Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s higher education sector has recorded an encouraging increase in undergraduate admissions following the implementation of the Gyanodaya – Shikshya Ru Samruddhi scheme. The state has registered 14,758 additional admissions in regular undergraduate courses during the 2026–27 academic year, with aspirational districts reporting particularly high enrolment percentages.
The progress was reviewed during a meeting chaired by Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj at the Higher Education Department conference hall in Bhubaneswar on November 5. The meeting assessed the implementation of the scheme, college admission figures, vacant teaching positions and administrative management of state universities.
Odisha Records 1.78 Lakh Undergraduate Admissions
According to the figures presented during the review, total admissions to regular undergraduate courses increased from 1,64,179 in the previous academic year to 1,78,937 in 2026–27.
This represents an increase of 14,758 students, indicating a positive response to the state’s initiative to make higher education more accessible. The Gyanodaya scheme aims to reduce financial barriers and encourage students to continue their education beyond school.
Aspirational Districts Lead in College Enrolment
One of the notable outcomes highlighted during the review was the strong enrolment performance of Odisha’s aspirational districts.
Kalahandi recorded the highest admission percentage at 99.09%, followed by Koraput at 98.82%. Other districts also reported encouraging figures.
The district-wise admission percentages were:
- Kalahandi: 99.09%
- Koraput: 98.82%
- Balangir: 95.57%
- Malkangiri: 95.37%
- Nuapada: 94.64%
The figures highlight the growing participation in higher education across districts that have faced development challenges. The performance also points to the importance of improving educational access beyond major urban centres.
Gyanodaya Scheme and Its Higher Education Objectives
The Gyanodaya – Shikshya Ru Samruddhi initiative is the Odisha government’s KG-to-PG free education programme, introduced from the 2026–27 academic session.
Under the scheme, eligible students pursuing regular undergraduate and postgraduate courses at state public universities, government colleges and government-aided colleges can receive the prescribed education fee benefits.
The programme is intended to ensure that financial difficulties do not prevent eligible students from pursuing higher studies. Its implementation guidelines also specify eligibility conditions and exclusions for certain professional, self-financing and other categories of courses.
Teaching Recruitment and University Administration Also Reviewed
Apart from student enrolment, the November 5 meeting also examined staffing requirements and administrative improvements across higher education institutions.
The department reported that 48 new principal posts had been created in government degree colleges, taking the total number of principal positions to 66 for the state’s 66 government degree colleges.
Recruitment is underway for 385 Assistant Professor Stage-I posts in government degree colleges. Additionally, 1,434 teaching positions across 17 state universities are being filled for Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor cadres.
To strengthen university administration, 262 new non-teaching posts have also been created across the 17 universities following a rationalisation exercise.
The State Selection Board has declared results for more than 2,800 vacant posts across different categories over the past two years. Notifications have also been issued for 1,557 vacancies during the current year.
Focus on Improving Access to Higher Education in Odisha
The latest admission figures mark an important development for Odisha’s higher education sector. The increase in undergraduate enrolment, particularly in aspirational districts, reflects progress towards expanding educational opportunities across the state.
However, the effective implementation of the Gyanodaya Scheme, timely recruitment of teaching staff and stronger university administration will remain important for sustaining this progress.
The Odisha Gyanodaya Scheme is expected to play a significant role in improving access to higher education, particularly for students who face financial barriers to continuing their studies. Continued monitoring of admissions and institutional capacity will be important in ensuring that the benefits reach eligible students across the state.
