Odisha Introduces Bagless Days and NEP‑Aligned Timetable for Schools

The Odisha government has unveiled a new academic timetable for schools from Sishu Vatika to Class VIII, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The initiative, rooted in the Odisha Curriculum Framework 2025, emphasises experiential learning, creativity, and holistic development.

Under the new plan, schools will observe 10 bagless days each academic year, dedicated to hands‑on activities, vocational exposure, arts, sports, and community engagement.

The academic calendar will feature 230 working days, including 190 for classroom teaching, 20 for assessments, and 20 for cultural and sports activities.

Classes will run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Monday–Friday) and 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM (Saturday).

Each day will include seven periods, with double sessions for projects, experiments, and collaborative learning.

Vocational education will be integrated into Classes VI–VIII, with weekly sessions linked to bagless day activities.

The reform aims to reduce academic pressure, foster joyful learning, and balance academics with arts and sports, preparing students with confidence, leadership, and teamwork skills.

Officials describe this as a transformative step toward modernising Odisha’s school education system.