Bhubaneswar: At least 10 degree colleges across eight districts of Odisha have recorded zero admissions in the 2025–26 academic session, prompting the state government to order a detailed inquiry into the matter. The development has raised concerns over the quality, governance, and long-term viability of several higher education institutions in the state.
Odisha has around 1,047 degree colleges, including 49 government-run institutions, with the majority operating under aided, unaided, or private self-financing models. According to admission data available on the Student Academic Management System (SAMS), one government college and nine self-financing colleges failed to attract even a single first-year student this year.
Officials noted that several of these colleges have been witnessing consistently poor enrolment for the past few academic sessions, suggesting structural deficiencies rather than a temporary downturn. Issues such as inadequate infrastructure, limited academic offerings, weak faculty strength, and declining student confidence are believed to be contributing factors.
Taking serious note of the situation, the Higher Education Department has directed Regional Directors of Education to conduct detailed inquiries and issue show-cause notices to the institutions concerned. Senior officials said zero admissions reflect poorly on academic standards and raise questions about whether such colleges should continue operating.
The department has also flagged irregular practices by some private institutions that participate in the centralised admission process but later refuse to admit allotted students, undermining transparency and student trust. Authorities have warned that colleges found guilty of such practices may face strict action.
As part of tighter regulatory oversight, the government has indicated that errant institutions could be barred from participating in the admission process for the 2026–27 academic session. The move signals a tougher stance on accountability in higher education, with officials emphasising that student interest and academic quality will remain central to future policy decisions.
-OdishaAge
