Odisha Announces Free Education from KG to PG

Odisha announced a plan on 12 June 2026 to provide free education from Kindergarten to Postgraduate level in all government institutions across the state. The measure covers institutions under the school and mass education department and the higher education department.

Scope of the Education Policy

Odisha already provides free education up to Class 10 in government institutions. The new proposal extends the coverage to higher secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels in government-run institutions. The state government stated that the policy is intended to cover more than 10 lakh students. The annual cost of the higher education component is estimated at about ₹30 crore to the state exchequer.

Administrative and Institutional Framework

The modalities for the scheme are being prepared before cabinet approval and notification. The policy will apply only to government institutions and not to private educational institutions. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the measure during a press conference marking two years of the BJP government in the state. The announcement placed the education plan within the state’s wider administrative agenda.

Teacher Recruitment and New Institutions

The state government plans to recruit 45,000 additional teachers over the next three years. Odisha has also appointed 26,615 teaching and non-teaching staff in the last two years. The government is working on four new universities in Odisha. It has also implemented the National Education Policy 2020 and plans to establish Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Primary Schools in every panchayat.

Important Facts for Exams

• Odisha announced free education from KG to PG in government institutions on 12 June 2026.
• The proposed policy may make Odisha the first state in India with free education from KG to PG in government institutions.
• The scheme is expected to benefit more than 10 lakh students.
• Odisha has already made education free up to Class 10 in government institutions.