Odisha Government Expands Reservation for SCs, STs in Professional Courses Starting 2026

The Odisha government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, has announced significant changes to the reservation policy for higher education in the state. Effective from the academic year 2026-2027, the government will enhance reservation percentages for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in medical, engineering, and other professional courses. The revised policy aims to improve access for underrepresented communities in the educational sector.

According to the new notification issued on Tuesday, the reservation for Scheduled Tribes will increase from 12% to 22.5%, while the quota for Scheduled Castes will rise from 8% to 16.25%. The government has also introduced an 11.25% reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC). Importantly, this new quota will not include seats allocated under the all-India quota, ensuring that the reservation is applicable only to the state’s approved seats.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized that the decision aligns professional course reservations with the existing provisions in general higher education. This move is seen as a step towards creating greater equity, opportunity, and access within the education system for all segments of society. With Scheduled Tribes representing approximately 22.8% of Odisha’s population and Scheduled Castes accounting for around 17.13%, the new reservation policy aims to address the historical imbalances faced by these communities.

Furthermore, the government has stated that the horizontal reservation system and quotas for the Economically Weaker Sections will be applied in accordance with the current guidelines. This reform is expected to encourage a more inclusive approach to education in the state and foster a diverse learning environment across various disciplines.

As the state gears up for this substantial policy shift, education officials and stakeholders are preparing to implement the new reservation framework effectively. This initiative not only aims to uplift marginalized communities but also to enhance the overall educational landscape in Odisha, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to pursue their academic and professional aspirations.

Source: scroll.in