Bhubaneswar: To enhance financial literacy and boost employability among students, the Odisha Higher Education Department has announced the rollout of the NSE BFSI Skill Programme across universities and colleges in the state.

This initiative will offer free professional training in essential financial areas, including stock markets, mutual funds, insurance, banking, and financial transactions.

According to the notification from the Higher Education Department, students enrolled in programs such as Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS), Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Commerce, Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Master of Commerce (M.Com) will have access to a comprehensive 30-hour professional certificate course focused on mutual funds.

Colleges and universities are instructed to appoint a Nodal Officer to ensure the effective execution of the program. Preference will be given to faculty members with backgrounds in Commerce, Management, Economics, or related disciplines.

This initiative is being conducted in partnership with the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSEIL) as part of the National Skill Development Mission.

The official order was issued on July 15, 2026, and has been disseminated to all Vice-Chancellors of state public universities and principals of government and aided colleges for prompt implementation.

Initially, the program will be rolled out in 97 selected colleges and universities situated within a 100-kilometre radius of major urban centers, including Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Bhadrak, Dhenkanal, Jeypore, Kendrapara, Keonjhar, Rourkela, and Sambalpur.