Synopsis
The Odisha government has updated the enrolment age for class 1 to 6+ years, aligning with the National Education Policy, 2020. This change will be effective from the academic year 2025-26, alongside other educational reforms.Key Takeaways
- Enrolment age for Class 1 set to 6+ years.
- Implementation of National Education Policy in phases.
- Focus on foundational stage modifications initially.
- Shishu Vatika to be established for pre-school education.
- State Curriculum Frameworks to align with National Curriculum Frameworks.
Bhubaneswar, Jan 20 (NationPress) The Odisha government has adjusted the enrolment age for class 1 to 6+ years in accordance with the guidelines specified by the National Education Policy, 2020.
The Odisha School and Mass Education (S&ME) Department had previously announced on January 15 of this year the rollout of the National Education Policy within the state, along with the adoption of National Curriculum Frameworks tailored to local contexts as the State Curriculum Frameworks.
On Monday, the S&ME Department issued a notification confirming the updated age requirements for entering class 1 in Odisha.
According to the S&ME Department notification, “Beginning from the academic year 2025-26, children must be at least 6 years old by September 1 of that academic year to be eligible for class 1 enrollment.”
In a further noteworthy resolution, the department has mandated the establishment of Shishu Vatika in all primary schools this academic year to facilitate pre-school education for children aged 5-6 years.
It is important to note that the Odisha government has opted to implement the National Education Policy, 2020 gradually starting from the academic year 2025-26.
The state government also indicated that revisions to the State Curriculum Frameworks will occur in a phased approach beginning from the academic year 2025-26, with the National Curriculum Framework Foundational Stage (NCF FS) being the first phase, incorporating local contextualization.
In accordance with the NEP 2020, the first 15 years of a child's education will transition in phases to a 5+3+3+4 structure, covering ages 3-18.
This new academic framework includes a Foundational Stage (5 years) for ages 3-8, encompassing 3 years of pre-school and 2 years of Grades 1 and 2, a Preparatory Stage (3 years) for ages 8-11, corresponding to Grades 3 to 5, a Middle Stage (3 years) for ages 11-14, corresponding to Grades 6 to 8, and a Secondary Stage (4 years) for ages 14-18, corresponding to Grades 9-12.
During the initial phase of policy implementation, the focus will be on modifications within the Foundational Stage, with subsequent implementation for the preparatory, middle, and secondary stages planned for later phases.
Previously, the Odisha government formed a high-level task force led by the Development Commissioner to devise strategies for implementing the NEP 2020 in Odisha.
A State Steering Committee, chaired by Prof. Nityanand Pradhan, former Principal of RIE, Bhopal, was also established to create the State Curriculum Frameworks.
This committee is tasked with developing the State Curriculum Frameworks in harmony with the National Curriculum Frameworks with local contextualization.
According to official sources, a three-day National Workshop focusing on the implementation of NEP 2020 in Odisha is set to take place from January 21 to 23.
