Higher Education Dept Launches AEDP Admissions For 2026–27 Session

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Higher Education Department has initiated the admission process for the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP) for the academic session 2026–27, alongside undergraduate admissions across the state.

Eligible students can apply for the programme through the SAMS portal till June 10, 2026, according to an official notification issued by the department.

Introduced in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme aims to combine classroom learning with practical industry exposure to enhance students’ employability and skill development.

For the 2026–27 academic year, the programme will be offered in 11 disciplines — Commerce, Home Science, Economics, History, English, Zoology, Mathematics, Library Science, Chemistry, Geology and Botany. Students who have completed their Plus-II education are eligible to enroll in the courses.

Officials said the programme has been designed to provide students with industry-oriented learning opportunities while pursuing their undergraduate education. As part of the curriculum, students enrolled under AEDP will undergo a one-year apprenticeship during the third year of their degree programme.

The Higher Education Department informed that students participating in the apprenticeship component will also receive stipends during the training period.

The department stated that the initiative is expected to bridge the gap between academic education and industry requirements by equipping students with practical experience, workplace exposure and professional skills before graduation.

The state government has been focusing on implementing NEP 2020 reforms in higher educational institutions with emphasis on multidisciplinary learning, skill enhancement and improved employment opportunities for students.