Bhubaneswar, Dec 10 (IANS): Schools and colleges across Odisha are likely to reopen, in a phased manner, from January next year.

School and Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Dash on Thursday said schools would reopen for holding classes for 10 and 12 students in January next year to facilitate those appearing for the board examinations.

"Schools may reopen from January. However, priority will be given to reopen classes for Class 10 and 12 students in the first phase," he said.

Dash said a decision on reopening of classes for other students will be taken after consultations.

Except festival holidays, classes will be held on Saturday and Sundays.

The department has planned to conduct physical classes for at least 100 days before the conduct of examinations.

Higher Education Eecretary Saswat Mishra said he is hopeful for reopening of colleges across Odisha in January next year while the state government will take final decision after reviewing all aspects including the Covid-19 pandemic situation.

"We are hopeful that college students will be able to attend classes from New Year. However, semester exams of under graduate and post graduate students are likely to be postponed," he said.

Earlier, the department asked the university and college authorities not to conduct examinations till the physical mode of teaching is resumed.