Bhubaneswar, July 9(Newshub Desk): In a pioneering move to enhance employment-readiness among graduates, the Odisha Higher Education Department, in collaboration with the Board of Practical Training, is set to introduce Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programs (AEDP) starting in the 2025–26 academic session.
This initiative seeks to bridge the widening gap between academic learning and industry expectations by embedding practical, on-the-job training within mainstream degree courses.
The rollout will initially cover 30 universities and colleges, with six courses offered in the Commerce and Home Science streams.
As per the department’s directive:
- 25% of approved Commerce seats will be allocated for AEDP.
- 50% additional seats in Home Science will be made available under the program.
Officials state that these programs were designed in close consultation with industry experts to ensure alignment with current market needs, positioning graduates for improved career prospects.
In addition to the AEDP rollout, the Department approved structural reforms, including the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for changes in college ownership and campus relocations.
Institutions have also been instructed to phase out courses with persistently low enrollment, optimising academic resources and quality.
This skill-centric academic reformation is part of Odisha’s broader strategy to build a competitive, job-ready workforce and advance its higher education ecosystem.
