Odisha to recruit 45,000 primary school teachers over next three years

The Odisha Government has unveiled a major recruitment drive to enhance primary education, planning to hire 45,000 teachers over the next three years, with 15,000 appointments each year.

Officials said the initiative aligns with the National Education Policy, which emphasizes the need for additional teaching staff to improve foundational learning outcomes.

Currently, Odisha has 160,319 sanctioned teaching posts across 45,292 primary schools. An additional 39,366 positions are being created to meet NEP requirements.

Government data indicate that 5,067 teacher posts are expected to fall vacant by December 2025.

Including these vacancies, the total requirement reaches 44,433 posts, which the state plans to fill gradually over three years.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level meeting on August 21, 2025, where the plan was formalized.

He highlighted the significance of primary education in building a prosperous Odisha by 2036.

The government also extended the free textbook scheme to all Class 9 and 10 students.

Previously, free books were provided only to Classes 1 to 8 and to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students in higher grades.

In addition, reforms in the state’s examination system were announced. The Board of Secondary Education, which conducts Class 10 exams, and the Council of Higher Secondary Education, responsible for Class 12 exams, will now be merged to streamline school education.

To improve health support in hostels, one Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) will be appointed for every 300 students, ensuring regular medical care for children living away from home.

Chief Minister Majhi also stressed the importance of promoting education in local languages.

“Steps will be taken to set up a Multilingual Education Centre at Koraput,” the government statement said, noting this will enhance communication with tribal students and improve overall education quality.

Additionally, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) will be developed on the lines of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to align Odisha’s academic framework with national standards.

With these initiatives, the state government signaled a strong focus on strengthening primary education, promoting inclusivity, and fostering holistic student development.