Odisha Updates Admission Schedule for EWS Students in Private Schools for 2025-26

The admission schedule for the economically weaker section (EWS) students of private schools under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RCFCE) Act has been updated by the state government for the academic year 2025-26.

According to the new time table made public by the directorate of elementary education, the first phase of student registration that was originally slated to start from March's first week will now begin on April 3 and go on up to April 20.

The physical verification of the applications by the block education officers (BEOs) will be carried out between April 3 to April 23.

The initial online lottery and school draw will take place on April 24, and the admissions from April 25 until May 7.

For those who cannot participate in round I, a second round of registration will be conducted between May 9 to May 20. Phase II application verification will go on until May 23. School allotment and second round lottery will take place on May 26. Admission of the chosen students will go on from May 26. The deadline for the new registration of schools has been extended to March 31, as decided by the directorate.

Odisha Parents' Federation, however, resisted the move and requested withdrawal of the revised timeline at once. Federation co-chairman Prasanna Bisoi said the new timeline is not in sync with the new academic session.

Since the new academic year starts from April 1, decision to start first round admission under EWS quota from April 25 to May 7, rather than March 29 to April 10, will hinder education of the students and deter many not to register under EWS quota, he said charging the move would benefit only private schools.