By Bhubaneswar, October 6, 2026: Political activity is returning to college and university campuses across Odisha as the state prepares to conduct student-union elections after an eight-year gap. The Odisha government has announced that elections will be held on October 15, 2026, bringing elected student representatives back to campuses after student-union polls were last conducted in 2017.
Student Elections to Return on October 15
The Odisha Higher Education Department has released the schedule for student-union elections across state public universities, government colleges and non-government aided degree colleges.
The official election notification will be issued by educational institutions on October 7. Candidates will file their nominations on October 9, followed by scrutiny and publication of the valid candidate list. Candidates can withdraw their nominations on October 10.
The campaign period will continue through the following days, with the “Why I Stand For” meeting scheduled for October 14. Polling will take place on October 15 from 8 AM to 2 PM, followed by counting and declaration of results from 2 PM onwards. The elected representatives are scheduled to take their oath on October 16.
Why Were Campus Elections Suspended?
Student-union elections in Odisha were last held in 2017. The election process was subsequently suspended amid concerns involving campus disturbances and maintaining a peaceful academic environment. The disruption caused by Cyclone Titli and later the COVID-19 pandemic also contributed to the prolonged absence of regular student elections.
The long gap meant that an entire generation of students went through higher education without participating in regular campus elections for elected student representatives.
Political Parties and Student Organisations React
The return of campus elections has generated significant political interest. Student organisations associated with major political parties, including ABVP, Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) and NSUI, have begun preparing for the elections.
The development is being closely watched because campus politics has historically provided an avenue for young people to develop organisational and leadership experience.
The ruling BJP government has described the revival of student elections as part of its commitment to restoring student participation in campus democracy. At the same time, opposition-linked student organisations are also preparing to participate in the process.
Strict Rules for Candidates and Campaigning
The Odisha government has introduced several restrictions aimed at keeping the elections focused on campus issues and limiting political interference.
Candidates will have a maximum campaign expenditure limit of ₹5,000. Political-party involvement has been officially barred, and candidates cannot seek votes on caste or communal lines.
Campaigning will also be regulated. Printed posters and pamphlets are prohibited, while handmade posters can be used only at designated locations. The use of loudspeakers and vehicles for campaigning is also restricted.
Candidates have additionally been warned against using AI-generated fake content during the election campaign.
Who Can Contest?
The election rules require candidates to be regular full-time students with at least 75% attendance and no academic arrears.
Students enrolled through distance education or PPP-mode programmes and students enrolled in self-financing courses will not be eligible to contest. Students with criminal records or pending disciplinary proceedings are also barred from standing for election.
The government has also limited the number of times a student can contest certain posts.
Why the Elections Matter Politically
Although the elections are intended to remain independent of political parties, they have attracted attention from the major political organisations in Odisha.
Campus elections can provide political parties and student organisations with an opportunity to engage with young voters and understand issues affecting the student community. Issues such as education facilities, hostels, faculty vacancies, campus infrastructure and student welfare are expected to feature prominently in campaigning.
The elections could also provide students with practical experience in campaigning, public speaking, organisation and democratic representation.
Government Focus on Preventing Violence
Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj has said the government wants the elections to take place without disturbing academic activities.
The administration plans to complete the entire election process within a short period. Authorities will monitor campaign expenditure and campaigning practices, while restrictions on outsiders and political slogans are intended to reduce the possibility of disruption.
The government has also said that the elections will follow the Lyngdoh Committee guidelines governing student elections.
What Happens Next?
The immediate next step will be the release of official election notifications by colleges and universities on October 7. Nomination filing will follow on October 9, leading to polling on October 15.
With student organisations already beginning mobilisation, campus activity is expected to increase during the short election period.
Conclusion
Odisha is preparing for the return of student-union elections after an eight-year gap. With polling scheduled for October 15, 2026, the elections will bring elected student representation back to campuses while operating under strict rules designed to limit political interference, excessive spending and campus disruption.
This article is based on reports published on October 6, 2026. Election schedules and rules should be checked against the official notification issued by the respective college or university.
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