ITEP Classes Begin in 15 Odisha Institutions for 2026–27 Academic Session

Bhubaneswar: The Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) for the 2026–27 academic session commenced across 15 higher education institutions in Odisha on Saturday, marking the rollout of the four-year teacher education course under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The programme has been introduced in seven universities and eight government colleges under the Higher Education Department. Students admitted through the National Common Entrance Test (NCET) joined the first-year classes as the new academic session began.

Interacting virtually with the newly admitted students, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj congratulated them and said the programme represents a significant reform in teacher education envisioned under NEP 2020.

He said the ITEP replaces the earlier route of a three-year undergraduate degree followed by a two-year B.Ed. programme, enabling students to complete their teacher education in four years immediately after Class XII.

The Minister said the curriculum has been designed to provide a strong academic foundation with a multidisciplinary approach. Students will have the opportunity to pursue two major subjects along with minor subjects, ensuring holistic learning and academic excellence.

Describing teachers as the architects of the nation’s future, Suraj said students enrolled in the programme today would emerge as educators and academic leaders in the years ahead. He wished them success in their academic journey and future careers.

During the interaction, several newly admitted students shared their experiences and thanked the Higher Education Department for introducing the integrated programme.

Bargarh MLA Ashwini Kumar Sarangi also joined the programme virtually. Director of Higher Education Kali Prasanna Mohapatra, Additional Secretary Prativa Sahu, Joint Secretary Mousumi Nayak and other senior officials were present during the inaugural interaction.