Bhubaneswar, Jan 17: Odisha is set to transform its school education system by reducing the burden of heavy schoolbags and introducing practical, experiential learning in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. From the upcoming academic year, students will attend “bagless days” designed to foster creativity, curiosity, and hands-on knowledge, officials said.

Bagless Days for Students

For classes VI to X, ten days in the academic calendar will be designated as “bagless days.” During these sessions, students will participate in exposure visits and oral learning activities, gaining insights into environment, history, tourism sites, and science. Officials said the initiative is expected to enhance mental well-being and make learning more joyful.

New Textbooks and Training

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while reviewing the textbook development process under NEP 2020, stressed reforms through four guiding principles. Odisha will introduce 55 new NCERT-based textbooks for classes I to VIII from the 2026–27 academic year, with emphasis on mother-tongue instruction up to class V.

The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) will provide extensive training to teachers on the new curriculum. Over 1.66 lakh primary teachers will undergo district-level training to adapt to the changes.

Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan Emphasizes Curriculum Reform, Teacher Training In Odisha Under NEP 2020

Nutrition and Holistic Development

Odisha’s School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond highlighted that strengthening the PM-POSHAN scheme will remain a priority to ensure nutrition alongside education. Experts and parents have welcomed the reforms, noting that teacher training and curriculum changes will support skill development and holistic growth.

Infrastructure and Implementation

Odisha has already translated the new NCERT textbooks into Odia. Educationists such as R.N. Panda and parent associations led by Krushnachandra Pati have expressed optimism that the reforms will bridge learning gaps and align classroom teaching with real-world experiences.

The NEP 2020 was formally adopted in Odisha on September 5, 2025. Officials believe the reforms will accelerate the State’s overall education development, making schools more inclusive, engaging, and future-ready.