Odisha Revives Student Union Elections After 8 Years; Polling on October 15
Bhubaneswar: In a landmark decision aimed at reviving democratic participation on campuses, the Odisha government has announced that student union elections will be held across colleges and universities on October 15, 2026, ending an eight-year suspension of the electoral process.
The announcement was made by Suryabanshi Suraj, Odisha’s Higher Education Minister, following discussions with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
The move has been welcomed by students and educational institutions across the state.
According to the election schedule, notifications will be issued on October 7, nomination filing will begin on October 9, polling will take place on October 15, and the oath-taking ceremony for elected representatives will be conducted on October 16.
Student union elections in Odisha were last conducted in 2017.
The electoral process was subsequently suspended due to concerns over campus violence and later remained stalled because of various disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
The restoration of student elections is expected to reinvigorate student leadership and provide a democratic platform for raising issues related to academics, campus infrastructure, student welfare, and institutional development.
Student organisations have long been demanding the revival of elected student bodies, arguing that they play a crucial role in representing student interests and fostering leadership among the youth.
The government’s decision is likely to trigger heightened political and student activity across higher educational institutions in the coming weeks.
With preparations now set in motion, campuses across Odisha are expected to witness active campaigning and increased participation from students aspiring to leadership roles.
