Bhubaneswar, Oct 5: Odisha will hold student union elections across colleges and universities on October 15, 2026, bringing back the electoral process after a gap of eight years. Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj announced the decision on Monday following a meeting with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

The Higher Education Department has issued an official notification directing all State Public Universities and Government, Autonomous and Aided Degree Colleges to conduct elections for the 2026-27 academic session.

As per the schedule, the election dateline will be notified on October 7. Candidates can file nominations on October 9 from 10 am to 1 pm, followed by scrutiny from 2 pm to 4 pm. Valid nominations will be published at 5 pm. Withdrawal of nominations will be allowed on October 10 between 10 am and 1 pm, with the final list published at 3 pm.

The “Why I Stand For” meeting will be held on October 14, while polling will take place on October 15 from 8 am to 2 pm. Counting and declaration of results will begin immediately after polling. The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for October 16 at 11 am.

The notification mandates complete disassociation of student elections from political parties. Only regular full-time students admitted through SAMS can vote or contest. Distance Education and PPP-mode self-financing students are excluded.

Candidates must meet age, attendance and academic eligibility requirements, have no criminal record or pending disciplinary proceedings, and maintain at least 75% attendance. Election expenditure has been capped at ₹5,000 per candidate.

Powered by Froala Editor