Bhubaneswar, 1st Sept 2025: In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, schools will now adopt a new curriculum and textbooks starting from the upcoming academic year. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is tasked with preparing the new textbooks under the framework of the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE). These textbooks will incorporate local culture, arts, history, and heritage, highlighting Odisha’s rich cultural legacy.
From the 2026-2027 academic year, schools will begin using these newly developed textbooks, which will focus on holistic education while reflecting regional values. The decision was formally announced in a press briefing after a meeting of the Department of School and Mass Education. The meeting also discussed strategies for successfully implementing the National Education Policy at the state level.
Key Highlights of the New Curriculum:
1. 55 New Textbooks:
The new curriculum will feature 55 textbooks, which will integrate aspects of Odisha’s culture, arts, and historical pride. This marks a significant shift towards making the curriculum more region-specific while ensuring it meets the national standards.2. Incorporation of Local Heritage:
A special focus will be given to Odisha’s cultural and historical heritage, making the textbooks more relevant and connected to the students’ surroundings.3. Implementation Framework:
The State Steering Committee has been set up to oversee the successful execution of the National Education Policy in Odisha. This committee held its 9th meeting today to review the progress and discuss further steps for effective policy implementation.
This initiative aims to bring about a more contextual and relevant learning experience for students in Odisha while aligning with national educational standards.