The Odisha Cabinet has approved a sweeping revision of reservation in higher, technical, and professional education, expanding access for historically underrepresented communities. The new policy provides 22.5% reservation for Scheduled Tribes (ST), 16.25% for Scheduled Castes (SC), and 11.25% for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC).

The reform will be implemented across all state universities, affiliated colleges, ITIs, polytechnics, and a wide range of courses – engineering, technology, medicine, dental, nursing, pharmacy, veterinary science, agriculture, management, computer applications, architecture, planning, and even cinematic arts. It will also cover undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programmes notified by the state from time to time.

The move corrects a long-standing disparity. Despite STs constituting over 22% of the population, their reservation in professional courses was limited to 12%, while SCs had only 8% despite a share exceeding 17%. SEBC students had no reservation at all.

The impact will be immediate and significant. Out of 2,421 medical seats, ST quota will rise from 290 to 545, SC from 193 to 393, and SEBC will newly receive 272 seats. In engineering, out of 44,579 seats, ST allocation will jump to 10,030 and SC to 7,244, while SEBC students will secure 5,015 seats, up from zero.

Positioned as a major step toward equity, the decision is expected to reshape access to quality education and strengthen inclusive development in Odisha.