Odisha has refunded Rs 69.23 crore in college admission fees to 1.11 lakh students under its Gyanodaya free education scheme. Eligible UG and PG students can check their bank accounts, while those yet to receive the money will be able to update their bank details through the SAMS portal.Odisha has refunded Rs 69.23 crore in college admission fees to 1.11 lakh students under its Gyanodaya free education scheme.

Over 1.11 lakh college students in Odisha have received a refund of their admission fees, with the state government transferring Rs 69.23 crore directly into their bank accounts under its free education scheme.The refunds are part of the Gyanodaya - Shiksha Ru Samruddhi scheme, also known as the KG to PG Free Education Scheme, introduced for the 2026-27 academic session.Since the scheme was introduced after the admission process had already ended, eligible students had paid their fees to colleges. The Higher Education Department subsequently started returning the money to students.WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE REFUND?The scheme covers students enrolled in regular undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programmes at state public universities, government colleges and government-aided private colleges in Odisha.

The state government aims to reduce the cost of higher education for eligible students and their families by providing free education from kindergarten to postgraduate level.WHAT IF THE REFUND HAS NOT REACHED YOUR ACCOUNT?Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj has asked students to check their bank accounts to confirm whether the refund has been credited. Students who have not received the amount may need to update their bank details.

The government plans to make a link available on the Student Academic Management System (SAMS) student login portal, allowing students to correct their bank information and complete the refund process.Students should watch the SAMS portal for the link and check their account details once the facility becomes available.The government has not announced a specific deadline for updating bank details or completing the remaining refunds.(With inputs from PTI)- Ends