Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has expanded its Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP) to 81 higher education institutions for the 2026–27 academic session, strengthening efforts to connect undergraduate education with industry requirements. The programme, which initially covered two subjects across 31 institutions, now includes 11 subjects and offers students greater opportunities to gain practical workplace experience.
As part of the expansion, the Higher Education Department has decided to introduce an Artificial Intelligence (AI) course for AEDP students from the second semester of the current academic session. The initiative aims to equip students with basic AI knowledge and practical skills before they begin their industry-linked apprenticeship training.
The state has also reportedly set a target of bringing at least 10,000 undergraduate students under apprenticeship, internship and community-engagement initiatives during the current academic year.
Odisha Introduces ‘AI for All’ for AEDP Students
The Higher Education Department has decided to replace the existing Good Citizenship course with ‘AI for All’ as a value-added course (VAC) for students enrolled in AEDP.
Director of Higher Education Kaliprasanna Mohapatra has instructed registrars and principals of higher education institutions to implement the change from the second semester.
The new course will follow the same curriculum as the ‘AI for All’ programme already offered to non-AEDP students as a skill enhancement course (SEC).
The initiative is intended to familiarise students with artificial intelligence and its practical applications. By introducing AI concepts during their undergraduate studies, the department aims to help students develop skills that may prove useful in modern workplaces.
The course will also prepare students for an employment environment in which digital technologies and AI-based tools are increasingly relevant across different industries.
AEDP Expanded from 31 to 81 Higher Education Institutions
Odisha introduced the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme in 31 higher education institutions during the previous academic session, initially covering two subjects.
For the 2026–27 academic session, the programme has been expanded to 81 institutions and 11 subjects, widening access to industry-linked undergraduate education.
The expansion reflects the state’s efforts to make higher education more practical and employment-oriented by combining academic learning with structured workplace training.
Through this approach, students can develop subject knowledge while gaining exposure to professional environments and workplace expectations.
Programme Now Covers 11 Subjects
The expanded AEDP covers the following 11 subjects across participating institutions:
- Commerce
- Home Science
- Economics
- History
- English
- Zoology
- Mathematics
- Library Science
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Botany
The wider subject coverage allows students from different academic backgrounds to pursue degree programmes that incorporate apprenticeship training.
The introduction of AI as a value-added course is expected to complement this academic structure by providing students with foundational knowledge of emerging technologies.
Two Years of Academic Learning Followed by Apprenticeship
Under the programme structure described in the report, students undertake two years of academic learning followed by one year of apprenticeship training.
This model combines classroom education with practical experience in a workplace setting. During the apprenticeship period, students gain exposure to professional responsibilities and real-world applications of the knowledge acquired during their studies.
Students also receive a stipend during the apprenticeship period, providing financial support while they gain practical experience.
The programme is designed to improve employability by helping students develop workplace skills alongside their academic qualifications.
Odisha Targets 10,000 Undergraduate Students
The state government has reportedly set a target of bringing at least 10,000 undergraduate students under apprenticeship, internship and community-engagement initiatives during the 2026–27 academic year.
These initiatives aim to give students opportunities to apply their academic knowledge in practical settings, develop professional skills and engage with organisations and communities.
The AEDP expansion forms part of this broader effort to strengthen the relationship between higher education and employment.
The success of the initiatives will depend on effective implementation by participating institutions and the availability of suitable apprenticeship and internship opportunities.
Measures to Protect Students’ Higher Education Opportunities
The Higher Education Department has also taken steps to ensure that participation in AEDP does not restrict students’ future academic options.
In August, universities and autonomous colleges were directed to provide additional subject options through multidisciplinary and skill enhancement courses.
The objective is to help students meet subject requirements for postgraduate admissions and competitive examinations, even while pursuing an apprenticeship-oriented degree programme.
This provision is important for students who may wish to continue their education after graduation rather than enter the workforce immediately.
Focus on Industry-Ready Graduates
The expansion of AEDP and the introduction of the ‘AI for All’ course highlight Odisha’s efforts to make undergraduate education more closely aligned with changing workplace requirements.
By combining classroom learning, apprenticeship training and foundational AI education, the state aims to provide students with both academic knowledge and practical skills.
The expansion to 81 institutions marks a significant increase in the programme’s reach. With a target of 10,000 undergraduate students under apprenticeship, internship and community-engagement initiatives, implementation during the 2026–27 academic session will be important in determining the programme’s impact on students’ career prospects.
