Bhubaneswar, May 28: In a major push towards inclusive education, the Odisha government decided to introduce Plus-Two Science education in the Odia language from the current academic session, aiming to help students overcome language barriers that have long discouraged many from pursuing Science streams.

Under the new initiative, Science textbooks for higher secondary classes will be made available in Odia, and students will also have the option to write their examinations in the regional language.

The move has been jointly undertaken by the School and Mass Education Department and the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department.

Officials said the initiative is expected to particularly benefit students from Odia-medium schools who often hesitate to opt for Science due to difficulties in understanding English-language textbooks and technical concepts.

According to official estimates, nearly 80,000 seats in Plus II Science courses remain vacant in Odisha every year, with language barriers being considered one of the major reasons behind low enrolment.

Authorities believe that introducing Odia-medium Science education could significantly improve participation in Science streams and create more opportunities for rural and economically weaker students.

To ensure effective implementation, the government has also launched special orientation and training programmes for college principals and Science teachers to familiarise them with the translated study materials and revised teaching methods.

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The initiative comes at a time when national-level entrance examinations such as NEET and JEE already provide question papers in Odia, making professional courses more accessible to regional-language students aspiring to become doctors and engineers.

The state government additionally developed free digital learning resources and introduced the ‘Jigyansa’ app to support students studying Science in Odia.

Educationists and academic experts have welcomed the move, describing it as a transformative step towards equitable and accessible education in Odisha while also strengthening the role of the Odia language in higher studies.