Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has refunded Rs 69.23 crore in college admission fees to 1.11 lakh students under a free education scheme, officials said on Thursday.

The state government introduced the 'Gyanodaya -- Shiksha Ru Samruddhi', also known as KG to PG Free Education, scheme from the 2026-27 academic session. However, since the admission process had concluded before its implementation, students had already paid their fees to their respective institutions, they said.

The Higher Education Department subsequently initiated the refund process and has so far transferred Rs 69.23 crore directly to the bank accounts of 1.11 lakh degree college students, they added.

Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj advised students to check their bank accounts to confirm whether the refunds had been credited.

The minister said students who had not received the money could update their bank details to facilitate the transfer.

A link would be made available shortly on the SAMS student login portal to enable students to correct their bank details and complete the refund process, he said.

The Gyanodaya scheme, effective from the 2026-27 academic session, covers eligible students enrolled in regular undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at state public universities, government colleges and government-aided private colleges.

This report was published from a syndicated wire feed. Apart from the headline, the EdexLive Desk has not edited the copy.