Bhubaneswar: Candidates filed nominations for student union elections at higher secondary schools, degree colleges and universities across Odisha on Friday amid processions, dance and celebrations by their supporters.

The nomination process witnessed enthusiasm among students as candidates arrived at educational institutions with their supporters to submit nomination papers.

The list of valid nominations will be published at 5 pm after scrutiny of the nomination papers.

Candidates will be allowed to withdraw their nominations on October 10 between 10 am and 1 pm. The final list of candidates will be published at 3 pm on the same day.

The election schedule includes a meeting on “Why I Stand For” on October 14, a day before polling. Voting will take place on October 15 from 8 am to 2 pm.

Counting of votes and declaration of results will begin at 2 pm on October 15 and continue until the process is completed.

The oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected student representatives has been scheduled for October 16 at 11 am.

Student elections return after a long gap

Student union elections are being held in Odisha after a prolonged gap. The previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government had discontinued the elections in 2018, citing several reasons, including Cyclone Titli and campus-related issues. The COVID-19 pandemic further delayed their revival.

After coming to power in 2024, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government announced plans to revive student union elections in the state.