17th June 2025: In a recent high-level meeting of the Higher Education Department, the Odisha government decided to allow the establishment of five new private universities across the state. Institutions have shown particular interest in opening campuses in Rourkela and Bhubaneswar, with plans to offer courses in engineering, MBA, MCA, and general education. Initially, permission for admitting up to 1,000 students will be granted to select institutions.
However, it was also decided that no new degree colleges will be opened in the 2025–26 academic year. Instead, the focus will be on enhancing existing infrastructure, especially in blocks where science and commerce streams are currently unavailable.
A sub-committee comprising educationists, vice-chancellors, professors, and senior officials will be formed to review Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of interested institutions before granting final approvals. The government emphasized that no approval will be given without a complete DPR.
The committee also discussed proposals from over a hundred institutions seeking permanent or temporary affiliation. Some colleges applied to start MBA programs with 120 seats, but the committee recommended limiting initial approvals to 32 seats, citing quality and capacity concerns.
This high-level meeting was significant as it reconvened after nearly a year, reflecting the government’s renewed focus on structured and strategic expansion of higher education in Odisha.