Odisha Adjusts PG Admission Timeline for 2026-27 Due to Floods

Bhubaneswar, India Aug 25, 2026 ALN: Bhubaneswar: In a major relief for students amid floods in Odisha, the Higher Education Department has revised the timeline for admission to postgraduate (PG) courses in state public universities and colleges participating under the Student Academic Management System (SAMS) for the 2026-27 academic session. This decision comes as a response to the unprecedented flooding that has affected various regions of the state, causing significant disruptions to the academic calendar and the ability of students to complete their admission processes in a timely manner.

The floods in Odisha have had a devastating impact on infrastructure, displacing thousands of residents and making it difficult for students to access educational institutions. Many students were unable to attend admission interviews or complete necessary paperwork due to the adverse conditions created by the floods. Recognizing the challenges faced by students and institutions in affected areas, the Higher Education Department has taken proactive measures to ensure that the admission process remains fair and accessible.

Revised Admission Schedule

Under the revised schedule, the deadline for applicants selected in the second round to report at their allotted institutions for admission is August 25 at 5 pm. The respective institutions have been given time until 9 pm the same day to update the admission data of students in the e-Space portal. This adjustment is crucial as it allows institutions to accommodate the needs of students who may have been affected by the floods, ensuring that they do not miss out on the opportunity to secure a place in their desired postgraduate programs.

Next Phases of Admission

The department has scheduled the next phase, covering the waiting or spot selection round, from August 28. The list of waitlisted applicants for remaining higher-choice higher education institutions will be published at 2 pm on August 28 based on vacancies as of August 25. This phase is particularly important for students who may not have received a seat in the initial rounds and are eager to secure admission in their preferred courses.

Waitlisted applicants interested in participating in the admission round will have to physically report at their respective institutions with the Common Application Form (CAF) and relevant documents between 11 am on August 29 and 4 pm on August 31, except holidays. The department has emphasized that applicants are required to appear in person, although a representative carrying valid identity proof may be allowed to report on their behalf. This flexibility is designed to accommodate those who may still be facing travel difficulties due to the ongoing recovery from the floods.

Merit List Publication

The merit list among the reported waitlisted applicants will be published on the notice board or website of the respective higher education institutions at 2 pm on September 2. Selected candidates will also be informed through phone calls, SMS, email, WhatsApp, or other available modes. This multi-channel communication strategy aims to ensure that all candidates are promptly informed of their admission status, allowing them to prepare adequately for the next steps in the process.

Final Admission Process

Candidates selected in this round will have to report for document validation and final admission, pay applicable admission fees through online modes such as net banking, bank challan, NEFT, or UPI, and complete admission updates in the institutions’ e-Space between 10 am on September 3 and 5 pm on September 5, except holidays. This online payment system is particularly beneficial as it provides a secure and efficient method for students to complete their transactions without needing to visit the campus physically, which may still be challenging for some due to the flood aftermath.

If vacancies continue to remain, waitlisted applicants will get another opportunity to report for document validation, admission, and fee payment between 10 am on September 7 and 5 pm on September 8. The admission details of such candidates will also be updated in the e-Space of the respective institutions. This additional opportunity underscores the department's commitment to ensuring that all eligible students have a fair chance to secure admission despite the disruptions caused by the floods.

Important Contacts

The department said publication of the Phase-II admission process will be subject to the availability of vacancies. It has advised all stakeholders to strictly follow the new schedule to facilitate a smooth admission process. For any queries, students can dial the e-Admission Helpline (Toll Free): 155335 or 1800-345-6770. This helpline serves as an essential resource for students seeking assistance or clarification regarding the revised admission timeline and procedures.

This adjustment in the admission timeline reflects the government's recognition of the challenges posed by natural disasters and its commitment to supporting students in their educational pursuits. As Odisha continues to recover from the floods, the revised admission schedule is a step towards normalizing the academic environment and ensuring that students can focus on their studies without the added stress of missing out on educational opportunities. The Higher Education Department's proactive approach in revising the admission timeline serves as a model for other states facing similar challenges, highlighting the importance of flexibility and responsiveness in educational administration during crises.