The Odisha government has taken a major step towards expanding access to education by approving ‘Gyanodaya – Shiksharu Samruddhi’, a new scheme that will make education from kindergarten (KG) to postgraduate (PG) level free by waiving admission fees across government educational institutions.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday, fulfilling the state government’s earlier promise to provide free education from KG to PG.
The scheme will come into effect from the 2026–27 academic session and is expected to benefit lakhs of students across the state by easing the financial burden on families.
Admission fees waived across educational levels
Under the newly approved scheme, students seeking admission to government educational institutions, from schools to universities, will not have to pay admission fees. The initiative is aimed at ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent children and young adults from pursuing quality education.
The state government believes the move will improve enrolment, reduce dropout rates and encourage more students, particularly those from economically weaker sections, to continue their studies.
Part of Odisha’s education reforms
The approval of Gyanodaya – Shiksharu Samruddhi is part of the Odisha government’s broader efforts to strengthen the education sector and make learning more inclusive and accessible.
Officials said detailed operational guidelines, including eligibility criteria and the implementation framework, will be issued before admissions begin for the 2026–27 academic year.
The government expects the scheme to create greater educational opportunities while promoting equity in access to learning from the foundational stage through higher education.
The initiative is also expected to support the state’s long-term goal of improving literacy, enhancing higher education participation and empowering students through affordable education