Bhubaneswar, Aug 7: The Higher Education Department on Friday released the first merit list for Phase-I admissions to postgraduate (PG) courses for the 2026–27 academic session.

According to official data, a total of 135 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), including 21 universities and 114 colleges across Odisha, participated in the admission process.

Against the total sanctioned intake of 32,563 seats, the department received 58,613 applications. Of these, 50,901 applicants were declared eligible, while 37,303 candidates completed the choice-locking process.

In the first round of admissions, 21,121 candidates have been allotted seats. The selected candidates include 6,918 males, 14,202 females, and one transgender applicant.

Candidates opting for the "Freeze" option must pay the admission fee online, wherever applicable, download their intimation letter, and report to their allotted Higher Education Institutions between August 8 and August 11, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays) to complete the admission process.

Applicants choosing the "Slide" or "Float" option are also required to pay the admission fee online. However, they need not report to their allotted institutions at this stage, as no intimation letter will be issued to them. These candidates should wait for the second round of seat allotment.