Odisha Government Boosts Education Access with New SEBC Quota

The Odisha government has announced a significant educational reform, reserving 11.25% of seats for Socially and Economically Backward Class (SEBC) students. This decision, made during a Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, raises the total educational reservation to 50%. The initiative aims to ensure equitable access to education and aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Starting from the academic year 2025-26, this policy will standardize reservations across various categories, promoting opportunities for marginalized communities in the state. Discover more about this landmark decision and its implications for Odisha's educational landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 14, 2025, 20:04 IST

Significant Educational Reform in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: On Wednesday, the Odisha government announced a new policy to allocate 11.25% of educational seats for students from the Socially and Economically Backward Class (SEBC), raising the total reservation in education to 50% across the state.

This decision was made during a Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Majhi expressed that within just 11 months of taking office, the government has fulfilled its promise to support SEBC students.

Previously, SEBC candidates enjoyed a reservation of 11.25% in employment, but there was no equivalent provision in education, prompting demands from opposition parties like BJD and Congress both in and out of the Assembly.

The Chief Minister highlighted that this groundbreaking decision will implement an 11.25% reservation for SEBC students in universities and state-funded higher secondary and higher education institutions starting from the academic year 2025-26.

This initiative aims to standardize the reservation system for admissions, ensuring that students from Scheduled Tribes (22.5%), Scheduled Castes (16.25%), SEBC (11.25%), persons with disabilities (5%), and ex-servicemen (1%) receive equitable opportunities in state-run institutions.

Majhi noted that this policy aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on enhancing access, equity, and inclusion, while also aiming to boost the gross enrollment ratio and create more opportunities for marginalized and disadvantaged groups in Odisha.