The Higher Education Department has released the second instalment of funds under ‘Gyanodaya – Shiksha Ru Samruddhi’, Odisha’s flagship KG-to-PG free education scheme, transferring Rs 14.34 crore (15%) directly to eligible higher education institutions through the Student Academic Management System (SAMS) for the academic year 2026–27.
The latest payout follows the first instalment of Rs 9.56 crore (10%) released after Phase-I undergraduate admissions. Together, the two transfers put Rs 23.90 crore in the hands of government, government-aided and state public university campuses that admitted students under the fee-waiver programme.
Officials said the remaining support will come in three further instalments of 25% each during the academic year. The staggered calendar is designed to match verification of admissions, attendance and compliance before later releases.
Gyanodaya, approved by the Odisha Cabinet in July 2026, completes the State’s promise of free education from kindergarten to postgraduate level in eligible government and government-aided institutions. Education from KG to Class VIII was already free; the scheme extends the waiver to Classes IX–XII and to regular undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Professional, technical, self-financing, unaided and PPP-mode courses remain outside its ambit.
Further instalments, officials indicated, will be released as institutions complete the prescribed checks.
