The Odisha government will introduce apprenticeship-integrated undergraduate degrees in hospitality and food science starting from the 2025–26 academic session. The initiative will be implemented in 22 government and aided colleges, alongside two state universities, in collaboration with the Board of Practical Training (BOPT) and industry partners.
These programs, offered as Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees, will embed on-the-job training as a core component, accounting for up to 20% of total credits. Students will gain hands-on experience in hotels, resorts, airlines, and food production units, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical skills.
“This model not only equips students with industry-ready skills but also creates a skilled talent pool for the growing hospitality sector,” stated an official from the Higher Education Department.
The demand for trained professionals in Odisha’s hospitality sector is surging, fueled by increasing domestic and international tourism, state-backed ecotourism projects, and private investments.
Admission details, seat distribution, and participating institutions will be announced later this year. Plans are also underway to extend this apprenticeship model to other vocational disciplines like retail and healthcare.
