Odisha Higher Education Department Unveils CPET-2026 Examination Schedule and Admission Timeline
The Higher Education Department of Odisha has officially announced the schedule for the Common PG Entrance Test (CPET)-2026, which will determine admissions to postgraduate programs across the state for the 2026-27 academic session. The examination is slated to be conducted from May 5 to May 18, 2026, marking a critical milestone for thousands of aspiring students.
Application Numbers and Seat Availability
A total of 58,708 candidates have successfully submitted their applications through the Student Academic Management System (Sams) portal, which was open for registrations from February 27 to March 22, 2026. These applicants will be competing for 31,915 postgraduate seats available in various universities and colleges throughout Odisha, highlighting the competitive nature of the admissions process.
Examination Administration and Admit Card Details
The State Selection Board (SSB) has been entrusted with the responsibility of conducting the CPET-2026 examination. In a significant update for candidates, the department has confirmed that admit cards will be released on April 30, 2026, exclusively on the official SSB website. Candidates are advised to download their admit cards online well in advance of the examination dates to avoid any last-minute complications.
Admission Criteria and Academic Calendar
Officials have emphasized that admissions to postgraduate courses will be strictly based on the marks secured in the CPET-2026, ensuring a transparent and merit-based selection process. To streamline the academic calendar and facilitate timely admissions, the department has set July 10, 2026 as the target date for the commencement of PG classes across all participating institutions. This move aims to provide a structured timeline for both students and educational bodies, enhancing the overall efficiency of the higher education system in Odisha.
The announcement underscores the state's commitment to maintaining a robust and organized framework for postgraduate admissions, leveraging technology through the Sams portal and the SSB's examination management to cater to the growing demand for higher education opportunities.
