The Odisha government has declared in a historic ruling consistent with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 that students can now directly after finishing Class 12 pursue a Bachelor in Education (B.Ed.). Minister of Higher Education Suryabanshi Suraj said qualified candidates might register for the four-year B.Ed. Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP). This program will shorten the five-year timeframe now in use so that students may get their degree in less time.
Eight of the sixteen government-run teacher preparation programs in the state have worked with surrounding universities to help to carry out the initiative.
Following NEP implementation, the Higher Education Department has been launching some creative initiatives; ITEP represents a significant advancement. This action seeks to simplify teacher preparation, provide early start for new teachers, and improve Odisha’s general standard of living by means of education.