Bhubaneswar: First-year classes for the Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) for the academic session 2026–27 commenced on Saturday. The programme has been launched across 15 higher education institutions under the Higher Education department, including seven universities and eight government colleges.Addressing an inaugural meeting through virtual mode, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said the ITEP was introduced this year in Odisha following the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in the higher education sector. Earlier, students had to complete a three-year undergraduate degree followed by a two-year BEd programme, taking a total of five years to qualify as teachers. With the introduction of the four-year ITEP, students can now enrol directly after completing Class XII and complete their teacher education within four years. Of the 1,500 ITEP seats, 1,300 have already been filled up and spot admission process is underway. The admission process will end on August 5.Admissions to the programme have been made through the National Common Entrance Test (NCET). The minister said the curriculum has been designed in line with the objectives of NEP 2020 to strengthen the academic foundation of teacher education.Under the programme, students can choose two major subjects along with one minor subject. The curriculum has also been designed to be multidisciplinary, in keeping with the vision of the National Education Policy.“Our students are the future of the nation. Those who have enrolled in the Integrated Teacher Education Programme will become the leaders of our academic community in the years to come. I wish all the students a bright future,” the minister said.(Caption: Officials attend the virtual meeting on ITEP that was launched in the state on Saturday
