Odisha SC, ST students to pay no admission fee in govt medical, engineering colleges

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed that students belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities will not have to pay admission fees when joining government medical and engineering colleges in the state.The decision was taken on Monday after the Chief Minister was informed that several meritorious SC and ST students face financial difficulties at the time of admission, despite clearing highly competitive entrance examinations.According to an official release, Majhi has directed that eligible students will not have to deposit any fees at the time of admission or for six months after admission.FROM ENTRANCE TEST TO COLLEGEFor many students, clearing an entrance examination is only the first step towards securing a professional degree. The cost of admission and other initial expenses can become another hurdle, particularly for students from financially weaker backgrounds. The Odisha government's decision is aimed at addressing this gap for SC and ST students entering government medical and engineering institutions.The Chief Minister issued the direction after learning about students who had managed to qualify for these competitive courses but were still struggling to arrange the money required during the admission process. The fee waiver is expected to allow eligible students to complete the initial admission formalities without having to arrange the required amount immediately.SIX MONTHS WITHOUT ADMISSION FEEUnder the direction, SC and ST students will receive relief not only at the time of admission but also for six months following their admission.The government has not yet detailed the full list of fees that will be covered under the proposed arrangement. Further details are expected once the state issues its formal guidelines.The move applies to government medical and engineering colleges in Odisha.The state government will issue a detailed guideline on the implementation of the decision soon.(With PTI inputs)- EndsPublished On: Sep 1, 2026 10:41 IST