Odisha government approves 11.25% reservation for SEBC students in education

The Odisha government has approved an 11.25% reservation for students from the Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC) in higher educational institutions on Wednesday. The decision was made in a cabinet meeting led by chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

This reservation will be applicable to admissions in government-run and government-aided institutions across school and mass education, literature and culture, sports and youth services, and higher education. The policy will come into effect from the 2025–26 academic year.

Existing quotas for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), persons with disabilities, and retired defence personnel will continue as per current norms.

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Odisha govt SEBC quota

According to reports, the chief minister stated that the move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and is intended to improve access, equity, and inclusion. It also aims to boost the gross enrolment ratio and create more opportunities for students from marginalised backgrounds.

Addressing the media after the cabinet meeting, Majhi emphasized that this new policy would apply to admissions in government universities, government-aided colleges, and other higher education institutions throughout the state. It will cover a broad range of academic programmes, including undergraduate, postgraduate, teacher education, and law courses overseen by the departments of school and mass education, higher education, culture, and sports.

As per a Kalinga TV report, “This initiative ensures uniform implementation of reservation in admission for students belonging to ST (22.5%), SC (16.25%), SEBC (11.25%), PwD (5%) & ESM (1%)...”