Odisha Approves 11.25% Educational Quota for Backward Classes

The Odisha government has approved 11.25% reservation in higher education for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC), covering 231 communities.

Announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, this marks the state’s first educational quota for SEBCs, aligning with the NEP 2020 goals of access and inclusion. The reservation applies to all state-run and aided higher education institutions.

SEBCs make up nearly 54% of Odisha’s population, but previously had no educational reservation. The CM criticised the former BJD government for neglecting SEBCs and credited the move to Prime Minister Modi’s vision of inclusive growth.