Bhubaneswar, June 8: The Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) has released detailed guidelines along with a sample timetable for all government and government-aided schools, covering Sishu Vatika (pre-school) to Class VIII for the academic year 2026–27.
The new academic structure is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP-2020) and the Odisha Curriculum Framework for School Education–2025. It aims to make learning more structured, balanced, and activity-oriented while reducing academic burden on students.
As part of the reforms, schools will observe 10 “bagless days,” during which students will attend classes without school bags and engage in experiential and activity-based learning. These sessions are designed to promote creativity, practical understanding, and joyful learning.
According to the guidelines, the academic year will consist of 230 working days. Of these, 20 days will be allocated for assessments and evaluation-related activities, while another 20 days will be reserved for school-level events such as sports, cultural programmes, and annual functions. For Classes VI to VIII, one vocational education period each week will also be dedicated as a bagless learning activity, preferably scheduled on Saturdays.
After accounting for these provisions, 190 days will be devoted to core teaching and learning activities. The revised timetable includes seven periods per working day, totaling 42 periods per week, with enhanced focus on Mathematics, Science, Arts Education, Physical Education, and Vocational Education.
The framework also introduces extended combined periods of 80–90 minutes to support hands-on learning activities such as experiments, project work, role plays, and presentations. Special emphasis has been placed on strengthening arts and physical education in line with NEP-2020 objectives.
Separate sample timetables have been prepared for different grade levels and circulated to District Education Officers for strict implementation across all schools.
Under the new schedule, school hours will be from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays, while Saturday classes will run from 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
Officials stated that the reforms are designed to bring uniformity across schools, reduce academic pressure, and encourage a more holistic, skill-based, and experiential learning environment across the state.
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