Bhubaneswar: The Higher Education Department will conduct the Common PG Entrance Test (CPET) 2026 in Odisha from May 5 to 18.

Altogether 58,708 students have applied for 31,915 postgraduate seats across various institutions in the state for the academic session 2026–27.

The students submitted their applications for the CPET-2026 through the SAMS portal between February 27 and March 22. The details of the applicants to be handed over to the State Selection Board (SSB) on March 26, said the Higher Education Department.

Admit cards for the entrance examination will be made available on April 30. Candidates can download their admit cards from the official SSB website, added the Department.

Selection of candidates for postgraduate courses will be based on their marks secured in the CPET examination. A target has been set to commence postgraduate classes in all universities and colleges by July 10, said the department.