Curriculum for students up to Class 8 is based on the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2005, with plans to transition to an updated syllabus in line with NCF 2023. Textbooks for Classes 1 to 8 have been developed by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Odisha.
For the Foundational (Class 1 and 2) and Preparatory (Classes 3–5) stages, students are taught core subjects with a focus on child-centric learning.
Languages: Odia is the medium of instruction. Special provisions are made for students whose mother tongue is Hindi, Bengali, Urdu, or Telugu. Textbooks are also available in tribal languages.
Mathematics: Students learn through workbooks and activities. Example workbook names for primary classes include Hasa Khela (Ganita) and Ganita Khela.
Environmental Studies: Courses like Hasa Khela (Paribesha) and Ame O Ama Paribesha are included to help students understand their surroundings.
At the upper primary stage, the curriculum becomes more structured, introducing specific subjects like science and social science. Vocational education is also being implemented on a pilot basis in some schools.
Languages: MIL (Modern Indian Language): Odia is compulsory, with alternatives available for students of Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, and Urdu.
English: Instruction is provided through state-developed textbooks.
Mathematics: Instruction in mathematics continues, with the curriculum structured around content and pedagogical concepts.
Science: The upper primary science curriculum covers topics in physical and life sciences.
Social Science: A subject area encompassing history, civics, and geography.
