![Siksha 'O' Anusandhan University - [SOA]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1619098174SOAPNG.png?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
Siksha ’O’ Anusandhan University (SOA), Bhubaneswar, is a private deemed-to-be university. It traces its origins to the Institute of Technical Education and Research (ITER), established in 1996. SOA was granted deemed university status in 2007 by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and has since grown into one of the largest multi-discipline private universities in eastern India. The university holds a NAAC A++ grade and a UGC Category I designation, the highest category for deemed universities in India.
As per NIRF 2025, SOA University is ranked 25th Overall and 15th among Universities in India. It holds NIRF rank 22 in Engineering, 15 in Medical, 9 in Dental, 10 in Law, and 66 in Management. SOA is the top-ranked university in Odisha by NIRF 2025.
The campus spans 127 acres in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. SOA comprises nine constituent units covering engineering, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, management, nursing, and agriculture. The university enrolls 14,033 students, supported by 1,081 faculty members.
SOA offers programmes across engineering, health sciences, management, law, and sciences:
- B.Tech: CSE, IT, AI/ML, Cyber Security, Data Science, IoT, Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil. 4 years. SAAT or JEE Main. Fees: INR 4,00,000 to 5,00,000.
- MBBS: 5.5 years. NEET UG. 150 seats. Total fees: INR 23,31,000.
- B.Pharm: 4 years. SAAT. INR 3,75,000. M.Pharm also available at INR 3,75,000.
- MBA: 2 years. CAT/SAAT. INR 5,55,000.
- BBA / BCA: 3 years. SAAT. INR 3,35,000 to 3,55,000.
- BA LLB (Hons.) / BBA LLB (Hons.): 5 years. CLAT/SAAT. INR 3,55,000.
- M.Tech: CSE, Structural Engineering, VLSI, Machine Design. 2 years. GATE/SAAT. INR 3,35,000.
- B.Sc (Agriculture, Nursing, Allied Health Sciences): 3 to 4 years. SAAT. INR 2,75,000 to 3,55,000.
B.Tech CSE fees are INR 4,80,000 and AI/ML, Cyber Security, and Data Science fees are INR 5,00,000. MBBS total fees are INR 23,31,000 for the full 5.5-year programme.
SOA provides merit scholarships for B.Tech and other programmes, covering 25% to 100% fee waiver based on SAAT rank and JEE Main score.
In the 2023-24 B.Tech placement season, 2,218 out of 2,471 eligible graduates were placed through over 210 companies. The highest package was INR 43 LPA. Top recruiters include TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Accenture, Amazon, and Microsoft.
SOA University Admission Dates 2026
SOA University 2026-27 admissions are managed through SAAT 2026 (Siksha ’O’ Anusandhan Admission Test) for most programmes, NEET UG for MBBS, and CLAT or JEE Main for their respective streams. SAAT 2026 was conducted in multiple rounds between May and September 2026.
| Event | Date 2026 |
|---|---|
| SAAT Round 1 Exam | 8 to 15 May 2026 |
| SAAT Round 2 Exam | 18 to 27 June 2026 |
| SAAT Mop-Up Round Exam | 11 to 15 July 2026 |
| Stray Vacancy Phase 1 | 1 to 4 August 2026 |
| Stray Vacancy Phase 2 | 28 to 30 August 2026 |
| Veterinary Round 2 Exam | 23 September 2026 |
| NEET UG 2026 (MBBS) | 21 June 2026 |
| MCC Round 2 Allotment (MBBS) | 12 September 2026 |
| MCC Mop-Up Round (MBBS) | Expected October 2026 |
The table below shows the programme-wise entrance exams applicable for SOA University 2026-27 admissions.
| Programme | Entrance Exam |
|---|---|
| B.Tech | SAAT or JEE Main |
| MBBS | NEET UG (via MCC counselling) |
| B.Pharm / BCA / BBA / B.Sc | SAAT |
| BA LLB / BBA LLB | CLAT or SAAT |
| MBA | CAT / SAAT |
| M.Tech | GATE or SAAT |
| MD / MS | NEET PG |
| Ph.D. | University entrance test |
SOA University Courses and Fees
SOA University’s nine constituent units offer over 100 programmes across engineering, health sciences, pharmacy, management, law, and agriculture. Key flagship programmes and their fees are listed below.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Fees (General) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech (CSE / IT) | 4 years | 10+2 PCM, JEE Main/SAAT | INR 4,80,000 |
| B.Tech (AI/ML / Data Science / Cyber Security / IoT) | 4 years | 10+2 PCM, JEE Main/SAAT | INR 5,00,000 |
| B.Tech (Electrical / ECE) | 4 years | 10+2 PCM, JEE Main/SAAT | INR 4,00,000 to 4,40,000 |
| B.Tech (Civil / Mechanical) | 4 years | 10+2 PCM, JEE Main/SAAT | INR 4,00,000 |
| MBBS | 5.5 years | 10+2 PCB, NEET UG, 150 seats | INR 23,31,000 |
| B.Pharm | 4 years | 10+2 PCB/PCM, SAAT | INR 3,75,000 |
| BBA / BCA | 3 years | 10+2, SAAT | INR 3,35,000 to 3,55,000 |
| BA LLB (Hons.) / BBA LLB (Hons.) | 5 years | 10+2, CLAT/SAAT | INR 3,55,000 |
| MBA | 2 years | Graduation, CAT/SAAT | INR 5,55,000 |
| M.Tech | 2 years | B.Tech, GATE/SAAT | INR 3,35,000 |
| B.Sc (Nursing / Agriculture) | 4 years | 10+2, SAAT | INR 3,45,000 to 3,55,000 |
| B.Sc (Allied Health Sciences) | 3 years | 10+2 PCB, SAAT | INR 2,75,000 |
ITER (Institute of Technical Education and Research) is SOA’s flagship engineering school and consistently produces the largest share of B.Tech graduates each cycle. The Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS and SUM Hospital) is a major teaching hospital supporting both MBBS and postgraduate medical programmes. SOA’s Law School and School of Management also rank nationally in NIRF 2025.
SOA University Admission Process
SOA University uses SAAT as its own centralised entrance test across most programmes. SAAT 2026 is the seventeenth edition of this test, covering B.Tech, B.Pharm, BBA, BCA, MBA, and most science and law programmes.
B.Tech Admission
B.Tech applicants can qualify through either SAAT or JEE Main. Eligibility requires:
- Class 12 passed with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
- Minimum 60% aggregate in PCM for general category
- Valid SAAT or JEE Main score
SOA offers merit-based fee scholarships tied to SAAT rank and JEE Main performance. Top SAAT rankers and students with JEE Main scores above 95 percentile are eligible for higher scholarship tiers. Spot vacancy rounds and stray vacancy rounds follow the main counselling, providing additional entry points for qualified candidates.
MBBS Admission
MBBS admission at SOA’s IMS (Institute of Medical Sciences) requires a valid NEET UG score. Seat allocation for the All India Quota (15%) is through MCC centralised counselling. The remaining 85% of SOA MBBS seats are filled through the state quota and institute’s own counselling. Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology with minimum 60% for general category (50% for reserved categories).
MBA and Law Admissions
MBA admissions at SOA’s School of Management accept CAT/MAT/XAT/SAAT scores. Law programmes (BA LLB, BBA LLB) accept CLAT scores or SAAT law paper scores. Minimum 45% graduation aggregate for MBA, 10+2 with 50% for law programmes.
Ph.D. Admission
Ph.D. admissions are conducted twice a year through a university-level entrance test. Candidates need a master’s degree with 55% aggregate (50% for reserved categories) and must clear the departmental selection process including written test and interview.
Reservation and Category-Based Admission
SOA University, as a private deemed university, follows its own reservation policy for seats. SC/ST and OBC candidates may be eligible for relaxed eligibility criteria. Government scholarship holders (NSP, state scholarships) can apply for fee support after admission confirmation. Detailed category-wise seat matrices for each programme are published in the SAAT 2026 information brochure available at soa.ac.in.
SOA University Placements
SOA University’s Centre for Career Counselling and Placement facilitates annual campus recruitment drives. In the 2023-24 academic year, 2,218 out of 2,471 eligible B.Tech graduates secured placement offers, recording a 89.8% placement rate. The highest package was INR 43 LPA.
| Metric | B.Tech (2023-24) |
|---|---|
| Eligible Graduates | 2,471 |
| Students Placed | 2,218 |
| Placement Rate | 89.8% |
| Highest Package | INR 43 LPA |
| Recruiting Companies | 210+ |
Major recruiters in recent placement seasons include TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Accenture, Cognizant, Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, HCL, and Capgemini. CSE, AI/ML, and Data Science branches attract the highest offers. Core engineering branches (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil) see participation from NALCO, SAIL, L and T, BHEL, and NTPC. The MBA batch is recruited by HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Deloitte, Ernst and Young, and KPMG. SOA’s Law School placement covers law firms, judiciary preparation, and corporate legal roles.
ITER has a dedicated placement cell that runs pre-placement training, mock interviews, aptitude workshops, and on-campus drives from October through April each year. Medical graduates from IMS-SUM Hospital predominantly go into residency, PG entrance preparation (NEET PG), and hospital employment. Pharmacy graduates are placed in pharmaceutical companies, clinical research organisations, and hospital chains across India.
SOA University Rankings
SOA University holds NIRF rank 25 Overall and rank 15 among Universities per NIRF 2025. It is the top-ranked university in Odisha across all NIRF categories. With NIRF 9 in Dental and NIRF 10 in Law, SOA is among the top 10 institutions in India in two distinct disciplines simultaneously.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank |
|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Overall | 25 |
| NIRF | University | 15 |
| NIRF | Engineering | 22 |
| NIRF | Medical | 15 |
| NIRF | Dental | 9 |
| NIRF | Law | 10 |
| NIRF | Management | 66 |
| NIRF | Research | 49 |
SOA holds NAAC A++ accreditation, the highest possible grade under the National Assessment and Accreditation Council. UGC’s Category I designation gives it full academic autonomy to offer new programmes, award degrees, and set syllabi without seeking regulatory approval for each programme.
The NIRF Dental rank of 9 and Law rank of 10 are particularly strong signals for aspirants looking at specialised schools within SOA. Only a small number of institutions nationally rank in the top 10 in two different disciplines under NIRF simultaneously. The NIRF Research rank of 49 reflects active doctoral and funded research output across the university’s health sciences and engineering faculties. SOA’s research output has grown in step with its transition to a full-fledged university from its origins as a single engineering institute in 1996.
SOA University Scholarships
SOA University awards merit scholarships to B.Tech and other UG programme students based on performance in SAAT and JEE Main. Scholarship slabs cover 25% to 100% fee waiver depending on the entrance rank secured.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| SAAT Merit Scholarship (Top Rank) | Top rankers in SAAT 2026 | Up to 100% tuition fee waiver |
| JEE Main Merit Scholarship | JEE Main score above 95 percentile | Substantial fee reduction |
| SC/ST and OBC Scholarship | Government scheme-eligible students | As per central/state government norms |
| Single-Parent / Girl Student Support | Female students and single-parent households | Partial fee concession as notified |
Central and state government scholarship schemes including the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) schemes are also available for eligible SC/ST and OBC students. Students are advised to apply within 30 days of admission confirmation.
SOA University Campus and Infrastructure
SOA University’s campus spans 127 acres in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha. The campus is home to all nine constituent units: ITER (engineering), IMS (medicine and surgery), ISHA (allied health), IPS (pharmacy), IMBA (management), SOLS (law), SOA (nursing), KSBS (business studies), and the School of Agriculture. Each unit operates in dedicated blocks within the same campus boundary.
The SUM Hospital, attached to IMS and SOA, is a multi-super-specialty teaching hospital with over 2,600 beds, serving as the clinical training ground for MBBS and postgraduate medical students. The campus also includes a central library with over 1.5 lakh volumes, advanced computing labs for engineering departments, a 400-seat auditorium, sports complex with indoor and outdoor courts, and separate hostel facilities for male and female students.
Hostel facilities are available on campus. Students from outside Odisha and from within the state can apply for hostel accommodation at the time of admission. The hostels are equipped with Wi-Fi, mess facilities, and security. Hostel fees vary by room type and are to be confirmed at admission.soa.ac.in at the time of joining.
SOA University vs KIIT vs VSSUT
Students comparing private and government engineering options in Odisha typically weigh SOA University against KIIT University (another private deemed university in Bhubaneswar) and VSSUT Burla (Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, a state government technical university in Sambalpur).
| Parameter | SOA University (ITER) | KIIT University | VSSUT Burla |
|---|---|---|---|
| Institute Type | Private deemed university | Private deemed university | State government university |
| NIRF 2025 Overall | 25 | In top 50 | Not in top 50 |
| NAAC Grade | A++ | A+ | A |
| B.Tech Total Fees (CSE) | INR 4,80,000 | INR 15 to 18 Lakhs | INR 80,000 to 1,50,000 |
| Admission Exam | SAAT or JEE Main | KIITEE or JEE Main | OJEE |
| B.Tech Placement Rate | 89.8% (2023-24) | High (self-reported) | Moderate |
| Location | Bhubaneswar | Bhubaneswar | Sambalpur |
SOA University leads on NIRF rank and NAAC grade among the three. KIIT has a larger engineering campus and more established national recruiter relationships but significantly higher fees. VSSUT Burla, as a state government university, offers the lowest fees and uses OJEE (Odisha Joint Entrance Examination) for admission, making it the value option for students who qualify through the state entrance route. SOA’s medical, dental, and law schools add discipline breadth that KIIT and VSSUT cannot match at comparable national ranking levels.
SOA University FAQs
Ques. What is the NIRF ranking of SOA University?
Ans. SOA University (Siksha ’O’ Anusandhan) holds NIRF rank 25 Overall and rank 15 among Universities per NIRF 2025. It is ranked 22nd in Engineering, 15th in Medical, 9th in Dental, 10th in Law, and 66th in Management. SOA is the top-ranked university in Odisha across all NIRF 2025 categories.
Ques. What entrance exam is required for B.Tech at SOA University?
Ans. B.Tech admission at SOA (ITER) accepts either SAAT (Siksha ’O’ Anusandhan Admission Test) or JEE Main. SAAT is SOA’s own national-level entrance test conducted annually in multiple rounds. Students with valid JEE Main scores can apply directly through the SOA admission portal at admission.soa.ac.in. Eligibility: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with minimum 60% aggregate for the General category.
Ques. What are the B.Tech fees at SOA University?
Ans. B.Tech fees at SOA (ITER) vary by branch. CSE and IT fees are INR 4,80,000. AI/ML, Data Science, Cyber Security, and IoT programmes cost INR 5,00,000. Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering are priced at INR 4,00,000. Merit scholarships based on SAAT rank and JEE Main percentile can reduce fees by 25% to 100% for top rankers.
Ques. What is the highest placement package at SOA University?
Ans. The highest B.Tech placement package at SOA University was INR 43 LPA in the 2023-24 placement season. Over 2,218 graduates were placed through 210 companies, recording a placement rate of 89.8% for the B.Tech batch. Top recruiters include TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Amazon, Microsoft, and Oracle.
Ques. Does SOA University have MBBS?
Ans. Yes. SOA University’s Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) offers MBBS with 150 seats. Admission is through NEET UG via MCC centralised counselling (All India Quota) and state quota counselling. The total MBBS fee is INR 23,31,000 for the full 5.5-year programme. The attached SUM Hospital provides clinical training with over 2,600 beds.
Ques. Is SOA University a good option for engineering in Odisha?
Ans. Yes. SOA University holds NIRF rank 22 in Engineering (NIRF 2025), making it the highest-ranked engineering institution in Odisha. Its NAAC A++ grade and UGC Category I status reflect strong academic quality. The 89.8% B.Tech placement rate and a highest package of INR 43 LPA are among the best outcomes for a private university in eastern India. For aspirants who qualify through JEE Main or SAAT, SOA offers a credible alternative to private universities outside Odisha at a competitive fee.
Ques. What is the NAAC grade of SOA University?
Ans. SOA University holds a NAAC A++ grade, the highest accreditation level awarded by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council. It also holds UGC Category I status, which grants it full academic autonomy. These recognitions make SOA one of the few private deemed universities in eastern India with both A++ grade and Category I designation.
Ques. Is SOA University a private or government university?
Ans. SOA University is a private deemed-to-be university, established under the UGC Act. It was founded in 1996 as ITER (Institute of Technical Education and Research) and granted deemed university status by UGC in 2007. It is not a government-funded institution. However, its UGC Category I status and NAAC A++ grade reflect strong academic and governance standards. Students from economically weaker sections may apply for central government scholarship schemes (NSP) to partially offset programme fees.
Comments
Found 107 Comments
Yes, SOA University (Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan) offers scholarships for admission to undergraduate courses as financial support based on merit. If you score high marks (for example, overall above 80% in 10th and 12th), you can get a merit scholarship (e.g., INR 35,000 per year) for your UG course. There are also other scholarships for reserved categories, sports achievers, and need-based support.
SOA University Scholarships are offered only on the basis of Merit. Scholarships offered by SOA University range between INR 10,000 – INR 35,000 Per Annum depending on the course opted. You can check here for the SOA University Scholarship 2026
Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) University, Bhubaneswar, does not offer “direct admission”. All admissions are based on the entrance examination SOA Admission Test (SAAT) or equivalent qualifying exams, followed by counselling and document verification. It also accepts national-level entrance examinations, such as the JEE Main for B.Tech and CAT/XAT for MBA. Admission to MBBS & BDS courses at SOA University is based on NEET UG score.
Yes, admissions at Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA), Bhubaneswar are open for 2025 through its entrance test SAAT. The university is currently accepting applications for various UG, PG and Law courses
SOA University B.V.Sc. Veterinary Animal Husbandry Extension Education is offered as 5 Years full-time program. The minimum eligibility criteria for B.V.Sc. are 10+2 with 50% + SAAAT. The total fees for SOA University B.V.Sc. Veterinary Animal Husbandry Extension Education in 2025 is INR 42.6 Lakhs for the complete course duration. The admission fees are INR 4000. You can apply online from the official website of the university for the admissions.
The admission process for Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) University for 2025 begins with the release of the SAAT 2025 application form, which was launched in the first week of January 2025. The entrance test itself is conducted in two rounds:
Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (SOA) University, Bhubaneswar, offers admission to courses based on the SAAT UG and PG. It also accepts national-level entrance examinations, such as the JEE Main for B.Tech and CAT/XAT for MBA. Admission to MBBS & BDS courses at SOA University is solely based on NEET UG score.
SOA University (Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan, Bhubaneswar) does offer B.Sc. in Medical Radiation Technology (BMRT) as part of its paramedical undergraduate programs. You’ll need +2 science (PCB or PCM) with at least 50% marks (40% for SC/ST, 45% for PwD) to qualify. Admission is through the SAAT (SOA Admission Test) or vacancies via lateral entry if eligible
You can check here for the List of Collegedunia RANKED Veterinary Sciences Colleges in India Based on 2026 Ranking
At Siksha 'O' Anusandhan University, to get a BCA, you must pass Class 12 (10+2) with the minimum required marks (60% for the general category, 50% for reserved categories) and meet eligibility conditions; a compartment in Maths must be cleared with your final passing certificate before admission can be confirmed. Simply having a cleared compartment shows you’ve passed 10+2, and then you can apply for BCA admission accordingly.
With an 87.5 percentile in SAAT 2025 for B.V.Sc, you can get admission at Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University (SOA University), as eligibility for the B.V.Sc & A.H. program is 10+2 science with at least 50% and SAAT score. Admission depends on your rank, seat availability, and counselling lists.
SOA University admissions are mainly married based throw entrance examination, academic performance, and counselling. The university conducts its own Shiksha 'O' Anusandhan admission test (SAAT) 2026. Applications for SAAT 2026 are currently open. Phase-1 is ongoing, with the last date tentative around April 2026.
Admission to B.Sc. Agriculture at Siksha 'O' Anusandhan University is based on the SAAT or national/state entrance exams. Candidates must apply online, meet 10+2 PCB/PCM eligibility, and appear for the exam if required. Selected students undergo counseling, document verification, and fee payment to confirm admission.
Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (SOA) University admissions are entrance-based. Candidates must register online via admission.ljku.edu.in or the official SOA portal. Selection relies on the university's free SAAT exam or national tests like JEE Main (B.Tech), NEET (Medical), and CLAT (Law), followed by online or offline counseling rounds.
Admissions for SOA University’s 2025–26 session will open from June?20, 2025, via the official portal. Candidates must apply through SAAT (Rounds 1, 2, or Mop?up) or through JEE Main, CUET-PG, CLAT, GATE, etc., depending on the course. The admission fee is 1,000–1,500 via SAAT. The One-time admission/caution deposit is INR 10,000 for most UG/PG programs
SOA University B.Sc (Nursing) Nursing is offered as a 4-year full-time program. The fees for SOA University B.Sc (Nursing) Nursing 2025 are INR 6.9 Lakhs for the entire duration. SOA University Hostel Fee is INR 60,000 to 1.35 Lakhs. The fee for the BSc in Nursing is mentioned below:
The hostel fee is INR 60,000 - 1,35,000 at SOA University. The fee for the BALLB course is mentioned below:
Yes, the Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.) course at Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (SOA) University is affiliated with the Veterinary Council of India (VCI).
The admissions are based on the merit in the previous qualifying examinations as well as entrance examination score for most of the University.