October 15 polling announced across colleges and universities; Higher Education Department orders strict action against campus violence.
GTNS | OCTOBER 5, 2026
BHUBANESWAR: After years without elected student bodies, Odisha’s colleges and universities are set to witness the return of student-union elections, with polling scheduled for October 15, 2026.
The decision marks the revival of a campus democratic process that has remained suspended since 2018. The last student-union elections in the state were held in 2017. The Higher Education Department has now initiated the formal process for conducting elections for the academic session 2026–27.
A meeting on election preparedness was held under the chairmanship of Higher Education Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aravind Agrawal. Principals of colleges, registrars of universities and chairpersons of PG councils participated in the meeting through virtual mode.
Zero tolerance for campus violence
A major focus of the meeting was maintaining peace during the election process.
Aravind Agrawal directed heads of higher educational institutions to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards violence on campuses during the student elections.
The administration has been asked to ensure that the electoral process remains peaceful and that academic activities are not disrupted because of election-related clashes or confrontations.
Election schedule takes shape
According to the schedule issued by the Higher Education Department, institutions will publish the election notification on October 7.
Candidates will be able to submit nominations on October 9, followed by scrutiny and publication of the valid list. Polling will take place on October 15, while newly elected student representatives are scheduled to take oath on October 16.
The department’s official e-Despatch record also shows an order concerning the conduct of elections for different officers of students’ unions and other student societies and associations for the 2026–27 academic session.
Political influence to stay outside campus polls
The returning election process comes with restrictions intended to keep student elections focused on campus issues and student leadership.
Reports on the guidelines indicate that candidates will not be permitted to contest with the backing or support of political parties. Campaign expenditure and other eligibility and campaign conditions have also been specified by the Higher Education Department.
A new chapter in campus politics
The restoration of student elections is expected to bring renewed political activity to campuses across Odisha. Student organisations are likely to use the opportunity to raise issues relating to education, infrastructure, hostel facilities, examination systems, employment prospects and student welfare.
At the same time, the administration faces the challenge of ensuring that competition between student groups does not turn into violence or disrupt academic life.
The government’s decision therefore represents more than the return of a polling exercise. After years without elected student representatives, campuses are once again preparing for a process through which students can choose their own representatives.
With the notification due on October 7 and nominations scheduled for October 9, the countdown to Odisha’s student-union elections has now officially begun.