Bhubaneswar, July 11: The Higher Education Department of Odisha is preparing to conduct student union elections in colleges and universities across the state on either September 25 or 26. Though the official notification is yet to be released, insiders indicate that institutions will issue election notices on September 15 or 16.

The entire election process is expected to follow the Lyngdoh Commission guidelines. Nomination filing will take place on September 17 or 18 between 9 AM and 12 PM, followed by scrutiny from 2 PM to 4 PM on the same day. The preliminary list of eligible candidates will be out by 11 AM on September 18 or 19. Withdrawals will be accepted between 2 PM and 4 PM, and the final list will be published at 5 PM.

A "What I Stand For?" meeting will be held on September 24 or 25, while polling is likely on September 25 or 26, from 8 AM to 2 PM. Counting begins immediately after, with results expected by evening. Oath-taking ceremonies are scheduled for September 26 or 27, ahead of Dussehra holidays.

The department is also considering raising the campaign expenditure cap from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 or ₹20,000 due to inflation.

Strict eligibility rules will apply: candidates must have 75% attendance, no criminal background, and be unaffiliated with political parties. Age limits are set at 15–22 for undergraduates and up to 25 for postgraduates. Banned campaign practices include printed posters, loudspeakers, and public meetings. Campaigns will be restricted to designated areas, and police assistance will ensure peaceful conduct. Authorities retain the power to cancel elections if necessary.

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