Bhubaneswar, Oct. 29 -- Odisha has introduced the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP) in 31 higher education institutions last academic year, covering two subjects. In the 2026-27 academic session, the programme expanded to 81 institutions and now covers 11 subjects.

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 state has also reportedly set a target of bringing at least 10,000 undergraduate students under apprenticeship, internship and community-engagement initiatives this academic year. AEDP combines classroom learning with industry-linked training to improve students' ...