reducing the soaring financial burden of competitive exam preparation.
A Single Board for Secondary & Higher Secondary Education:
In a major structural shift to streamline administration, the state is actively working to bring Classes 10 and 12 under a single, unified education board. A final decision regarding the location of the new board headquarters is expected to be finalised shortly.
Massive Digital Push and Financial Relief:
Addressing the rising parental concern over skyrocketing private coaching fees, the government has allocated ₹10 crore to the Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE), Odisha. This fund will be weaponised to build and deliver free digital learning resources to help students prepare for competitive entrance examinations without crippling financial stress.
Vernacular Classrooms & Open Schooling Expansion:
To ensure that language and accessibility are no longer barriers to education, the state has proposed two critical inclusion policies:
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- Higher Education in the Mother Tongue: For the very first time, Plus Two Commerce and Science streams will be taught and made available in Odia, allowing students to master complex scientific concepts in their native language.
- Expanded Free Open Schooling: The state plans to launch Plus Two courses through open schools, guaranteeing free education to all students up to the age of 18.
“Our focus is on creating an education system that equips students with real-world skills and enables them to seamlessly pursue employment opportunities after completing their Plus Two education,” stated N. Thirumala Naik, the School and Mass Education Commissioner-cum-Secretary, while discussing the upcoming reforms.
Officials expect these policy shifts to significantly improve job-oriented skill development, expand equity in higher secondary schooling, and modernise the state’s academic ecosystem.
