AGACPS (Higher Education Department) Odisha Strengthens Awareness and Stakeholder Engagement for Effective Implementation of NEP 2020 in Odisha

By Kalinga Voice On Nov 14, 2026

Promoting Multidisciplinary Education, Skill Development, Innovation and Student-Centric Learning

Bhubaneswar: In a significant effort to strengthen the higher education ecosystem in Odisha, Ama Gaurav Ama College Parichalana Sangathan (AGACPS), a flagship initiative of the Government of Odisha under the Department of Higher Education, is playing an important role in fostering awareness, collaboration and stakeholder participation towards the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
With Odisha introducing NEP 2020 in undergraduate programmes from the academic session 2024–25, the higher education landscape is undergoing a transition towards a more flexible, multidisciplinary, skill-oriented and outcome-based learning framework. The policy seeks to transform conventional education by placing students at the center of the academic process and equipping them with knowledge, practical skills, creativity and professional competencies.
Recognising the importance of awareness and capacity building among students and academic institutions, AGACPS is facilitating meaningful engagement through interactive webinars, awareness programmes, expert lectures, career counselling sessions and academic collaborations involving universities and colleges across the State.
As part of this endeavour, AGACPS organised an interactive webinar on “Issues and Challenges of Effective Implementation of NEP in Higher Education in Odisha,” on 13th November 2026, featuring Prof Sudhakar Patra, RBI Chair Professor, Department of Analytical and Applied Economics, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, as the key speaker. The programme witnessed participation from approximately 3000 students representing 23 colleges across Odisha. Prof Patra mentioned that the Apprentice Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP) in 11 subjects in 81 colleges, starting from 2026-27, is more employment- and skill-oriented. He suggested for expansion of AEDP with double major to more colleges in subsequent years. He also discussed how students gets benefitted out of 4 year Hons and 4 year Hons with Research Curriculum through NEP 2020.
AGACPS envisions that the successful implementation of NEP 2020 requires active participation not only from policymakers and academic administrators but also from Principals, faculty members, students, alumni, industry representatives and civil society organisations.
The Sangathan also encourages colleges and universities to take ownership of the reform process by organising awareness programmes, promoting innovative teaching practices, strengthening student support systems and building meaningful partnerships with alumni and external stakeholders.
AGACPS College Coordinator Prof. Chandi Charan Rath and AGACPS Manager Shri Harihara Badapanda joined the event, while IEC & Social Media Coordinator Chaitali Shome coordinated it. Pritinanda Mohapatra, Swati Prava Mishra and Aviram Jena also coordinated the event. After the Q&A session, the speaker clarified many doubts. The Webinar was highly successful in spreading the benefits of the NEP UG programme and AEDP.