Education / Odisha Eases Admission Fee Burden for SC, ST Students In Medical, Engineering Colleges

Bhubaneswar, Aug 31: In a significant move aimed at easing financial stress for underprivileged students, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed that Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students admitted to government medical and engineering colleges will not be required to deposit admission, tuition, or other fees for the first six months, officials said on Monday.

The decision comes in response to repeated reports highlighting the struggles of meritorious SC/ST students who, despite clearing competitive examinations, often face hurdles in paying upfront fees at the time of admission. Many families lack immediate financial resources, forcing students to delay or even forgo higher education opportunities.

Under the new directive, students will be allowed to defer fee payment until they receive scholarship funds from the state or central government. Typically, scholarship disbursement takes three to four months, leaving students in a precarious position during the admission process. The Chief Minister’s intervention ensures that financial hardship will no longer block access to professional education.

Officials said that a detailed guideline will be issued shortly to streamline the process. The move has been welcomed by educationists and social activists, who see it as a step toward inclusive growth and empowerment of marginalized communities.
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“This decision will bring relief to thousands of families who struggle to arrange money at short notice. It is a recognition of the challenges faced by SC/ST students and a commitment to equity in education,” said a senior official in the Higher Education Department.

The directive is expected to encourage more students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue medical and engineering courses, thereby strengthening representation of SC/ST communities in professional fields.