With student union elections set to return to Odisha colleges after an eight-year gap, campuses across the state have become active. The Higher Education Department has issued detailed guidelines for the elections. Colleges will publish the notification on October 7, nominations will be filed on October 9, and polling will be held on October 15. Newly elected representatives will take oath on October 16.

No Political Party Backing

The guidelines clearly state that candidates cannot contest with the support or backing of any political party. The government has stressed that the elections should remain focused on student leadership and campus issues.

Who Can Contest?

Only regular students enrolled through the Student Academic Management System (SAMS) in regular courses will be eligible. Students enrolled in self-financing courses under the PPP mode, as well as those pursuing distance education, cannot contest or vote.

For undergraduate students, the age limit has been fixed between 17 and 22 years, while postgraduate candidates must be aged 25 years or below. Candidates must have no back paper from the previous academic year and must maintain at least 75% attendance.

Students with criminal cases or previous disciplinary action by their institutions will also be ineligible.

Election Expenditure Rules

Candidates must follow the prescribed spending limit and submit details of their election expenditure within two weeks of the results. College authorities will upload the details on the HIMS portal within two days.

Candidates cannot accept financial support from political parties. Campaign expenses can only come from voluntary contributions by students.

Strict Campaign Restrictions

Candidates cannot make inflammatory, defamatory or objectionable remarks based on caste, religion or community. Offensive social media posts and fake AI-generated content are also prohibited.

Campaigning must stop 24 hours before polling. Printed posters and banners, vehicles with loudspeakers and the use of animals for campaigning are banned. Meetings will require prior permission from college authorities.

The department has urged all stakeholders to ensure peaceful elections without disrupting academic activities.

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