Odisha Free Education KG to PG: Government Releases SOP for Gyanodaya Yojana

AI FEED

Odisha has released the SOP for implementing the KG to PG free education programme.
Students in regular courses at government and government-aided institutions will receive a complete fee waiver.
Beneficiaries must maintain 75% attendance to continue receiving the scheme’s benefits.

BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha free education KG to PG programme has entered the implementation phase with the state government issuing a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The guidelines outline eligibility criteria, fee regulations, attendance requirements and institutional responsibilities to ensure smooth implementation of the flagship education initiative.

Announcing the SOP, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said the scheme aims to remove financial barriers to education and ensure that every eligible student has access to quality learning opportunities.

Odisha Free Education KG to PG SOP Explains Eligibility and Fee Waiver

According to the SOP, the scheme will cover all regular undergraduate and postgraduate academic courses offered by government and government-aided higher educational institutions.

However, professional courses have been excluded from the programme.

Students admitted to eligible regular courses will not be required to pay admission or academic fees. The government has also assured colleges that they will receive financial assistance to compensate for any revenue loss resulting from the fee waiver.

The minister said institutions would continue to receive adequate financial support to ensure uninterrupted academic activities.

Attendance Rule and Admission Process Explained

One of the major provisions in the SOP is the introduction of a minimum 75% attendance requirement for students to continue receiving benefits under the scheme.

The government believes this condition will encourage regular classroom participation while improving academic outcomes.

The SOP further provides that:

Re-admissions for the current academic year will be processed through the Student Academic Management System (SAMS).
Students who have already paid admission fees will receive refunds as per government guidelines.
Colleges will not be permitted to increase fees independently under any circumstances.

Odisha Free Education KG to PG Aims to Raise Higher Education Enrolment

The government said the initiative combines the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 with Odisha’s long-term education vision.

According to Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, the programme is expected to play a significant role in achieving the state’s target of increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education to 60% under the Vision 2036 and Vision 2047 roadmap.