📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Abha S Pradhan
Education
Odisha Colleges Waive Admission Fees for Six Months for SC/ST Students
✍️ Kanak News Odisha
🗓 01 Sep 2026, 03:30 AM
👁 6
The Odisha government has instructed all state‑run and private colleges to exempt Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students from admission fees for the next six months, aiming to improve access to higher education.
The state education department announced that, effective immediately, both government‑run and privately managed colleges in Odisha will not charge any admission fee to students belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories for a period of six months. The move is part of a broader effort to reduce financial barriers and encourage higher enrollment among historically disadvantaged groups.
Officials said the fee waiver will apply to all undergraduate programmes and will be reflected in the admission notices released by the colleges. Institutions are required to update their fee structures on their websites and inform prospective students through official channels.
The policy, announced by the state’s higher‑education minister, is expected to benefit thousands of SC and ST youths seeking to pursue college education this year. The government will monitor compliance and may extend the relief if needed.
Education analysts view the waiver as a timely intervention, especially as many families continue to face economic strain post‑pandemic. The decision aligns with central government schemes aimed at promoting inclusive education across the country.
Officials said the fee waiver will apply to all undergraduate programmes and will be reflected in the admission notices released by the colleges. Institutions are required to update their fee structures on their websites and inform prospective students through official channels.
The policy, announced by the state’s higher‑education minister, is expected to benefit thousands of SC and ST youths seeking to pursue college education this year. The government will monitor compliance and may extend the relief if needed.
Education analysts view the waiver as a timely intervention, especially as many families continue to face economic strain post‑pandemic. The decision aligns with central government schemes aimed at promoting inclusive education across the country.