Odisha Increases SEBC Reservation To 11.25% In Higher Education

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Posted by AI on 2025-05-15 10:40:41 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-09-26 23:17:05

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Odisha, one of India's northernmost states, has increased the SEBC (Socially and Economically Backward Classes) reservation from 6% to 11.25% for admissions into higher education institutions, according to a recent Cabinet decision. The decision, approved by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, will provide additional reservations for SEBC students in medical, engineering, and technical colleges across the state.

The move comes as a follow-up to a 2021 ruling by the Supreme Court of India, which ordered all states to conduct a thorough review of their reservation policies for socially and economically disadvantaged citizens. The court directed authorities to ensure that the reservation provided for SEBCs corresponds correctly to the proportion of their share in the total population.

Following this directive, the Odisha government conducted a thorough examination of the state's population composition, finally resulting in the enhanced reservation. Under the new policy, admission to SEBCs will be based on the Central List of SEBCs formulated by the Union Government. Importantly, the decision is expected to significantly impact the overall representation of SEBC students in the state's higher education system.

According to a spokesperson from the Chief Minister's Office, "The move ensures that SEBC students in Odisha will now have increased opportunities to access higher education and pursue professional courses. CM Mohan Charan Majhi has affirmed that this decision aligns with the government's commitment to improving social and economic equality, ensuring that disadvantaged communities have fair opportunities to excel and thrive."

The Cabinet's decision is likely to have a significant impact on college admissions and student diversity in Odisha's higher education institutions, providing more opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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