Odisha Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme 2026-27 AI course introduced

The Odisha Higher Education Department, in collaboration with the Board of Practical Training, has introduced the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP) starting from the 2025-26 academic year. This initiative aims to enhance skill development and improve employment prospects for students by integrating practical training with academic learning.

For the upcoming 2026-27 academic year, the AEDP will see the Good Citizenship course in the second semester replaced with an AI course. A notice regarding these changes for the 2026-27 academic year was issued around 29 October 2026.

Rollout and Course Structure of AEDP

The Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme is scheduled for an initial rollout across 30 universities and colleges throughout Odisha. This phase will concentrate on six specific courses within the Commerce and Home Science streams. The decision to introduce the AEDP was finalised during a high-level meeting of the Higher Education Department in June.

The AEDP is designed in partnership with industry stakeholders to ensure curriculum relevance and hands-on experience, aligning education with market demands. This initiative is expected to bridge the gap between theoretical education and industry requirements, equipping students with practical skills for better career opportunities. The state aims to elevate the quality of higher education and enhance students’ employability, aligning with its vision for a skilled and job-ready workforce.

Seat Reservations and Operational Guidelines

Under the new programme, specific seat reservations have been established for the AEDP within existing courses. 25% of the approved seats in Commerce are reserved for students opting for the AEDP. In addition, an extra 50% of seats in Home Science will be allocated for the programme.

A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and detailed guidelines are slated for establishment. These will address various operational aspects, including changes in college ownership and relocation protocols. These measures are intended to ensure a smooth transition and consistent implementation of the AEDP across all participating institutions.

Optimising Educational Resources

In conjunction with the introduction of the AEDP, directives have been issued to identify and phase out courses that have demonstrated consistently low enrollment or a high number of vacant seats over the past three to four years. This move is part of a broader strategy to optimise educational resources and maintain overall educational quality.

Designated officers will be responsible for recommending the closure of programmes that exhibit low enrollment figures. This measure aims to ensure that resources are effectively utilised and directed towards programmes that meet student demand and contribute to the state’s vision for a skilled workforce.

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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