Odisha Higher Education / Odisha sees 14,758 more UG admissions under Gyanodaya Scheme; 1,819 teaching posts to be filled

Bhubaneswar, Nov 6: Odisha has witnessed a significant increase in undergraduate admissions following the implementation of the Gyanodaya – Shiksha Ru Samruddhi scheme, with 14,758 more students enrolling in regular degree courses compared to the previous academic year.

The development was highlighted during a review meeting of the Higher Education Department chaired by Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.

The meeting reviewed the implementation of the Gyanodaya scheme, recruitment to vacant teaching and non-teaching positions in colleges and universities, ongoing examinations conducted by the State Selection Board (SSB), and the progress of projects under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA).

According to the department, a total of 1,78,937 students enrolled in regular undergraduate courses in the current academic year, compared to 1,64,179 students in the previous year. This represents an increase of 14,758 admissions following the introduction of the Gyanodaya – KG to PG Free Education Scheme in the state from the current academic session.

The scheme aims to make education accessible to students across Odisha and promote inclusive access to higher education.

One of the major highlights of the current admission cycle is the high enrolment percentage recorded in several aspirational districts of Odisha. Kalahandi topped the list with an admission percentage of 99.09 per cent, followed by Koraput at 98.82 per cent.

The other districts reporting high admission percentages include:

Kalahandi: 99.09%
Koraput: 98.82%
Balangir: 95.57%
Malkangiri: 95.37%
Nuapada: 94.64%

The figures indicate increased participation in undergraduate education, particularly in districts where access to higher education has been a key development priority.

The state government has created 48 new principal posts in 48 government degree colleges to strengthen their administrative functioning. Previously, only 18 of the 66 government degree colleges had sanctioned principal positions. With the creation of 48 additional posts, all 66 government degree colleges in Odisha now have dedicated principal positions. The recruitment process is also underway to fill 385 vacant Assistant Professor (Stage-I) positions across various subjects in these 66 government colleges.

The Higher Education Department is also focusing on filling teaching vacancies across state universities. According to the review meeting, recruitment processes are currently underway for 1,434 vacant teaching positions across 17 universities. These vacancies include posts of Assistant Professors, Associate Professors and Professors. The government is also planning to fill a total of 1,819 teaching vacancies in colleges and universities in the state in the coming period.

To improve the administrative and academic management of universities, the state government has created 262 new positions across 17 universities following a rationalisation exercise.
The newly created positions include:
69 Junior Assistants
37 Senior Assistants
17 Section Officers
49 Assistant Librarians
30 Librarians
17 Senior Librarians
2 Physical Education Officers
10 Assistant Registrars
7 Assistant Controllers of Examinations
10 Administrative Officers
2 Budget-cum-Accounts Officers
4 Deputy Registrars
8 Deputy Controllers of Examinations

The move is aimed at improving university administration and ensuring smoother academic and institutional operations.

The meeting also reviewed recruitment activities undertaken by the State Selection Board. Over the past two years, the SSB has conducted examinations and declared results for more than 2,800 vacancies across different categories.

For the current year, the board has issued recruitment notifications for 1,557 vacant positions in various categories. The department is also monitoring ongoing recruitment examinations and related processes to ensure timely appointments.

Speaking at the meeting, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said the state government was committed to strengthening higher education institutions and ensuring quality education for students across Odisha. He expressed satisfaction over the rise in undergraduate admissions following the implementation of the Gyanodaya scheme, particularly the encouraging enrolment figures recorded in aspirational districts.

The minister said the scheme was helping the government achieve its vision of 'Education for All and Higher Education for All' by making higher education more accessible and inclusive. He further emphasised that the government was committed to improving institutional infrastructure, creating new posts and filling existing vacancies to strengthen the higher education system.

The minister directed officials to ensure the effective implementation of various departmental schemes and complete ongoing projects within the stipulated timelines.

Higher Education Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aravind Agrawal, Director Kali Prasanna Mahapatra and other senior departmental officials attended the review meeting.