Introduction
For a state to thrive, we need better human resources. For building better human resources, we need a better education system. Education contributes to the development of a whole country. The education system of states plays a crucial part in them.
The quality of education in Odisha is improving exponentially, with a growing literacy rate. The Government of Odisha is coming up with many policies that can help the inhabitants to dream of a better future. The education system in Odisha is nothing but a reflection of its rich heritage and culture.
History Of Education In Odisha
During the ancient and medieval times, a traditional system of learning was followed. Brahmins used to teach Vedas to young lads, who used to leave their homes for wisdom.
Education was a privilege that was accessible by the men only. Pupils used to study under the shadow of big trees or gurukuls made up of huts.
Palm leaf documents served as books and writing pads. Teachers known as “Abadhanas” used to charge a fee in the form of money or consumable objects.
Odia language is one of the oldest languages in Odisha. Interestingly, there were many poets and authors who had contributed masterpieces to Odia Literature.
The schools, popularly known as “Pathshala” ran in temples, Sanskrita Tolas, Bhagabat Tungis etc. In these institutions, the most remarkable works of Odia literature were taught in an exquisite manner.
During the British rule, Christian missionaries came forward to establish various schools in the state. In order to promote Christianity and English education, they opened some successful schools. They introduced the modern education system for the first time in Odisha.
School Education In Odisha
In Odisha 10 years of primary education is mandatory. The literacy rate of Odisha is only 73.5%, which is low. That’s why Govt. has undertaken some major steps to improve the woman’s literacy.
In Odisha there are almost 35928 primaries and 20427 upper primary schools, they are providing education at the elementary level, other 490 new primaries and 490 upper primary schools are opened under SSA. These schools are providing education in unserved areas.
There are 66 lakhs of children are in school from the age group of 6-14, out of the 12 lakh students are SC and 17 lakh students are ST.
Free textbooks have been supplied to all schools to distribute between all students at the elementary level. Including class VIII in the year 2010-2011. They also supplied free books to the Odia students residing outside. states like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Free Urdu textbooks also supplied to the students reading in Govt. Aided Madrasas.
Features
In order to ensure 100% attendance in schools, many policies have been crafted by the government. Under the Right to Education Act, education is completely free for the age group 6-14. The government is working on a new initiative called “Aadarsh Vidyalaya Sangathan” which will establish a model school in all the blocks of Odisha.
These schools will emphasize skill-based education and will provide modern facilities to the students. “Mid-day meal scheme” provides free lunch in government-aided schools to attract students. Secondary education has been made affordable for the age group 15-18.
The “Mo School” initiative has helped to revive more than 100 government schools in Odisha. Multiple schemes have been developed to help SC/ST students and minorities. Computer-based learning and culture-integrated learning are the best features of the education system in Odisha. 101 schools will be developed in various parts of the state as centers of excellence.
Scholarships and grants are being provided to the meritorious students in colleges. Odisha State Scholarship Portal is activated recently to help the needy. Seats are being increased in medical and technical institutions to provide opportunities for everyone. Recently, the government has planned for a reservation for state board students in professional education institutes.
The 10 & +2 Structure
In major states of Odisha, children are enrolled in school at the age of five. The subjects taught in schools are Science which includes (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), Mathematics which includes (Arithmetic, Algebra, Set Theory, Geometry, Computer Science and Trigonometry), Social Studies includes (Geography &. Economics, History & Civics) and three languages such as Odia (First Language – FLO), English (Second Language – SLE), Hindi or Sanskrit (Third Language). School children are receive training in sports and physical educations.
After 10 years of schooling, children must appear the class X school examinations:
1. All India Secondary School Examination, this examination is conducted by the Central Government (Central Board Of Secondary Education – CBSE).
2. Odisha High School Certificate Examination, is conducted by the Odisha State Government (Board Of Secondary Education Odisha – BSE).
3. Indian Certificate of Secondary Education Examination, which is conducted by New-Delhi based Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations.
Children of Odisha who appear in the All India Secondary School Examination or Odisha High School Certificate Exam can choose Odia or English as the medium language. However, Indian School Certificate Examinations make the mandatory language as English.
Higher Secondary Education is as follows, this is purely optional. Students at the age group of 15-17 have choices of specializing in the streams like Arts, Science, and Commerce. In this stage, the students get a wide array of elective subjects.
There are also some junior and degree colleges in the state who offers secondary education for XII children. The Council Of Higher Secondary Education, Odisha (CHSE Odisha) conducts this higher secondary level examination.
Commonly the Odisha educational structure is referred to 10 and +2 systems. The students who went through the 10 and +2 education system, are eligible for college or universities of Odisha. They also have options for professional training . They can take admissions into few institutions in Odisha, particularly Engineering and Medicine, which are highly competitive. Students has to get through entrance examinations in order to get admission.
OJEE (Odisha Joint Entrance Examination)
Odisha Government conducts a highly competitive Joint Entrance Examination, which is annually to select students to get admission into various engineering colleges under BPUT(Biju Pattnaik University Of Technology).
Acknowledgement
The literacy rate of Odisha is 72% compared to the national average of 73%. Within the past 5 years, Odisha is experiencing huge growth in literacy rate which is a great sign. This state has immense potential of becoming one of the greatest educational hubs in our country.
The growing educational infrastructure and educational policies are capable of providing the best platform to the seekers of knowledge. That day is not far when Odisha will turn into a destination for every student in India.