Odisha to fill VC vacancies in 14 public universities, launches faculty recruitment

The Odisha government has confirmed that 14 of the state’s 17 public universities are currently operating without vice-chancellors, but the recruitment process to fill these top positions has been launched.

The issue was raised during the Assembly session, with members from multiple parties questioning the administration about leadership gaps and the large number of unfilled teaching posts.

Of the sanctioned 2,975 faculty positions, only 757 are currently occupied, leaving 2,231 vacancies.

In written responses, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said, “Very soon the selection process of vice-chancellors to fill up 14 vacancies will be completed.”

He explained that following the Odisha Universities (Amendment) Act, 2020, the Odisha Public Service Commission was assigned to oversee teacher recruitment across all state universities.

Minister Suraj added that the process faced legal hurdles, with several cases filed in the Orissa High Court and the Supreme Court.

“The Supreme Court stayed the recruitment process on May 20, 2022. After the Assembly passed the Odisha Universities (Amendment) Act, 2024, notified on April 17, 2025, the Supreme Court on May 7, 2025, allowed the state to resume recruitment under the new provisions,” he said.

He further stated that all universities have been instructed to begin filling faculty vacancies immediately, and the government expects the posts to be occupied soon, addressing long-standing staffing gaps across the higher education system.