Odisha Govt to Engage 5,740 Retired Teachers as Guest Faculty for 2026–27

Bhubaneswar: In a major step to address the acute shortage of teachers in secondary schools, the Odisha government has approved the appointment of 5,740 retired teachers as guest faculty for the academic session 2026–27.

The initiative will cover government, fully aided, block grant high schools, and Sanskrit tol institutions across the state.

Vacancies will be reported by the Director of Secondary Education, with District Education Officers (DEOs) responsible for appointments strictly within sanctioned posts.

Schools facing the most critical shortages will be prioritised, and final approval will rest with District Collectors.

The tenure of guest teachers will end once regular teachers join or at the close of the academic session. Retired teachers relieved from one school may be re‑engaged in another with vacancies.

Special provisions have also been made for retired teachers with ISCT and Matric‑CT qualifications to serve in Sanskrit-only schools.

Funding for the initiative will come from the Establishment and Other Maintenance (EOM) budget head, already cleared by the Finance Department.

The Director of Secondary Education has been directed to take immediate steps and submit regular progress reports.

This move is expected to ensure continuity of teaching and leverage the experience of retired educators to strengthen Odisha’s secondary education system.