The Odisha government has released a new notification regarding the regularisation of junior teachers (schematic) who have been working in state-run primary and upper primary schools since the start of the 2023-24 academic year. This revised notification was prompted by a protest from contractual junior teachers in Bhubaneswar last month.

As per the updated order, those junior teachers who remain in service will be transitioned to assistant teacher positions within Pay Level-V(A) of the elementary cadre, effective immediately. However, this regularisation is contingent upon meeting the specified requirements outlined in existing government regulations.

Additionally, the department provided clarity regarding the treatment of prior service periods. Service rendered by these teachers from their start dates until December 2025 will be recognized as service in a schematic or contractual role. This duration will not count towards seniority in the regular cadre and will not confer any associated service benefits.

From January 1, 2026, the teachers will be entitled to regular salaries and other eligible service benefits as assistant teachers, in line with relevant rules and government directives.

Officials have indicated that approximately 13,000 junior teachers, including female educators, are currently employed in various government primary and upper primary schools throughout Odisha.

Previously, the School and Mass Education Department had announced a regularisation notification on April 2, 2026, but this was suspended 12 days later due to ongoing legal disputes.

The department has now issued the revised notification after addressing the necessary legal considerations, establishing the conditions under which qualifying junior teachers will be regularised.