Odisha Returns ₹69.23 Crore in College Admission Fees to Over 1.11 Lakh Students Under Free Education Scheme

The Odisha government has refunded ₹69.23 crore in college admission fees to 1,11,678 students under its Gyanodaya–Shiksha Ru Samruddhi initiative, also known as the KG to PG Free Education Scheme. The amount has been transferred directly to the bank accounts of eligible students for the 2026–27 academic session.

The reimbursement is part of the state government's effort to make higher education more affordable. The Higher Education Department initiated the refund process after students had already paid their admission fees before the scheme came into effect.

Why Is Odisha Refunding College Admission Fees?

The Gyanodaya–Shiksha Ru Samruddhi scheme was introduced from the 2026–27 academic session to provide free education to eligible students. However, the first phase of college admissions had been completed before its implementation.

As a result, students had deposited the prescribed admission fees with their respective institutions. To ensure that eligible students could still receive the benefits of the new initiative, the state government began reimbursing the amounts directly into their bank accounts.

According to the latest figures, 1,11,678 students have received a combined refund of ₹69.23 crore. The department is also working to resolve cases in which payments could not be completed because of incorrect banking information or failed transactions.

Who Is Eligible Under the Gyanodaya Scheme?

The initiative, commonly described as the KG to PG Free Education Scheme, aims to reduce the financial burden of education from kindergarten through postgraduate studies for eligible students.

At the higher education level, the scheme covers students enrolled in regular undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at:

• State public universities in Odisha.
• Government colleges.
• Government-aided private colleges.

Eligibility is subject to the conditions prescribed under the state government's scheme. Students should check the applicable guidelines and institutional requirements before assuming that they qualify for the benefit.

The programme is intended to make higher education more accessible and reduce the financial pressure on families whose children are pursuing university-level courses.

What Should Students Do If They Have Not Received the Refund?

The Higher Education Department has advised eligible students to check the bank account details submitted during the admission process. The refund is being transferred using the information provided through the Common Application Form (CAF) on the Student Academic Management System (SAMS) portal.

Students whose payments remain pending because of incorrect account information or unsuccessful transactions will be able to correct their details through a dedicated facility.

A bank-detail correction link is expected to become available in the SAMS student login portal. Students should monitor the portal for an official announcement and follow the instructions once the facility is activated.

They should also verify that the account details submitted during admission are accurate and that the relevant bank account remains active.

How to Check Refund-Related Updates

Students can follow these steps to monitor the process:

1. Visit the official SAMS Odisha portal.
2. Access the student login section.
3. Review the banking information submitted through the Common Application Form.
4. Check for the dedicated bank-detail correction facility.
5. Follow the official instructions if the refund has not been credited.

Students should rely on official notifications for information about the correction facility and any further deadlines.

Government's Focus on Affordable Higher Education

The ₹69.23-crore reimbursement represents an important part of the scheme's implementation during its first academic session. By returning fees already paid by eligible students, the state government is addressing the timing gap between the completion of admissions and the introduction of the free education initiative.

The government aims to reduce financial barriers across the education system through the broader KG-to-PG programme. For students awaiting reimbursement, checking bank details and following updates through the official portal will be important steps in completing the process.