Bhubaneswar, June 2: The Odisha government on Tuesday formally issued a notification implementing enhanced reservation benefits for Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC) and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) students in technical and professional education programmes. The revised reservation policy will take effect from the 2026-27 academic session.
The notification was issued by the Department of Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare, following the state Cabinet’s approval of the proposal on April 4.
Earlier, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had announced the Cabinet decision and directed officials to expedite its implementation.
As per the revised reservation framework, the quota for ST students in technical education institutions has been increased from 12 per cent to 22.5 per cent, while reservation for SC students has been raised from 8 per cent to 16.25 per cent. Additionally, an 11.25 per cent reservation has been introduced for SEBC students, marking their first inclusion under the reservation system in technical education.
Officials stated that the move is aimed at ensuring proportional representation of socially disadvantaged communities in professional and technical education and bringing reservation norms in line with those already applicable in government employment and general higher education courses.
Government data shows that Scheduled Tribes make up 22.85 per cent of Odisha’s population, while Scheduled Castes account for 17.13 per cent. Reservation in government jobs and conventional degree programmes such as BA, BCom and BSc currently stands at 22.5 per cent for STs, 16.25 per cent for SCs and 11.25 per cent for SEBCs.
However, reservations in technical and professional education had remained comparatively lower, with no quota provision for SEBC students until now.
The enhanced reservation policy will be applicable across state universities, affiliated colleges, educational institutions, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and Polytechnics offering technical and professional courses.
The revised quota structure will cover a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, technology, management, computer applications, medicine, dental sciences, nursing, pharmacy, allied health sciences, veterinary sciences, Ayurveda, homeopathy, agriculture and allied sciences, architecture, planning, cinematic arts and technology, among other professional streams.
According to the state government, the decision is expected to expand access to higher and professional education for students belonging to ST, SC and SEBC communities while improving their representation in both academic institutions and future public employment opportunities.
