India, May 14 -- The Odisha cabinet on Wednesday approved 11.25% exclusive reservation for Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC, who are called Other Backward Classes or OBCs in other states) students in higher educational institutions, effective from the 2025-26 academic session.

The cabinet chaired by chief minister Mohan Majhi said the move is aimed at promoting access, equity, and inclusion in higher education, increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio and enhancing opportunities for marginalised and disadvantaged communities in Odisha.

The reservation policy will be uniformly implemented across all state public universities and government-aided institutions under various departments, including School & Mass Education, Higher...