Odisha Cabinet Approves Free Education from KG to PG Under ‘Gyanodaya’ Scheme

The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has approved a landmark proposal to implement free education from Kindergarten (KG) to Postgraduate (PG) level under the ‘Gyanodaya – Shiksharu Samruddhi’ scheme. The decision marks a significant step towards fulfilling the state government’s promise of making education more accessible and affordable for students.

The scheme aims to ensure that no student is deprived of education due to financial constraints by waiving admission fees in eligible government and government-aided educational institutions across the state.

Free Admission from Class IX to PG

Under the scheme, which will come into effect from the 2026–27 academic session, admission fees will be completely waived for students studying in Classes IX to XII in government and aided schools. The benefit will also extend to students enrolled in regular Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) courses in state government universities, government colleges, and government-aided colleges.

Education from Kindergarten to Class VIII is already free in Odisha. With this decision, the state will establish a comprehensive KG-to-PG free education system, covering a much wider section of students.

More Than 32 Lakh Students to Benefit

The government estimates that over 32 lakh students will benefit from the scheme every year. Besides reducing the financial burden on families, the initiative is expected to lower school and college dropout rates, improve enrolment, and increase participation in higher education across Odisha.

The programme also aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Odisha Vision 2036, and Odisha Vision 2047, while contributing to a higher Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in the state.

Who Is Eligible?

The scheme will apply only to students enrolled in regular courses offered by government and government-aided educational institutions.

However, students studying in self-financing institutions, unaided colleges, PPP-mode institutions, and professional or technical courses will not be covered under the scheme.

Cabinet Approves ₹5,467.55 Crore for the Scheme

The Cabinet has approved an expenditure of ₹895.57 crore for the first year of implementation and ₹5,467.55 crore over the next five years.

The state government believes the initiative will promote equal access to education, strengthen human resource development, and help create a skilled, educated, and empowered youth population capable of contributing to Odisha’s long-term growth and development.