Bhubaneswar: After announcing reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) in higher education, the Odisha government is now preparing to extend the quota to technical education courses as well.
Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain informed reporters on Friday that the government is actively reviewing the proposal. He said all aspects are being examined and a formal decision on the matter is expected soon.
The move follows the state Cabinet’s recent approval of 11.25 percent reservation for SEBC students in government-run higher education institutions, starting from the 2025–26 academic year. This reservation applies to admissions in public universities, state government colleges, and aided higher secondary and higher education institutions under various departments including School and Mass Education, Higher Education, Odia Language Literature and Culture, and Sports and Youth Services.
According to the state’s revised policy, Scheduled Tribe students will receive 22.5 percent reservation, Scheduled Caste students will get 16.25 percent, SEBC students will be allotted 11.25 percent, Persons with Disabilities will have 5 percent, and Ex-Servicemen will be provided one percent reservation. These reservations will apply to undergraduate, postgraduate, teacher education, law, integrated law, teacher training, vocational, B.P.Ed, and M.P.Ed courses.
The proposal to include technical education within this framework is seen as a significant step toward expanding educational access and equity for SEBC communities in the state.
