Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has significantly enhanced reservation in technical and professional education, according to a formal memorandum issued by the ST and SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department.

As per the notification, the Scheduled Tribes (ST) quota has been increased from 12% to 22.5%, while the Scheduled Castes (SC) quota has been raised from 8% to 16.25%. A new 11.25% reservation has also been introduced for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC), who earlier did not have a specific quota in technical education.

The decision follows approval by the State Cabinet in its meeting held on April 4, 2026.

The revised reservation policy will be applicable from the 2026-27 academic year for admissions into engineering, medical and other professional courses across universities, affiliated colleges and technical institutions in the state, including ITIs and polytechnics.

Official sources noted that existing reservation in general higher education and government employment already provides 22.5% for STs, 16.25% for SCs, and 11.5% for SEBCs.

They further stated Odisha has a tribal population of 22.85% and a Scheduled Caste population of 17.13%, while data on the SEBC population is not specified.