OKCL launches Olympiad Movement to promote conceptual learning in Odia-medium schools

In a move to transform education for Odia-medium students, the Odisha Knowledge Corporation Limited (OKCL) on Tuesday launched the OKCL Olympiad Movement (OOM), with emphasis on the concept of ‘learn by understanding, win by thinking’ rather than relying on rote memorization.

The hybrid launch event brought together hundreds of educators and students from across Odisha. While OKCL’s District Level Coordinators (DLCs) and staff members attended the physical event at OKCL’s Bhubaneswar headquarters, more than 800 Authorized Learning Centres (ALCs) and numerous school students joined the ceremony virtually, marking one of the largest digital education gatherings in the state.

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The OKCL Olympiad Movement is a major stride toward reshaping the learning environment in government and Odia-medium schools, Dr. Manoranjan Puthal, Managing Director, OKCL, who inaugurated the event, said.

“OKCL aims to help students think beyond memorisation. The Olympiad Movement encourages them to understand concepts, apply knowledge, and develop creativity,” he said.

He further added that the initiative would bridge learning gaps through OKCL’s e-school content and reach out to more than 25,000 students in the current academic year. He also emphasized that OOM aligns with OKCL’s broader mission to foster 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy, thereby preparing students for a knowledge-driven future.

“The OKCL Olympiad Movement is not just an examination—it is a journey towards understanding. Such platforms inspire children to question, reason, and innovate. Participation in Olympiad builds analytical ability and self-confidence, which are essential for lifelong learning”, eminent educationist Dr. Hadibandhu Pattnaik Pattnaik said on the occasion.

The OKCL Olympiad Movement is an online state-level competition in Mathematics and Science designed exclusively for students from Classes 4 to 9 studying in Odia-medium schools under the Board of Secondary Education (BSE), Odisha.

The one-hour online test assesses students’ understanding, reasoning, and application skills while integrating real-life contexts. Participating students and schools will gain access to free e-content and digital learning resources, ensuring inclusivity across rural and urban areas. In addition, all participants will receive e-certificates and Olympiad badges, while top performers will be honoured with special awards. The programme also acts as a foundation for preparing students for NTSE, as well as national and international Olympiads.

With over 800 ALCs already participating, the Olympiad Movement is fast emerging as a platform that empowers Odia-medium students with equal opportunities in digital learning and competitive exposure. It aims to bridge the urban–rural education divide and foster an environment where learning is joyful, meaningful, and relevant to real life.

Odisha Knowledge Corporation Limited (OKCL) is a Public–Private Partnership company promoted by the Government of Odisha under the Electronics & Information Technology Department (E&IT). The organization is dedicated to bridging the digital divide through IT literacy, e-learning, and skill-based education across the state, with flagship programs like OS-CIT and the OKCL Olympiad Movement empowering learners to succeed in a technology-driven world.