Bhubaneswar: The Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) will be implemented in the state’s teacher training institutes and B.Ed. colleges. In this regard, eight teacher training institutes have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with their respective government degree colleges today.
With the approval of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), this initiative will offer a multidisciplinary approach to teacher education. Through ITEP, students can complete their B.Ed. education within four years after Class 12.
Previously, students had to complete three years of graduation followed by a two-year B.Ed. program, taking a total of five years to obtain a B.Ed. certificate. However, with the implementation of ITEP, students can now complete both their undergraduate and B.Ed. programs in just four years.
This step has been taken to strengthen the education system in Odisha, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Additionally, to improve the infrastructure of 189 private undergraduate colleges, the Higher Education Department has approved a financial grant of ₹168 crore.
This funding will facilitate the construction, renovation, and restoration of additional classrooms, laboratories, canteens, libraries, common rooms, multi-purpose halls, administrative and academic buildings. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the overall development of colleges in the state.