Odisha introduces 11.25% reservation for SEBC students in higher education

Odisha government approves 11.25% SEBC reservation in higher education institutions from 2025-26, aligning with national policy.

In a significant policy decision, the Odisha Government on Wednesday (May 14, 2025) approved a proposal to introduce 11.25% reservation for students from the Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC) in admissions to State-owned and State-funded institutions of higher education.

The decision, approved by the State Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, will be implemented from the academic year 2025–26. The reservation will be applicable in State public universities, Government and aided higher secondary schools and colleges functioning under the School and Mass Education, Higher Education, Odia Language, Literature and Culture, and Sports and Youth Services Departments.

A Government statement said the move is aimed at ensuring uniform implementation of reservation across categories. The new policy aligns with the reservation structure that includes 22.5% for Scheduled Tribes (ST), 16.25% for Scheduled Castes (SC), 11.25% for SEBC, 5% for Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and 1% for Ex-Servicemen.

“The initiative seeks to promote access, equity and inclusion, increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), and enhance opportunities for marginalised and disadvantaged communities in Odisha in line with the National Education Policy 2020,” the statement noted.

Odisha had hitherto not provided reservation for SEBC/OBC students in education, despite longstanding demands from across the political spectrum for the implementation of a 27% quota.

In the sphere of employment, the State had earlier implemented a 27% reservation for OBC/SEBC candidates in 1994. However, this was overturned following a 1998 judgment by the Odisha Administrative Tribunal, which was later upheld by the high court in 2007. Since then, SEBC reservation in public employment has remained at 11.25%.

Reacting to the Cabinet decision, former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Srikant Jena, in a letter to Chief Minister Majhi, criticised the measure as inadequate. He pointed out that SEBCs constitute nearly 54% of Odisha’s population and accused successive governments of neglecting their educational rights.