By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, October 29, 2026: The Odisha government has returned Rs 69.23 crore in college admission fees to 1.11 lakh students under its free education scheme, officials said on Thursday. The scheme, called ‘Gyanodaya – Shiksha Ru Samruddhi’ or KG to PG Free Education, started in the 2026-27 academic year.

As the admission process ended before the scheme began, students had already paid their fees to their colleges. The Odisha Higher Education Department then started the refund process. So far, Rs 69.23 crore has been sent directly to the bank accounts of 1.11 lakh degree college students.

Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj asked students to check their bank accounts to see if they had received the refund. Students who have not received the money can update their bank details to help complete the transfer.

A link will soon be available on the SAMS student login portal. Students can use it to correct their bank details and complete the refund process, the minister said.

The Gyanodaya scheme applies from the 2026-27 academic year. It covers eligible students enrolled in regular undergraduate and postgraduate courses at state public universities, government colleges and government-aided private colleges.