Odisha Free Residential UPSC Coaching 2026 Registration Open

Odisha’s Higher Education Department has rolled out its Free Residential UPSC Civil Services Coaching Programme for the 2026–27 academic year. Aravind Agrawal, the Commissioner-cum-Secretary, pushed this programme forward, determined to close the gap between urban and rural opportunities. He drew inspiration from his rural upbringing and set out to help 200 civil services aspirants from Odisha, focusing on those from remote and semi-urban backgrounds, the people who normally face high barriers when it comes to top-tier coaching.

The programme packs in 11 months of intensive academic training, tackling both the Preliminary and Main UPSC exams. It covers General Studies and optional subjects, all wrapped up in a fully residential setup, so participants don’t have to worry about money or logistics. The state covers everything — study materials, library access, food, and housing — letting candidates zero in on their preparation.

Admission to this programme is merit-based, decided by a pre-qualifying entrance exam set for Sunday, June 28, 2026. Online applications open at 11:00 AM on June 8 and close late, at 11:45 PM on June 19. Eligible candidates have to submit their Common Application Form (CAF) through the SAMS portal and pay a ₹100 registration fee.

The department has mapped out a clear timeline for the process. Applicants can edit their forms on June 20. Admit cards will be available for download from June 24 on both HIMS and SAMS portals. The exam goes ahead on June 28, and a provisional answer key comes out on June 29. Candidates can raise objections on July 2 and 3. The final answer key will be published July 8. Details about the merit list, document verification, final admissions, and the start of classes will come in later announcements.