Odisha's free education scheme adds 14,758 UG admissions, enrolment reaches 1.79 lakh

Odisha's free KG-to-PG education scheme has helped increase undergraduate admissions by 14,758 this academic year. Kalahandi leads aspirational districts with 99.09 per cent enrolment, as the state expands higher education access.Odisha's free KG-to-PG education scheme boosts college enrolment by 14,758 (AI-generated image)New Delhi,Nov 8, 2026 09:30 ISTOdisha's free education initiative from kindergarten to postgraduate level has recorded a rise in undergraduate admissions, with 14,758 more students enrolling in regular degree courses this academic year compared to the previous year, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said.Under the Gyanodaya Shiksharu Samruddhi scheme, introduced from the current academic year, 1,78,937 students have enrolled in regular undergraduate courses, against 1,64,179 in the previous academic season, marking a significant increase in admissions across the state.The scheme provides free education in government-run institutions from nursery school to postgraduate level and aims to make higher education more accessible to students from eligible families.ASPIRATIONAL DISTRICTS RECORD ENCOURAGING ENROLMENTThe scheme has also recorded encouraging admission figures across Odisha's aspirational districts, with Kalahandi registering the highest enrolment rate at 99.09 per cent. Koraput followed with 98.82 per cent, while Balangir recorded 95.57 per cent, Malkangiri 95.37 per cent and Nuapada 94.64 per cent, the minister said.Suraj shared the figures after a review meeting held on Friday, where officials discussed the progress of the free education initiative and other measures aimed at strengthening higher education institutions. The minister said the scheme was helping realise the vision of "education for all and higher education for all" by making higher studies more accessible and inclusive.48 GOVERNMENT COLLEGES GET NEW PRINCIPAL POSTSThe review meeting also focused on strengthening the administrative and academic infrastructure of colleges and universities through the creation of new posts.As many as 48 principal posts have been created in 48 government degree colleges. With this development, all 66 government degree colleges in Odisha now have sanctioned principal posts, compared to just 18 colleges earlier.In another development, 262 new posts have been created across 17 state universities following a rationalisation exercise aimed at improving their administration and functioning.The minister said vacant positions would be filled at the earliest.RECRUITMENT UNDERWAY FOR 1,819 TEACHING VACANCIESRecruitment is currently underway to fill 1,819 vacant teaching positions across colleges and universities in the state, Suraj said.The State Selection Board has conducted recruitment examinations and declared results for more than 2,800 vacancies across different categories over the past two years, an official said.For the current year, the board has issued recruitment notifications for 1,557 posts across various categories, the official added.The meeting also reviewed recruitment examinations conducted by the State Selection Board and the implementation of projects under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA).The minister directed officials to ensure effective implementation of departmental schemes and complete ongoing projects within their stipulated timelines.(With PTI inputs)- Ends