Lecturers recruited through Odisha's State Selection Board (SSB) in aided colleges have decided to stop taking Plus II classes from November 2, 2026, over concerns that they are being assigned teaching duties outside their recruitment mandate.

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The decision was taken by the Odisha SSB Lecturers’ Association (OSLA), which maintains that its members were appointed to teach undergraduate students, also known as Plus III, rather than higher secondary classes. The association has asked its members to submit representations to their respective college principals and seek withdrawal of the additional duties.

OSLA argued that the assignment of Plus II classes goes against the recruitment conditions and eligibility requirements applicable to higher secondary teachers. It also pointed out that the state government separated higher secondary institutions from degree colleges in 2016. However, lecturers in aided composite colleges are still being asked to teach Plus II, undergraduate and postgraduate students, increasing their workload.

The association also raised concerns over teacher eligibility, stating that the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) prescribes separate qualifications, including a BEd degree, for higher secondary teaching. It said lecturers who do not meet the required criteria should not be compelled to take these classes.

OSLA further cited the government's acknowledgement of a requirement for 2,383 postgraduate teachers in aided composite colleges. It argued that the shortage should be addressed through fresh recruitment rather than assigning additional responsibilities to existing lecturers.

The association has demanded the immediate withdrawal of Plus II teaching duties assigned to its members, saying the issue concerns recruitment conditions, workload and the quality of higher education in Odisha.