Odisha Implements NEP 2020: Age Limit Fixed for Class 1, More Pre-Schools Planned

The Odisha government’s School and Mass Education Department has announced the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 starting from the academic year 2025-26. As per the latest notification, children aged 6+ years as of September 1 of the academic year will be eligible for admission to Class 1. Additionally, primary schools will introduce a new pre-school class, “Sishu Vatika,” for children aged 5-6 years, offering pre-preschool education.

The NEP will bring a 5+3+3+4 academic structure, covering ages 3-18. The foundational stage (ages 3-8) will include three years of pre-school and two years of Grades 1 and 2. The preparatory (Grades 3-5), middle (Grades 6-8), and secondary (Grades 9-12) stages will follow in subsequent phases. The foundational stage curriculum will be adapted from the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) with local contextualization.

The government has formed a high-level task force and a State Steering Committee, chaired by Prof. Nityanand Pradhan, to oversee implementation. A three-day National Workshop from January 21-23 has been planned to streamline NEP 2020’s roll-out in Odisha.