Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards strengthening career awareness among school students, the Odisha Government on Saturday launched a statewide career guidance programme for students of Classes IX and X. The initiative aims to equip students with the knowledge, confidence, and direction needed to make informed academic and career choices at an early stage.
The programme has been introduced by the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) and will be implemented across schools in the state. Through structured guidance sessions, students will be exposed to a wide range of career opportunities, helping them understand the educational pathways and skills required for different professions.
Career Guidance Sessions Twice Every Month
According to an official communication issued by OSEPA to all District Education Officers (DEOs), dedicated career guidance sessions will now be conducted on the first and third Saturdays of every month, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.
During these sessions, students will receive expert guidance on various career options, including opportunities in the civil services, engineering, medicine, law, defence, entrepreneurship, education, science, technology, and other emerging professional fields. The programme also seeks to help students identify their interests, strengths, and long-term aspirations before choosing higher education streams.
Officials said the initiative is designed to bridge the information gap many students face while planning their future careers, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to career counselling is often limited.
Programme Begins With ‘Self Discovery and Career Planning’
The first career guidance webinar under the programme was conducted on Saturday with the theme “Self Discovery and Career Planning.”
The inaugural session focused on helping students understand their individual abilities, interests, personality traits, and potential career aspirations. Experts also highlighted the importance of goal setting, self-assessment, and informed decision-making while selecting future educational and professional pathways.
Authorities believe that introducing career counselling at the secondary school level will enable students to make better academic choices and prepare more effectively for future competitive examinations and higher education.
Helping Students Make Informed Career Choices
Education officials said the initiative is part of the state’s broader effort to improve student support services beyond classroom learning. By providing regular career counselling, the government aims to reduce confusion among students regarding career options and encourage them to explore diverse opportunities based on their interests and abilities.
The programme is also expected to create greater awareness about emerging industries, skill development, vocational education, and employment trends, ensuring students are better prepared for a rapidly changing job market.
With fortnightly sessions now scheduled across schools, the Odisha Government hopes the initiative will empower students with the right guidance, helping them confidently plan their educational journey and future careers.
