Bhubaneswar, 19 June (H.S.): In a significant move aimed at expanding access to higher education, the Odisha government has approved the rationalization and enhancement of undergraduate (UG) seats across universities and colleges for the 2026-27 academic session. The decision will create an additional 10,372 seats in higher education institutions across the state.

According to a notification issued by the Higher Education Department, the seat increase was approved after a detailed review of admission trends from previous academic sessions. The department found that several undergraduate subjects were witnessing a consistently high demand from students, while the sanctioned intake capacity in those disciplines remained inadequate.

To address this gap, the government has enhanced the sanctioned strength in selected UG courses offered by State Public Universities, Government Colleges, and Aided Colleges across Odisha. The revised seat matrix has already been incorporated into the Student Academic Management System (SAMS) Portal for the ongoing admission process.

Under the revised allocation, State Public Universities will receive 1,216 additional seats, while Government Colleges will add 4,684 seats. Similarly, Aided-488 Category Colleges will get 3,416 new seats, and Aided-662 Category Colleges will receive 1,056 additional seats, taking the total increase to 10,372 seats statewide.

The Higher Education Department has communicated the decision to the Regional Directors of Education in Bhubaneswar, Balasore, Berhampur, Jeypore, and Sambalpur, as well as to PG Council Chairpersons and principals of the concerned institutions for immediate implementation.

Officials said the expansion is expected to ease admission pressure in high-demand subjects and provide greater opportunities for students seeking undergraduate admissions in Odisha from the 2026-27 academic year.

“After careful consideration of the demand pattern and requirements of students, the Government has been pleased to enhance the sanctioned strength in selected UG subjects of certain State Public Universities, Government Colleges, and Aided Colleges of the State for the Academic Session 2026-27. The revised strengths have already been incorporated in the SAMS Portal for the current academic session,” the notification stated.

The decision is expected to benefit thousands of aspiring students by improving access to quality higher education and ensuring that seat availability better reflects current academic demand across the state.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda