Bhubaneswar, 08 June (H.S.): In aOdisha Introduces NEP-2020 School Reforms; New Timetable and 10 Bagless Days from 2026-27 major step towards implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) has issued comprehensive guidelines and sample timetables for government and government-aided schools from Sishu Vatika (pre-school) to Class VIII for the academic year 2026-27.

The state government has revised its curriculum framework and introduced new textbooks aligned with the Odisha Curriculum Framework for School Education-2025, marking a significant overhaul of the school education system.

One of the key features of the reform is the introduction of 10 bagless days during the academic year. On these days, students will attend school without carrying school bags and participate in experiential and activity-based learning programmes aimed at reducing academic stress and promoting holistic development.

To make learning more engaging and student-friendly, the School and Mass Education Department has designed a uniform timetable that will be implemented across all government and government-aided schools from the 2026-27 academic session.

According to the guidelines, schools will function for 230 days annually. Of these, 20 days will be earmarked for assessments, evaluations, and other academic activities, while another 20 days will be reserved for annual functions, sports meets, cultural events, and celebrations. The remaining 190 days will be dedicated to classroom teaching and learning.

For students of Classes VI to VIII, one of the four vocational education periods each week will be utilised for bagless-day activities, preferably on Saturdays, to encourage practical and skill-based learning.

Under the revised schedule, students will attend seven periods per day, amounting to 42 periods per week. Special emphasis has been placed on core subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Arts Education, Physical Education, and Vocational Education.

To strengthen experiential learning, the timetable includes two combined periods of 80–90 minutes for project work, science experiments, role-plays, presentations, and other hands-on activities. In line with NEP-2020 recommendations, Arts and Physical Education have also been given greater importance, with dedicated provisions for both theoretical and practical instruction.

OSEPA has prepared separate sample timetables for different educational levels and circulated them to all District Education Officers, directing strict implementation across schools.

As per the new schedule, schools will operate from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, while Saturday classes will be held from 6:30 am to 12:30 pm.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda