Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, is a state government university established on 27 November 1943 — one of the oldest and largest universities in Odisha. The university is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and holds NAAC A+ grade accreditation. It is the premier affiliating and teaching university of the state, serving students from Odisha and eastern India across arts, social sciences, sciences, management, education, law, and allied health programmes.
As per NIRF Rankings 2025 (University category), Utkal University is placed in the 101 to 150 band. As per Collegedunia Ranking 2026, the university is ranked #71 out of 200 Education institutes in India and #40 out of 200 Paramedical institutes in India.
The campus spans 399 acres at Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar — one of the largest university campuses in Odisha. The campus accommodates the central university buildings, teaching departments, research centres, a library, separate hostels for men and women, and sports facilities.
Utkal University directly offers PG, integrated, and doctoral programmes. Its affiliated colleges across Odisha offer UG programmes under its umbrella:
- MA — 15+ disciplines including Economics, English, History, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Geography, Sanskrit, Philosophy, Public Administration, Women Studies, and more
- Duration: 2 years | Total fees: INR 5,146 (standard disciplines)
- M.Sc — Botany, Chemistry, Zoology, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Geology, Geography, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Applied Microbiology
- Duration: 2 years | Total fees: INR 5,670 (basic sciences) to INR 1,20,000 (Applied Microbiology, Environmental Science)
- MBA — General and specialisations | Duration: 2 years | Total fees: INR 98,020
- M.Tech — Computer Science, Information Technology | Total fees: INR 1,50,000 to INR 2,25,000
- MCA — 2 years | Total fees: INR 50,000
- BCA + MCA (Integrated) — 5 years | Total fees: INR 2,50,000
- BBA + MBA (Integrated) — 5 years | Total fees: INR 2,00,000
- B.Ed / M.Ed — Teacher education programmes
- MJMC — Mass Communication, 2 years | Total fees: INR 50,000
- LLM — 2 years | Total fees: INR 1,65,085
- Ph.D. — Available in 40+ disciplines
Scholarships and government freeships are available for SC/ST/OBC students through the Odisha state government and central government scholarship schemes. The placement cell facilitates limited campus recruitment for MBA, M.Tech, and professional PG graduates.
- Utkal University Admission Dates 2026
- Utkal University Courses and Fees
- Utkal University Admission Process
- Utkal University Placements
- Utkal University Rankings
- Utkal University Scholarships
- Utkal University Campus and Infrastructure
- Utkal University vs Berhampur University vs Sambalpur University
- Utkal University FAQs
Utkal University Admission Dates 2026
Utkal University conducted PG admissions for the 2026-27 session through the CPET (Common Post Graduate Entrance Test) for most PG programmes, with OJEE scores accepted for MCA and GATE for M.Tech. UG admissions at affiliated colleges use the SAMS (Student Academic Management System) portal managed by the Government of Odisha. The 2026-27 admission cycle concluded in August 2026.
| Event | 2026-27 Cycle (Concluded) |
|---|---|
| SAMS UG application (affiliated colleges) | April 15 to May 31, 2026 |
| OJEE 2026 (MCA) | May 4 to 9, 2026 |
| CPET 2026 (PG entrance) | June 20 to 30, 2026 |
| PG merit list | July 15, 2026 |
| Ph.D. admission process | August 2026 |
| Classes begin (PG) | August 2026 |
The next admission cycle for 2027-28 is expected to follow a similar schedule. Tentative dates are provided below for planning.
| Event | 2027-28 Cycle (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| SAMS UG application opens | April 2027 |
| OJEE 2027 | May 2027 |
| CPET 2027 | June 2027 |
| PG merit list | July 2027 |
| Classes begin | August 2027 |
The table below shows the admission mode for each programme family directly offered by Utkal University.
| Programme | Exam / Selection Mode |
|---|---|
| MA / M.Sc / MJMC / LLM (PG) | CPET (Common PG Entrance Test) |
| MBA | CAT / MAT / CPET |
| MCA | OJEE score |
| M.Tech (CS / IT) | GATE score |
| B.Ed / M.Ed | CPET or university merit |
| BCA+MCA / BBA+MBA (Integrated) | Merit in 10+2 / CPET |
| Ph.D. | UGC-NET / GATE / university entrance and interview |
Utkal University Courses and Fees
Utkal University directly offers PG, integrated UG+PG, doctoral, and diploma programmes. As a state government university, its fee structure is among the most accessible in India. The table below covers key programmes with total fees for the full duration.
| Programme | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees (General) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA (standard humanities and social science disciplines) | 2 years | Bachelor’s degree in relevant subject | INR 5,146 |
| MA (Women Studies, Human Consciousness and Yogic Science) | 2 years | Bachelor’s degree | INR 40,000 |
| M.Sc (Botany, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Statistics, Geology, Geography, Zoology) | 2 years | B.Sc in relevant discipline | INR 5,670 |
| M.Sc (Biotechnology) | 2 years | B.Sc in life sciences / Biotechnology | INR 34,000 |
| M.Sc (Computer Science) | 2 years | BCA / B.Sc CS | INR 90,000 |
| M.Sc (Environmental Science / Applied Microbiology) | 2 years | B.Sc in relevant discipline | INR 1,20,000 |
| MBA (General and specialisations) | 2 years | Graduation with 50%, CAT/MAT/CPET | INR 98,020 |
| MCA | 2 years | BCA / B.Sc CS / equivalent with Maths | INR 50,000 |
| M.Tech (Information Technology) | 2 years | B.Tech/BE CS/IT or MCA, GATE | INR 1,50,000 |
| M.Tech (Computer Science) | 2 years | B.Tech/BE CS or MCA, GATE | INR 2,25,000 |
| BCA + MCA (Integrated) | 5 years | 10+2 with Maths | INR 2,50,000 |
| BBA + MBA (Integrated) | 5 years | 10+2, any stream | INR 2,00,000 |
| MJMC (Mass Communication) | 2 years | Graduation in any discipline | INR 50,000 |
| LLM | 2 years | LLB degree | INR 1,65,085 |
| Ph.D. | 3 to 5 years | Master’s degree, university entrance | INR 30,500 (standard) |
Hostel accommodation is available at nominal government rates, up to INR 42,000 per year. The Utkal University affiliated colleges across Odisha offer UG programmes (BA, B.Sc, B.Com) at separately determined fee structures as per the Government of Odisha guidelines.
Utkal University Admission Process
Utkal University conducts the CPET (Common Post Graduate Entrance Test) annually for admission to its PG programmes. CPET is a combined university-level entrance test for all PG courses offered directly by Utkal University. Students from across Odisha apply for CPET-based programmes, and merit in CPET determines the seat allocation.
MA and M.Sc Admission
Eligibility for MA programmes requires a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline with a minimum 45% aggregate (40% for SC/ST). M.Sc eligibility requires a B.Sc with relevant subjects and minimum 45% aggregate. Admission is through CPET score merit. Subjects offered include:
- MA: Economics, English, History, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, Geography, Sanskrit, Hindi, Odia, Public Administration, Statistics, Mathematics, Anthropology, Women Studies, and more
- M.Sc: Botany, Chemistry, Zoology, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Geology, Geography, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Applied Microbiology
MBA and Professional PG Admission
MBA eligibility requires a graduation degree with minimum 50% aggregate and a valid CAT, MAT, or CPET score. MCA eligibility requires BCA, B.Sc CS, or equivalent graduation with Mathematics, and selection uses OJEE scores. M.Tech (CS and IT) requires B.Tech/BE or MCA with a valid GATE score.
Integrated and Teacher Education Admission
The BCA+MCA and BBA+MBA integrated programmes admit students based on 10+2 merit and CPET scores for the lateral PG component. B.Ed and M.Ed programmes use CPET or Odisha state teacher entrance test. MJMC admits on merit or CPET. LLM admits on merit or CPET.
Ph.D. Admission
Ph.D. eligibility requires a Master’s degree with minimum 55% aggregate. Students with UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, or GATE qualification are typically exempt from the written entrance test. The selection process includes a written test and departmental interview. Ph.D. admissions are announced in August each year.
Utkal University Placements
Utkal University is primarily a PG teaching and affiliating university with a focus on academic and research excellence rather than campus placement at scale. As per NIRF 2024 data, 120 students from the 5-year integrated programmes were placed with a median salary of INR 3.70 LPA. The placement cell supports MBA, MCA, M.Tech, MJMC, and integrated programme graduates with campus recruitment drives and internship facilitation.
The university’s strongest graduate pathways are through competitive examinations — Odisha and central government PSU employment, UPSC and OPSC civil services, UGC-NET and teaching career tracks, judicial services (for LLM graduates), and research roles. MBA and MCA graduates see placement activity in BFSI, IT, and retail sectors.
Utkal University Rankings
Utkal University is ranked in the 101 to 150 band under the NIRF University Rankings 2025, an improvement from the 151 to 200 band in 2024. The university holds NAAC A+ grade accreditation. In stream-specific rankings from major bodies, it performs strongest in Education and Paramedical categories.
| Ranking Body | Category | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| NIRF | University (India) | 101 to 150 band (2025) |
| Collegedunia | Education (India) | #71 out of 200 (2026) |
| Collegedunia | Paramedical (India) | #40 out of 200 (2026) |
| The Week | University (India) | #23 out of 92 (2024) |
| IIRF | Nursing (India) | #11 out of 100 (2025) |
Utkal University Scholarships
Utkal University students can access scholarships and freeships through central government and Odisha state government schemes. The table below lists the principal schemes available.
| Scholarship / Freeship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Schemes | SC/ST/OBC/minority students at PG level with income criteria | Tuition fee and maintenance allowance per central government norms |
| Odisha SC/ST Post-Matric Scholarship | SC/ST students domiciled in Odisha, annual family income within state ceiling | Full tuition fee and maintenance allowance |
| PRERANA Scholarship (Odisha) | Meritorious students from SC/ST/OBC/SEBC categories pursuing PG or professional programmes | Financial assistance as per Odisha state norms |
| Research Fellowships (JRF/SRF) | Ph.D. scholars qualifying UGC-NET / CSIR-NET / GATE | Monthly stipend of INR 31,000 to INR 35,000 (JRF) as per UGC norms |
Students must register on the National Scholarship Portal or the Odisha government scholarship portal within the deadlines notified each year. Ph.D. students with UGC-JRF/SRF fellowships receive stipend support directly from the University Grants Commission.
Utkal University Campus and Infrastructure
Utkal University’s campus spans 399 acres at Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar, in one of the greenest parts of Odisha’s capital. The campus houses 30+ teaching departments, a central library, research centres, administrative buildings, and residential facilities. The central library has over 3 lakh books and journals across disciplines, with digital access to academic databases.
Academic infrastructure includes science laboratories in botany, zoology, chemistry, physics, and geology; computer labs; seminar halls; and an auditorium. Research activity is ongoing across science, social science, and humanities departments, supported by DST, UGC, and ICSSR-funded projects. The university hosts its own Yoga and Human Consciousness centre, reflecting a broad academic mandate.
Separate hostels for boys and girls are available on campus at nominal government charges up to INR 42,000 per year. The campus also has gyms, a cafeteria, sports grounds, a bank, a health centre, and 24-hour security. The Bhubaneswar railway station and Biju Patnaik International Airport are both within 10 km of the campus.
Utkal University vs Berhampur University vs Sambalpur University
Aspirants from Odisha choosing a state government university for PG studies often compare Utkal University (Bhubaneswar), Berhampur University (Berhampur), and Sambalpur University (Burla). All three are major affiliating state universities in Odisha, but they serve different geographic and subject-strength profiles.
| Parameter | Utkal University, Bhubaneswar | Berhampur University, Berhampur | Sambalpur University, Burla |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 1943 | 1967 | 1967 |
| Location | Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar | Bhanja Vihar, Berhampur | Jyoti Vihar, Burla |
| Campus | 399 acres | Large sprawling campus | Large campus |
| NAAC Grade | A+ | A | A |
| NIRF 2025 | 101 to 150 band (University) | Outside top 150 | Outside top 150 |
| Strong Streams | Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, Education, MBA, M.Tech | Arts, Commerce, Sciences | Sciences, Education, Engineering |
| MA Fees (2 years) | INR 5,146 | Similar range | Similar range |
Utkal University leads in NAAC grade, NIRF rank, and proximity to Bhubaneswar’s job market. Berhampur University serves the southern Odisha region and is well-regarded for arts and commerce. Sambalpur University covers western Odisha and is particularly strong in science and technology education through its location near Burla engineering belt. All three offer PG programmes at government-subsidised fee levels.
Utkal University FAQs
Ques. What is the NIRF ranking of Utkal University?
Ans. Utkal University is ranked in the 101 to 150 band under NIRF University Rankings 2025, an improvement from the 151 to 200 band in 2024. The university holds NAAC A+ accreditation. As per Collegedunia Ranking 2026, it is ranked #71 out of 200 Education institutes in India and #40 out of 200 Paramedical institutes in India.
Ques. How does admission to Utkal University work?
Ans. Utkal University admits PG students through the CPET (Common Post Graduate Entrance Test) for most MA and M.Sc programmes. MCA admission uses OJEE scores, M.Tech uses GATE, and MBA uses CAT/MAT/CPET. UG admissions at Utkal-affiliated colleges use the SAMS portal managed by the Odisha government. Ph.D. admissions require an entrance test and interview, announced in August each year.
Ques. What are the fees for MA at Utkal University?
Ans. The total fees for standard MA programmes (Economics, English, History, Political Science, Sociology, etc.) at Utkal University are INR 5,146 for the full 2-year programme — approximately INR 2,573 per year. This reflects the heavily subsidised government university fee structure. Professional PG programmes such as MBA (INR 98,020 for 2 years) and M.Tech CS (INR 2,25,000 for 2 years) carry higher fees.
Ques. Does Utkal University have a hostel?
Ans. Yes. Utkal University has separate hostels for boys and girls on its 399-acre Vani Vihar campus in Bhubaneswar. Hostel charges are at nominal government rates, up to INR 42,000 per year. The campus also has gyms, a cafeteria, sports grounds, a health centre, and 24-hour security.
Ques. Is Utkal University good for M.Sc programmes?
Ans. Utkal University is one of the oldest and most established science teaching institutions in Odisha. Its M.Sc programmes in Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Geology, and Geography are well-regarded across the state, with total fees as low as INR 5,670 for the full 2-year programme. The university has active research labs and faculty involved in DST and UGC-funded projects. Most M.Sc graduates go on to Ph.D. programmes, UGC-NET, or state PSU roles.
Ques. Which entrance exam does Utkal University use for PG admission?
Ans. Utkal University uses the CPET (Common Post Graduate Entrance Test) for most MA and M.Sc admissions. MCA admission is through OJEE. M.Tech admission requires a valid GATE score. MBA accepts CAT, MAT, or CPET. Ph.D. admissions are through a university-conducted entrance test and departmental interview.
Ques. What is Utkal University famous for?
Ans. Utkal University is one of the oldest universities in Odisha, established in 1943. It is known for its strength in humanities, social sciences, and basic sciences at the PG and research level. The university holds NAAC A+ accreditation and is in the NIRF 101 to 150 band (2025). Its 399-acre Vani Vihar campus is among the largest in Odisha. It affiliates hundreds of colleges across Odisha for UG programmes.
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Yes, you can pursue a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) with Political Science as a teaching subject at Utkal University, Bhubaneswar. The university offers a two-year, full-time B.Ed. program under the Department of Teacher Education, with an intake capacity of 50 seats. Admission is based on the Utkal University Entrance Test and evaluation of past academic records. For Political Science, you would need to select the Arts group, which includes subjects like General English, Odia, Geography, History, and Political Science
The fee for the PhD course ranges between INR 9,500 - 25,000 (1st Year Fees), depending on the specialization at Utkal University Bhubaneswar. You must have 55% marks in Master’s degree in the relevant discipline (50% for SC/ST and PWD candidates). Admisison is based on written Test (a minimum of 35% marks for General and 30% for SC/ST candidates is mandatory) followed by an Interview.
To apply for the MBA programme in Marketing Management at Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, you must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. Admission is based on entrance exam scores (like CPET/OJEE/MAT/CAT/CMAT) and merit, followed by counselling and document verification.
Applicants must fill out the online application form on the university’s official portal before the deadline and pay the requisite fee to complete registration. Selection combines your qualifying exam performance and entrance score.
Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, offers the Bachelor of Computer Applications [BCA] + Master of Computer Applications [MCA]. The fees are mentioned below:
The fee for the courses is mentioned below:
MBA
Bachelor of Education [B.Ed]
Ph.D
M.Tech
M.Sc
MA
Master of Commerce [M.Com]
Bachelor of Business Administration [BBA] + Master of Business Administration [MBA]
Master of Pharmacy [M.Pharm]
Master of Laws [L.L.M.]
Candidate must have passed 10+2 with Mathematics/Statistics with 50% (45% for SC/ST) marks in aggregate from a recognized Board of Education. The fee for the BCA course is INR 25,000.
You must have done B.Sc.(Ag)/Allied subjects/Science/Commerce/Management/B.Tech./BE from a recognized University or its equivalent qualification in any discipline with 50% in aggregate (45% for SC/ST) from any Institution recognized by the ICAR/UGC/AICTE. The fee for the course is INR 2,96,000
Utkal University has recently conducted admissions for certain master's programs to fill vacant seats. The application deadline was January 11, 2025, with entrance tests held on January 13, 2025, and admissions finalized by January 18, 2025
The fee for the MSc in Zoology is mentioned below:
The fee structure for the Utkal University is mentioned below:
Utkal University BBSR Admission based on candidates’ merit and performance in the entrance exam. Utkal University Admission has already started and the due date to pay fee and upload documents is July 5, 2024. Seat allotment for the second round will be released on July 11, 2024 tentatively.
Yes, candidates with 993 rank can get a seat to pursue the B Pharmacy program offered at Utkal University. Candidates from general category are required to secure more marks than it.
Candidates can pursue Bachelor of Commerce in Utkal University. Tuition fee for this course is INR 26,860.
For details, check Utkal University Courses & Fees
To seek admission at DDCE Utkal University for BEd course, candidates must qualify graduation with not less than 50% of marks in aggregate. For the admission, candidates need to apply online. After that, candidates will receive admit card for entrance test. Admission process will conclude based on merit and marks secured in the entrance exam.
For details, check Utkal University Admission 2024
To seek admission for BCom course, candidates need to secure a minimum 50% of marks in aggregate in graduation. Moreover, candidates need to fulfil other eligibility criteria along with it to apply for BCom course. Final selection will be done through the counselling process.
To get admission at Utkal University, candidates must meet the basic eligibility criteria and qualify entrance test. The final selection will conclude through counselling process.
For details, check Utkal University Admission 2024
To get admission in MSc Agriculture, candidates must qualify the entrance exam and secure minimum qualifying marks but not less than 50% of marks in graduation. Selection process is done based on merit, performance in the exam and the final round.
To apply at Utkal University for the admission in BCA course, candidates need to secure the minimum qualifying marks in the entrance exam. The entrance exam is generally conducted in August. Candidates must apply before that.
The exams have already been concluded from May 06 to May 10, 2024. Currently, the university offers UG, PG, Ph.D., and M.Phil. courses to students and the university at present have about 7 PG departments.
The duration of PhD courses is 3 years. Admission for PhD courses is done based on merit and central and university label entrance exams. The final selection is done through a personal interview. However, some universities conduct their own entrance exams.