Over 1.5 lakh Plus-2 seats vacant in Odisha! What explains the shift

A growing number of students are showing interest in vocational education rather than pursuing Plus Two in Odisha. This trend has become evident after more than 1.5 lakh seats remained vacant in various colleges across the State this year.

Although classes began on July 24, the admission process is yet to be completed due to the complex SAMS procedures. Meanwhile, education experts have emphasized the need to open more technical seats, citing the increasing demand for employment-oriented learning environments. 

In the current academic year, more than 1.75 lakh seats in various junior colleges across the state have remained vacant. Education department sources point to a growing trend — a large section of students are opting for vocational and skill-based courses with a focus on employment opportunities, leading to this situation.

The state has a total of 2,429 higher secondary schools with a combined capacity of 5,72,715 seats. In the first and second phases of admission, 65% of the seats were filled, meaning 3,71,207 students enrolled. This still leaves over 2 lakh seats unfilled.

For spot admissions, around 53,000 students applied, but only 25,434 were found eligible. Even if all these students take admission, nearly 1.75 lakh seats will inevitably remain vacant.

Students say that vocational education is in high demand as it offers better prospects in the job market. 

"I want to study IT as it will help me in my further technical and engineering studies. In this digital age, technical studies are very much required. So, students are getting interested in pursuing technical education," said Satyajit Raul, a student.

"Many students are not getting employed despite completing Plus 2 and Plus 3. This is the reason why I pursued ITI. I am hopeful that I can get a job and earn my living by completing ITI," said Gopal Krushna Panigrahi, another student.

Experts suggest that the shift from traditional higher secondary education towards employment-oriented training is a key factor behind the decline in +2 admissions.

The Student Academic Management System (SAMS) has issued a notification for spot admissions to Plus Two courses in the state. However, education experts say that the complex admission process under SAMS is delaying the commencement of classes. As a result, many students are opting to pursue higher education outside the state.

According to experts, another reason behind the situation is the previous government’s decision to allow private educational institutions to increase seats under the pretext of 'upgradation', allegedly showing undue favour to them. This has led to vacant seats in government and government-aided colleges. The Education Department is therefore considering practical measures to address the issue and is also in favour of opening more seats in technical education.

"Students, after completing their Matriculation, are getting channelized into various studies. Ninety per cent of those students come to pursue higher secondary education. However, the self-financing colleges have been sanctioned more seats than their intake capacities. Maximum vacancies are found in Khordha district because of a large number of self-financing schools," said BJB Higher Secondary School Principal Ranjan Kumar Bal.

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"By competing with CBSE, the Board of Secondary Education announced a result of 96.5 percent to please the previous government. Whoever gave money, got affiliation from the government, and the number of seats was increased. A committee should be formed to find necessary solutions," said educationist Dr Raghunath Panda.

Although the current academic session officially began on the 24th of last month, the admission process is still incomplete. It will continue until the supplementary examinations are over. Consequently, students admitted late may miss the opportunity to appear for the semester examinations.