Odisha Approves Free KG-to-PG Education Scheme

Bhubaneswar: In a landmark decision aimed at making education more inclusive and affordable, the Odisha Cabinet has approved the ‘Gyanodaya-Shiksharu Samruddhi’ scheme, paving the way for free education from Kindergarten to Postgraduate level across the state.

The new initiative, which will come into effect from the 2026-27 academic session, will waive admission fees for eligible students enrolled in regular courses at Government and Government-aided educational institutions.

Under the scheme, students studying in Classes IX to XII in Government and Government-aided schools, along with those pursuing Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes in regular mode at State Public Universities, Government Colleges, and Government-aided Colleges, will receive complete exemption from admission charges.

Since education from Kindergarten to Class VIII is already provided free of cost in Odisha, the latest decision extends the benefit to higher levels, effectively fulfilling the government’s goal of offering free education from KG to PG.

The scheme is intended to ensure that financial hardship does not prevent deserving students from continuing their education. The government expects it to increase enrolment, improve student retention, reduce dropout rates, and provide greater opportunities for learners from economically weaker sections.

However, the benefits will not apply to self-financing courses, professional and technical programmes, unaided institutions, or educational institutions and courses operating under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

For the implementation of the scheme, the Cabinet has approved an estimated budget of ₹1,895.57 crore for the first year, with a total outlay of ₹5,467.55 crore over the next five years. The initiative is expected to benefit more than 32 lakh students annually.

The government said the programme is aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Odisha Vision 2036, and Odisha Vision 2047, with a focus on expanding access to quality education, improving the Gross Enrolment Ratio, and strengthening the state’s human resource development.

Officials described the scheme as a major step towards ensuring equal educational opportunities for every student, regardless of financial background, while contributing to the vision of a knowledge-driven and inclusive Odisha.