Odisha's Free Education Initiative Sees Surge in Student Enrolment

The Odisha government's free education initiative from KG to PG has led to a remarkable increase in student enrolment, with 14,758 more students joining undergraduate courses this academic year. The aspirational districts, particularly Kalahandi and Koraput, have shown impressive enrolment rates. The Gyanodaya Shiksharu Samruddhi scheme aims to make education accessible to eligible families, and the government is actively working to fill vacant teaching positions to strengthen the educational framework. This initiative is a significant step towards achieving the vision of inclusive education for all.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 7, 2026, 18:52 IST

Significant Growth in Enrolment Figures

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government's initiative to provide free education from kindergarten to postgraduate levels has led to a remarkable rise in student enrolment. This year, there are 14,758 additional students enrolled in regular undergraduate programs compared to last year, according to a statement from the state's Higher Education Minister, Suryabanshi Suraj.

The aspirational districts have shown impressive enrolment rates, with Kalahandi leading at 99.09% followed closely by Koraput at 98.82%, as reported after a review meeting.

The Gyanodaya Shiksharu Samruddhi scheme, which is the first of its kind in the state, eliminates tuition fees for students attending government educational institutions.

During the meeting held on Friday, the minister reviewed the scheme's progress, discussed the filling of vacant teaching and non-teaching positions in colleges and universities, and addressed recruitment examinations conducted by the State Selection Board, along with projects under PM-USHA.

This academic year, a total of 178,937 students have enrolled in regular undergraduate courses, a notable increase from 164,179 last year, as stated by Suraj.

The initiative aims to enhance access to education for students from eligible families and bolster higher education opportunities throughout the state.

Among the aspirational districts, Kalahandi's enrolment rate stands at 99.09%, followed by Koraput (98.82%), Balangir (95.57%), Malkangiri (95.37%), and Nuapada (94.64%).

The minister emphasized the importance of strengthening the administrative and academic frameworks of higher education institutions by creating new positions.

A total of 48 principal positions have been established across 48 government degree colleges, ensuring that all 66 colleges in the state now have sanctioned principal posts, a significant increase from just 18 previously.

Suraj remarked that the free education scheme is pivotal in achieving the vision of 'education for all and higher education for all,' making advanced studies more accessible and inclusive.

He assured that vacant positions would be filled promptly.

The minister instructed relevant officials to ensure the effective execution of departmental schemes and to complete ongoing projects within the designated timelines.

In another noteworthy update, 262 new positions have been created across 17 state universities following a rationalization process aimed at enhancing their administration and operations.

Recruitment efforts are currently underway to fill 1,819 vacant teaching roles in colleges and universities, as mentioned by the minister.

The State Selection Board has conducted recruitment exams and announced results for over 2,800 vacancies across various categories in the last two years, according to an official.

For the current year, the board has released recruitment notifications for 1,557 positions in different categories.