Odisha has officially implemented the Odisha State Universities (Reservation in Teacher Cadre) Act, 2026, after Governor Dr Haribabu Kambhampati granted approval to the bill passed in the Assembly.
The Act ensures representation of Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and SEBC categories in teaching positions across state universities. Higher Education Minister Surjyabanshi Suraj said the law marks a transformative step in strengthening inclusivity within higher education.
The legislation, passed on March 31 after extensive debate in the Assembly, now applies across all state universities. Under the new framework, each university will be treated as a single unit for implementing reservations in teaching posts. Department-based reservation has been abolished, ensuring direct representation in appointments for Professors, Associate Professors, and Assistant Professors.
Minister Suraj thanked the Governor for approving the bill and emphasised that the Act will accelerate recruitment to long-vacant teaching positions. He noted that 14 universities have already appointed Vice-Chancellors, ensuring leadership from Odisha’s academic community.
He added that the new law, along with the Odisha Universities (Amendment) Act, 2024, will guarantee quality, practical, and research-oriented higher education. The government aims to fill vacant posts swiftly, strengthen academic leadership, and expand opportunities for marginalised communities.
