Odisha Sets a New Precedent with Translated NCERT Textbooks Under NEP 2020

Odisha has made a significant advancement in education by translating and contextualizing 55 NCERT textbooks under the National Education Policy 2020. This initiative, approved during a recent committee meeting, aims to enhance student learning and cultural relevance. The new textbooks, covering various subjects, will be implemented in schools starting from the 2026-27 academic year. With a focus on holistic development, Odisha is setting a benchmark in educational reform, ensuring that teachers are well-prepared for the transition. Discover how this initiative is shaping the future of education in the state.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 7, 2025, 09:53 IST

A Groundbreaking Initiative in Education

Bhubaneswar: In a pioneering move, Odisha has successfully translated and adapted 55 new NCERT textbooks in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The textbooks for Grades V and VIII received approval during the 4th Core Committee Meeting on Syllabi and Textbook Development, which was led by N Thirumala Naik, the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of School and Mass Education, in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

This achievement is part of the broader initiative that includes the Odisha School Education Curriculum Framework 2025, developed by the Directorate of Teacher Education and the State Council of Educational Research & Training (SCERT), which has been instrumental in guiding the state's textbook development.

To foster comprehensive student development, Odisha has also introduced new textbooks covering three additional subjects: Art Education, Physical Education & Well-being, and Vocational Education, each tailored to meet the cultural and educational needs of the state.

The rollout of these new textbooks is scheduled for the 2026–27 academic year. Odisha is positioning itself as a frontrunner in educational reform by creating the State Curriculum Framework and developing new textbooks from Sishu Vatika to Class VIII in a remarkably short timeframe.

The SCERT has initiated training programs for teachers statewide to ensure they are well-acquainted with the new Curriculum Framework and the academic content of the forthcoming textbooks, facilitating a seamless transition in classrooms starting from the 2026–27 academic year.