What is the Academic Bank of Credits?

A digital record of the credits you earn, linked to your APAAR ID, which helps with transfers and re-entry.

Can I change my major under NEP?

Many universities allow changes in the first year subject to seat availability. Check your university's regulations.

A Student’s Guide to the New NEP 2020 Curriculum in Odisha Universities (2026)

Education Newsnews

Higher Education

Feb 2026

2 min read

On this page11

The days of rigid 3-year degrees are over. Starting in 2025-26, major universities like Utkal, Ravenshaw, and Sambalpur have moved to a flexible, credit-based system under NEP 2020. If you are entering college this year, your degree will look very different from your seniors'.

1. The 4-Year Undergraduate Program (FYUGP)

Under NEP 2020, the standard 'Plus 3' (+3) has evolved. You now have the choice between a 3-year and a 4-year degree path.

3-Year Degree: A standard Bachelor’s degree qualification.
4-Year Honours Degree: Includes advanced coursework in your chosen Major.
4-Year Honours with Research: For students with high CGPA (7.5+), offering a direct path to Ph.D.

2. Multiple Entry and Exit Options (MEEO)

Scroll horizontally to view full table⇄

Exit Point	Qualification Awarded
After 1 Year	Undergraduate Certificate (with vocational credits)
After 2 Years	Undergraduate Diploma
After 3 Years	Bachelor’s Degree
After 4 Years	Bachelor’s Degree (Honours / Research)

Key Takeaway & Advice

Credit Portability: If you exit early, your credits are stored in the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC). You can return to any Odisha university within 7 years to complete your degree!

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3. Major, Minor, and Multidisciplinary Courses

The old 'Streams' are blurring. The new curriculum allows you to combine diverse subjects according to your interests.

Major (Core): Your primary field of study (e.g., Physics).
Minor: A secondary field which can be from a different faculty (e.g., Music).
Multidisciplinary Courses (MDC): Subjects like 'Indian Knowledge System' or 'Ethics & Values'.
Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC): Job-ready skills like Digital Marketing or Python.

4. The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC)

In 2026, your marksheet is digital. Every student in Odisha must register for an ABC ID via abc.gov.in. Your credits are deposited here like money in a bank, making transfers between colleges seamless.

5. New Assessment Rules: 80:20 Weightage

Continuous Evaluation: Final grades include internals, mid-sem exams, and community projects.
Vocational Training: Credits awarded for internships with local industries or craftspersons.
Conceptual Clarity: Exams and textbooks are increasingly available in Odia to help students learn better.

Key Takeaway & Advice

Checklist for 2026: Create your ABC ID (mandatory for SAMS), pick your Major/Minor combo wisely, and aim for the 4th-year Research wing if you plan an academic career.

What NEP 2020 Changes for Undergraduates

Scroll horizontally to view full table⇄

Feature	What it means
Four-year UG with honours/research	A fourth year leads to an honours or honours-with-research degree
Multiple entry and exit	Certificate after 1 year, diploma after 2, degree after 3
Academic Bank of Credits	Credits are stored digitally and can be transferred
Multidisciplinary courses	Major, minor, skill and value-added courses

Odisha has introduced the four-year undergraduate programme structure in state universities and colleges in line with NEP 2020. Exact credit rules and exit options are set by each university, so read your university's regulations.

Practical Tips

Create your APAAR/ABC ID early
Choose minors that support your career plans
Keep track of credits each semester

Official Sources

Key Takeaways

NEP 2020 gives students more flexibility, but you need to plan your credits to benefit from it. Rules on majors, minors, exits and re-entry differ between universities, so read your own university's regulations carefully.

Create your APAAR/ABC ID
Choose minors that support your career plans
Track credits every semester
Ask your department about exit and re-entry rules

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not keeping copies of semester grade cards and credit statements
Not registering for an APAAR/ABC ID
Choosing minors without considering future plans
Exiting early without understanding re-entry rules

Frequently Asked Questions

Students can usually exit with a degree after three years. The fourth year leads to an honours or honours-with-research degree.

CollegeDarbar Policy Analyst

Education Analyst • CollegeDarbar

Fact-Checked & Reviewed

All information in this article has been curated, structured, and verified against official notifications, academic catalogs, and regulatory boards by the CollegeDarbar editorial team.

Published: Feb 16, 2026• Updated: Nov 1, 2026

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