Bhubaneswar, July 28 (UDN): The Odisha Higher Education Department has announced the schedule for postgraduate (PG) admissions for the 2026–27 academic session under the Student Academic Management System (SAMS). Admissions will be conducted on the basis of candidates’ Common PG Entrance Test (CPET) scores.

As per the notification, the online admission process has commenced with the choice-locking phase, allowing eligible candidates to update their preferences before seat allotment.

Choice Locking Till August 2

Candidates can update marks, modify their preferences and lock their choices on the SAMS portal from 3:00 pm on July 27 until 11:45 pm on August 2.

The first round of seat allotment will be published at 4:00 pm on August 7. Candidates selected in the first round must complete admission fee payment online and report to the allotted institution between 6:00 pm on August 7 and 4:00 pm on August 11.

The second merit list will be released on August 17 at 4:00 pm. The admission process for the second round will continue until August 20, while physical reporting at allotted institutions will take place from August 18 to August 20.

The department has scheduled the commencement of first-year postgraduate classes on August 21.

Over 32,000 PG Seats Available

This year, 32,531 postgraduate seats are available across 135 higher education institutions and state public universities in Odisha.

Candidates allotted seats will have the option to select ‘Freeze’, ‘Slide’ or ‘Float’ through their SAMS student login, enabling them to either confirm their allotted seat or remain eligible for upgradation in subsequent rounds, depending on their preference.

The Higher Education Department has advised all applicants to regularly monitor the SAMS portal for updates and complete each stage of the admission process within the stipulated deadlines to avoid cancellation of their candidature.