Odisha’s Free KG-to-PG Education Scheme Boosts UG Admissions by 14,758; Kalahandi Leads

The Odisha government's free education initiative from Kindergarten to Postgraduate (KG to PG) level has coincided with a significant increase in undergraduate (UG) admissions across the state. According to Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, regular undergraduate enrolment has increased by 14,758 students compared with the previous academic year.

Under the Gyanodaya – Shiksha Ru Samruddhi scheme, a total of 1,78,937 students secured admission to regular undergraduate courses during the current academic session. The corresponding figure stood at 1,64,179 in the previous academic year.The minister shared these figures during a review meeting of the Higher Education Department in Bhubaneswar. The initiative aims to make education more accessible and promote inclusive participation in higher education.

Kalahandi Records Highest UG Admission Percentage

The increase in undergraduate enrolment has been particularly encouraging in Odisha's aspirational districts. Kalahandi recorded the highest admission percentage at 99.09%, followed by Koraput at 98.82%.

The other districts reporting high admission percentages are:

The figures were shared by the Higher Education Minister following a review of the scheme's implementation.

What is Odisha's Gyanodaya KG-to-PG Free Education Scheme?

The Gyanodaya – Shiksha Ru Samruddhi initiative was introduced from the 2026-27 academic session to expand access to education and reduce the financial burden on eligible students.Under the scheme, eligible students can pursue regular undergraduate and postgraduate courses without paying the prescribed tuition and other covered fees at participating government and government-aided institutions.

However, the benefit is not universal. According to the operational guidelines reported by The New Indian Express, eligibility is subject to conditions, including admission through the Student Academic Management System (SAMS) and a minimum of 75% marks. Certain professional, self-financing and distance-learning courses are excluded.

Odisha Government Creates 48 New Principal Posts

The Higher Education Department has also taken steps to strengthen the administrative structure of government degree colleges.According to the minister, 48 new principal posts have been created across 48 government degree colleges. With this decision, all 66 government degree colleges in Odisha now have sanctioned principal positions, compared with only 18 colleges earlier.

The state government has also created 262 additional posts across 17 state universities following a rationalisation exercise. The move is aimed at improving administrative efficiency and institutional functioning.

Recruitment Underway for 1,819 Teaching Vacancies

The minister also reviewed the recruitment process for vacant teaching positions in colleges and universities.Recruitment is underway to fill 1,819 teaching vacancies across higher education institutions in the state. Meanwhile, the State Selection Board (SSB) has conducted recruitment examinations and declared results for more than 2,800 vacancies across different categories over the past two years.

For the current year, recruitment notifications have also been issued for 1,557 posts across various categories.The minister directed officials to ensure timely recruitment, effective implementation of departmental schemes and completion of ongoing higher education projects within the stipulated deadlines.