Odisha Private Elementary School Opening Permission & Recognition Rules 2026
REVISED INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPENING PRIVATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN ODISHA
School & Mass Education Department – Notification No. 17209 Dated 02.07.2026
Notification No.
17209
Issuing Authority
S&ME Department, Govt. of Odisha
Date
02.07.2026
Subject
Opening Permission – Private Elementary Schools
Applicable Schools
Private Elementary
Primary & Upper Primary Schools
Key Change
Essentiality Certificate
No longer mandatory for opening permission
Legal Basis
Odisha Education Act, 1969
Read with RCFCE Act, 2009
Key Provisions of the Notification
- Legal Authority: Issued under Sub-section (2) of Section 4 and Section 5 of the Odisha Education Act, 1969, read with Odisha Education (Establishment, Recognition and Management of Private Upper Primary Schools) Rules, 1991 and in conformity with RCFCE Act, 2009 and Odisha RCFCE Rules, 2010.
- Applicability: These instructions apply to all Private Elementary Schools (Primary and Upper Primary) in the State, irrespective of medium of instruction.
- Mandatory Opening Permission: No school shall be established or function without obtaining Opening Permission and Certificate of Recognition (CoR) under the RCFCE Act, 2009.
- Conditions for Opening Permission:
– Registration under Societies Registration Act, 1860 or Indian Trusts Act
– Conformity to values enshrined in the Constitution
– Availability of adequate land in safe, sanitary and healthy surroundings with required infrastructure (classrooms, toilets, drinking water, playground, ramps, etc.)
– Engagement of qualified and trained teachers and non-teaching staff as per prescribed norms
– Compliance with norms and standards under Sections 19 and 25 of the RCFCE Act, 2009 - Essentiality Certificate Not Mandatory: Submission of Essentiality Certificate shall not be mandatory for obtaining opening permission for establishment of Elementary Schools.
- Application Process: School authority shall apply for Certificate of Recognition (CoR) under Section 18 of the RCFCE Act, 2009. Application recommended to Director, Elementary Education for approval. Upon approval, DEO shall issue opening permission before commencement of academic session.
- Compliance & Monitoring: Schools shall adhere to all provisions of RCFCE Act, 2009 and Odisha RCFCE Rules, 2010 and amendments. DEO and BEO shall ensure proper verification and monitoring. Periodic inspection shall be conducted. Non-compliance shall lead to appropriate action.
- Supersession: This Notification supersedes all previous instructions/resolutions issued on the subject to the extent they are inconsistent with this Notification.
Important Points to Note
- Simplified Process: Removal of mandatory Essentiality Certificate simplifies the process for establishing Private Elementary Schools in Odisha.
- RCFCE Act Compliance: All schools must comply with RCFCE Act, 2009 and Odisha RCFCE Rules, 2010 for norms and standards.
- Two-Step Process: Schools need both Opening Permission (from DEO) and Certificate of Recognition (CoR) under Section 18 of RCFCE Act.
- Infrastructure Requirements: Schools must ensure adequate land and infrastructure including classrooms, toilets, drinking water, playground, ramps and other basic facilities.
- Qualified Teachers: Engagement of qualified and trained teachers and non-teaching staff as per prescribed norms is mandatory.
- Verification & Monitoring: DEO and BEO shall conduct proper verification before issuance and periodic inspection to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Previous Instructions: All previous instructions/resolutions on this subject stand superseded to the extent inconsistent with this notification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Notification No. 17209 dated 02.07.2026 about?
It issues revised instructions for grant of permission for opening Private Elementary Schools (Primary and Upper Primary) in Odisha, superseding previous inconsistent instructions.
Which schools are covered under this notification?
All Private Elementary Schools (Primary and Upper Primary) in the State, irrespective of medium of instruction.
What is the major change introduced by this notification?
The major change is that Essentiality Certificate shall not be mandatory for obtaining opening permission for establishment of Elementary Schools.
What are the key conditions for obtaining Opening Permission?
Key conditions include: registration under Societies/Trusts Act, conformity to constitutional values, adequate land and infrastructure, qualified teachers, and compliance with Sections 19 & 25 of RCFCE Act.
Under which legal provisions has this notification been issued?
Issued under Sub-section (2) of Section 4 and Section 5 of the Odisha Education Act, 1969, read with Odisha Education (Establishment, Recognition and Management of Private Upper Primary Schools) Rules, 1991 and in conformity with RCFCE Act, 2009 and Odisha RCFCE Rules, 2010.
What is the role of DEO and BEO in this process?
DEO issues opening permission upon approval from Director, Elementary Education. DEO and BEO shall ensure proper verification, monitoring, and periodic inspection of schools for compliance.
Does this notification supersede previous instructions?
Yes. This Notification supersedes all previous instructions/resolutions issued on the subject to the extent they are inconsistent with this Notification.
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