Student Election / Nomination Filings Begin for Odisha Student Union Polls After Eight-Year Gap; Polling on October 15

Bhubaneswar, Oct 9: Nomination filing for the student union elections in Odisha began at 10 am Friday, bringing campus politics back into focus after an eight-year gap. The election process is being conducted across 13 universities and 328 colleges in the state.

Candidates can file their nomination papers until the scheduled deadline. Scrutiny of nominations will take place from 2 pm to 4 pm Friday, and the list of valid nominations will be published at 5 pm.

Final Candidate List On October 10
Candidates can withdraw their nominations between 10 am and 1 pm Saturday. The final list of candidates will be published at 3 pm the same day.

The ‘Why I Stand For’ meeting will be held on October 14, giving candidates an opportunity to present their views and explain their priorities.

Polling will take place on October 15 from 8 am to 2 pm. Vote counting and declaration of results will follow on the same day. The oath-taking ceremony for the elected student representatives is scheduled for October 16.

Polls To Follow Lyngdoh Commission Recommendations
Student union elections will be conducted in accordance with the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Commission, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj had said while confirming the polling date.

The minister said the government’s priority was to address campus-related issues and described student elections as vital for democracy. He also said the polls would be held in government and aided degree colleges.

The Lyngdoh Commission recommendations prescribe norms for student union elections, including restrictions on political interference and a time-bound election process.

Also Read: Campus Polls Could Turn Into A Test Of Political Strength In Odisha

Student Elections Returning After Eight Years
Student union elections were last held across Odisha in 2017. The polls were discontinued from 2018, with the then BJD-led government citing issues including Cyclone Titli and campus-related concerns. The COVID-19 pandemic later extended the suspension.

After coming to power in 2024, the BJP government indicated that student union elections would be restored. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had also said campus elections would give students an opportunity to develop leadership skills.

The October 15 elections will mark the return of elected student representative bodies to campuses across Odisha after an eight-year gap.