Odisha approves KG to PG free education scheme; 32 lakh students to benefit

The Odisha Cabinet on July 1 approved the 'Gyanodaya–Shiksharu Samruddhi' KG to PG Free Education' scheme, extending free education from kindergarten to postgraduate level in government and government-aided educational institutions across the state. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described it as a historic and first-of-its-kind initiative. The scheme will come into effect from the 2026–27 academic session.

Under this, eligible students enrolled in regular courses at government and government-aided schools, colleges or state public universities will receive a full waiver of admission fees. The benefit will cover students studying in Classes 9 to 12, undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programmes. Since education up to Class 8 is already free in Odisha, the new scheme effectively ensures free education from KG to PG.

Students enrolled in self-financing, unaided, PPP-mode institutions and professional or technical courses will not benefit from this scheme.

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Rs 5,467 crore for five-year rollout

The state government said the initiative aims to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent deserving students from pursuing education. It is also expected to improve enrolment, increase retention and reduce dropout rates, particularly among economically weaker sections.

The Cabinet approved an estimated expenditure of Rs 895.57 crore for the first year of implementation and Rs 5,467.55 crore over five years. Nearly 32 lakh students studying in government and government-aided institutions under the School and Mass Education and Higher Education departments are expected to benefit from the scheme.