Bhubaneswar, Dec, 03: The Education and Mass Literacy Department has taken steps to reduce the dropout rate in schools. To ensure that no student remains illiterate, students can now continue their studies up to Class 12 in the State Open School (SOS) system.
This initiative has been implemented by the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA), which has signed an agreement with the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
Under this agreement, students will have the opportunity to study up to Class 12 free of cost. Previously, the State Open School allowed students to study only up to Class 10. For admissions beyond Class 10, NIOS charged a fee of ₹2,600, which will now be covered by the state government for students.
OSEPA officials stated that this step will significantly reduce the increasing dropout rate in the state, especially among students from Classes 9 to 12. Enrolling in the Open School will help students continue their education and prevent them from dropping out.