Odisha Expands Reservation in Higher Education for SC, ST, SEBC Students

Bhubaneswar, April 6 — In a significant move aimed at promoting inclusivity and equitable access to education, the Odisha Cabinet has approved a sweeping revision of the state’s reservation policy in higher and technical education. The decision is set to benefit students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) across a wide range of academic disciplines.

Announcing the decision, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that the revised policy substantially increases reservation quotas for historically marginalized communities. The reservation for ST students has been raised from 12 percent to 22.5 percent, while SC students will now receive 16.25 percent reservation, up from the earlier 8 percent. Additionally, the Cabinet has introduced a new 11.25 percent quota for SEBC students, marking a notable expansion of affirmative action in the state.

The revised policy will be implemented across all state-run universities and their affiliated colleges, as well as institutions such as Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and polytechnics. It will apply to admissions in a diverse array of fields, including engineering, medicine, management, computer applications, nursing, pharmacy, agriculture, veterinary sciences, architecture, and even emerging disciplines like cinematic arts and technology. Both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes will fall under the ambit of this policy.

Providing further details, the Chief Minister highlighted the tangible impact of the new reservation structure. Out of 2,421 medical seats (including undergraduate and postgraduate), 545 seats will now be reserved for ST students, 393 for SC students, and 272 for SEBC students. Similarly, in engineering courses, which collectively offer 44,579 seats, 10,030 seats have been allocated for ST students, 7,244 for SC students, and 5,015 for SEBC students.

The policy is expected to significantly improve access to higher education for underrepresented communities, addressing long-standing disparities in educational attainment and professional opportunities. By expanding reservation across technical and professional courses, the state government aims to create a more diverse and inclusive academic environment while also strengthening the socio-economic fabric of Odisha.

Officials noted that the move aligns with broader national goals of social justice and empowerment through education. As Odisha implements this revised framework, it is likely to serve as a reference point for other states seeking to recalibrate their own reservation policies in higher education.

With this decision, the state government has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive growth, ensuring that students from all sections of society have a fair opportunity to pursue higher education and contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.