Odisha's Students' Union Elections Set for October 15 After Long Hiatus
Exciting News for Odisha's College Students
In a significant development, students' union elections are scheduled to take place in colleges throughout Odisha on October 15, marking the first such event in eight years. The Higher Education Department has released an official notification outlining the eligibility requirements for students wishing to run for office.
According to the timeline provided, colleges and universities will announce the election details on October 7. Candidates will have the opportunity to submit their nomination papers on October 9. The polling and counting of votes will occur on October 15, with the newly elected representatives being sworn in on October 16.
Eligibility Requirements for Candidates
The official guidelines specify that undergraduate students aged between 17 and 22 years, as well as postgraduate students up to 25 years old on the notification date, are eligible to contest. Candidates must not have any academic arrears during the election year and are required to maintain a minimum attendance of 75%.
Each candidate is allowed one chance to run for an office-bearer position and two chances for an executive member role. Additionally, candidates must not have any criminal history or pending disciplinary actions from their respective institutions.
To qualify, candidates must be regular, full-time students enrolled through the Student Academic Management System (SAMS) in either regular or self-financing programs. Those studying through distance education or public-private partnerships are not eligible.
Election Timeline
- Issuance of election notification: October 7
- Filing of nomination papers: October 9
- Polling date: October 15
- Vote counting and results announcement: October 15
- Swearing-in ceremony for elected representatives: October 16