Odisha releases second instalment for free KG-to-PG education in public colleges

Odisha's Higher Education Department has released the second instalment of funding under Gyanodaya: Shiksha Ru Samruddhi, the state's KG-to-PG free education scheme, for the 2026-27 session.

The money

• Second instalment: ₹14.34 crore, which is 15% of the approved assistance.
• First instalment: ₹9.56 crore to 10%.
• Released so far: ₹23.90 crore, a quarter of the approved amount.

The funds go to state public universities, government colleges and government-aided private colleges through the Student Academic Management System (SAMS), and cover free tuition in their regular undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

What it means for a student

If you are an eligible student in one of these institutions on a regular UG or PG programme, you are meant to pay only the prescribed examination fee. Tuition and the other fees the scheme covers are paid to the college by the state.

The phased release is how the state reimburses colleges for fees they are no longer collecting from students. If your college asks for fees the scheme covers, ask it in writing which fee it is and under what rule. Take it up through SAMS or the Higher Education Department if the answer is unclear.

Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said the phased release is meant to ensure eligible students get free education "without financial barriers".

CareerBox News Desk, reporting on the release of the second instalment under the Gyanodaya scheme by the Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha. Official portal: dheodisha.gov.in. Dates and eligibility change; confirm them on the official portal before you act.