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

In a pioneering move, Odisha has translated and contextualized 55 NCERT textbooks for Grades V and VIII, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020. This initiative, approved in a recent meeting, aims to enhance student learning by introducing new subjects like Art Education and Vocational Education. The new textbooks will be implemented in schools from the 2026–27 academic year, marking Odisha's commitment to educational excellence. The SCERT is already training teachers to ensure a smooth transition to the new curriculum, positioning the state as a leader in educational reform.

By Ambika Singh Dec 7, 2025, 09:53 IST

A Groundbreaking Initiative in Education

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has made history as the first state in India to translate and adapt 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, led by N Thirumala Naik, the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of School and Mass Education, in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

This achievement is part of 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 initiatives.

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 subject has been tailored to resonate with the local culture and requirements.

The new textbooks are set to be rolled out in schools starting from the 2026–27 academic year. Odisha is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the nation by swiftly developing the State Curriculum Framework and new textbooks from Sishu Vatika to Class VIII.

The SCERT has initiated training for teachers statewide to familiarize them with the new Curriculum Framework and the academic delivery of the forthcoming textbooks, ensuring a seamless transition in classrooms by the 2026–27 academic year.