Archive · 17 Jan 2026
Odisha Introduces 55 New Textbooks for Classes 1-8
The Odisha government is adding 55 new textbooks for students in classes 1 to 8.
These books are based on national guidelines but have been changed to fit Odisha's local needs and culture.
The government also added three new subjects: Art Education, Physical Education & Well-being, and Vocational Education.
This change is part of a bigger plan called the National Education Policy 2020, which aims to improve how students learn.
The decision was made in a meeting led by the Union Education Minister and the state's education minister.
Odisha will introduce 55 new textbooks for classes 1 to 8 in the next academic year.
Three new subjects—Art Education, Physical Education & Well-being, and Vocational Education—have been added to promote holistic development.
The textbooks are based on NCERT materials but have been adapted to reflect Odisha's local needs, culture, and heritage.
The decision was made in a high-level meeting chaired by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The changes align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to improve the state's education system.
- Who
- Odisha government, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, State School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond
- What
- Introduction of 55 new textbooks and three new subjects for classes 1 to 8
- When
- Next academic year
- Where
- Odisha, India
- Why
- To promote holistic development of students and align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
- Number of New Textbooks
- 55
- Classes Affected
- 1 to 8
- New Subjects Introduced
- Art Education, Physical Education & Well-being, Vocational Education
- Meeting Chair
- Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
- Policy Framework
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
- Source Material
- NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training)