The Odisha government has announced a significant increase in reservations for Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) students in technical and professional educational courses, including engineering and medicine, starting from the 2026-27 academic session.
The decision, approved by the cabinet on April 4, was revealed by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who emphasized immediate implementation. The move aims to address the historical underrepresentation of ST, SC, and SEBC communities in the education sector.
Previously, reservations for ST students in technical and professional courses were at 12%, SC students at 8%, and SEBC students had no specific quota. However, following the recent decision, these reservations have been increased to 22.5% for ST students, 16.25% for SC students, and 16.25% for SEBC students, marking a significant policy change.
The revised reservation policy will be applicable across all universities, affiliated colleges, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), and polytechnic institutions in Odisha, ensuring broader access to technical and professional education for marginalized communities.
