Odisha's Groundbreaking Initiative: Free Education from KG to PG for All!

Odisha has taken a monumental step by approving a scheme that offers free education from kindergarten to postgraduate levels in government institutions. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced this initiative, set to begin in the 2026-27 academic year, aiming to alleviate financial burdens on families and enhance educational access for nearly 32 lakh students. This unprecedented move is expected to improve enrollment and retention rates, ensuring that deserving students can pursue their educational aspirations without financial constraints. The scheme will cover various levels of education, although certain courses will be excluded. With significant funding allocated for its implementation, this initiative marks a historic moment in Odisha's educational landscape.

By Ambika Singh Jul 1, 2026, 20:31 IST

Historic Education Scheme Unveiled in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet has recently approved a transformative scheme aimed at providing free education from kindergarten (KG) through postgraduate (PG) levels across all government and government-aided educational institutions in the state.

During a press briefing, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the launch of the 'Gyanodaya-Shiksharu Samruddhi: KG to PG Free Education' initiative, set to commence in the academic year 2026-27.

Majhi hailed this decision as a "historic" and "unprecedented" move in the nation.

The scheme will ensure that eligible students enrolled in regular courses at government and government-aided institutions will not have to pay any admission fees.

It will encompass students from Classes IX to XII in government and government-aided schools, along with those pursuing undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) studies in state public universities, government colleges, and government-aided colleges.

With education up to Class VIII already free in Odisha, this initiative effectively extends the free education policy to the postgraduate level, according to the Chief Minister.

However, the scheme will not apply to self-financing courses, unaided institutions, PPP-mode institutions, or professional and technical courses.

Majhi emphasized that the initiative aims to ensure that no deserving student is denied education due to financial limitations, thereby alleviating the burden on economically disadvantaged families.

This initiative is anticipated to enhance student enrollment, retention rates, and decrease dropout rates, ultimately encouraging more individuals to pursue higher education.

The cabinet has allocated an estimated budget of Rs 895.57 crore for the first year and Rs 5,467.55 crore over five years for the scheme's execution.

Approximately 32 lakh students across all government and government-aided educational institutions under the school and mass education and higher education departments are expected to benefit from this initiative.