Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced a major overhaul of its reservation policy for admissions to higher, technical, and professional educational institutions across the state. The revised reservation framework, which will come into force from the 2026-27 academic session, significantly enhances opportunities for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and introduces reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs).
The decision was taken following recommendations of the Policy Planning Body constituted under Section 4 of the Odisha Professional Educational Institutions (Regulation of Admission and Fixation of Fee) Act, 2007. The government issued the notification through an Office Memorandum of the Department of Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare.
Under the revised policy, reservations for STs will continue at 22.5%. However, the reservation quota for SCs has been increased from 8% to 16.25%. In a significant move, the state government has also introduced an 11.25% reservation for students belonging to the SEBCs.
The new reservation structure will be applicable across all universities in Odisha, including their constituent and affiliated colleges. It will also cover Industrial Training Institutes, polytechnics, and other institutions offering professional and technical education.
The reservation policy will apply to a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, technology, management, computer applications, medicine, surgery, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, allied health sciences, veterinary science, Ayurveda, homeopathy, agriculture and allied sciences, architecture, planning, and cinematic art and technology. It will also extend to any other courses that may be notified by the state government from time to time.
According to the notification, the reservation benefits will be available for certificate, diploma, and degree programmes offered at undergraduate as well as postgraduate levels.
The government has clarified that seats earmarked under the All India Quota will not be considered while calculating the annual approved intake for implementing the reservation policy. It has further stated that existing provisions relating to horizontal reservations and reservations for Economically Weaker Sections will continue to operate in accordance with prevailing laws, rules, and government guidelines.
Officials said the revised framework aims to ensure broader representation of historically disadvantaged and socially backward communities in professional and higher education institutions. The move is expected to expand access to educational opportunities for a larger section of students across the state.
The notification was issued with the governor’s approval and signed by Commissioner-cum-Secretary Dr. Parameswaran.
The revised reservation policy will take effect from the academic year 2026-27.
