CPET 2026 to Begin from May 5; Over 58,000 Candidates Apply for PG Admissions in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha has announced that the Common PG Entrance Test (CPET) 2026 will be conducted from May 5 to May 18, marking the start of the postgraduate admission process for the academic session 2026–27.

According to official data, 58,708 candidates have applied for admission to 31,915 postgraduate seats across universities and colleges in the state, reflecting strong demand for higher education.

The application process was carried out through the SAMS portal between February 27 and March 22. The applicant data will be handed over to the State Selection Board on March 26 for conducting the examination.

Admit cards for the entrance test will be available from April 30, and candidates can download them from the official website of the State Selection Board.

Officials said that admissions to postgraduate courses will be based on marks secured in the CPET, ensuring a merit-based selection process.

The department has also set a target to begin postgraduate classes by July 10, 2026, aiming to streamline the academic calendar and ensure timely completion of courses.