The Odisha Government has approved a major digital education initiative named Odisha Shikshanet – Empowering Students through a Free Wi-Fi Internet Facility to All Colleges and Universities. The scheme was cleared by the State Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on 9 November 2026.
Under this initiative, eligible students in 601 government and aided colleges across Odisha will get access to free, secure and high-speed Wi-Fi on their college campuses. Each authenticated student will be entitled to up to 1 GB of free internet data per day for academic, research and skill-development purposes.
The scheme has a total financial outlay of ₹393.62 crore and is scheduled to be implemented over three financial years, from 2026–27 to 2028–29. The government expects the initiative to benefit more than six lakh students and faculty members.
Odisha Shikshanet Scheme 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Odisha Shikshanet |
| Full Name | Empowering Students through a Free Wi-Fi Internet Facility to All Colleges and Universities |
| Announced By | Government of Odisha |
| Approval Authority | Odisha State Cabinet |
| Chief Minister | Mohan Charan Majhi |
| Cabinet Approval Date | 9 November 2026 |
| Total Budget | ₹393.62 Crore |
| Implementation Period | 2026–27 to 2028–29 |
| Institutions Covered | 601 Government and Aided Colleges |
| Free Internet Limit | Up to 1 GB per day |
| Beneficiaries | More than 6 lakh students and faculty members |
| Facility | Free, Secure and High-Speed Campus Wi-Fi |
| Official Website | https://dhe.odisha.gov.in/ |
Odisha Cabinet Approves ₹393.62 Crore for Free College Wi-Fi
During its cabinet meeting held on 9 November 2026, the Odisha Government approved the Odisha Shikshanet scheme as part of its efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure in higher education institutions.
The initiative aims to provide students with easier access to online educational resources without depending entirely on personal mobile data or paid internet connections.
According to reports of the Cabinet decision, the scheme will cover 601 government and aided colleges across the state. The project will be implemented over three years, from the 2026–27 financial year to 2028–29, with a total budget allocation of ₹393.62 crore.
The initiative will expand the availability of campus internet facilities and support digital learning, online research and technology-based education.
Key Benefits of Odisha Shikshanet Scheme
The most important feature of the scheme is the provision of up to 1 GB of free internet data per day for every authenticated student within the college campus.
Key features include:
- Free Wi-Fi connectivity in 601 government and aided colleges.
- Up to 1 GB of free internet data per day for authenticated students.
- Secure and high-speed internet access.
- Support for online education and digital learning.
- Access to e-books and digital libraries.
- Access to virtual classrooms and online lectures.
- Support for research databases and academic resources.
- Access to competitive examination preparation materials.
- Digital skill-development opportunities.
- Improved access to online government education services.
The scheme is expected to be particularly beneficial for students from rural, remote and economically weaker backgrounds who may have limited access to reliable internet connectivity outside their educational institutions.
Which Colleges Will Get Free Wi-Fi?
Under the approved scheme, free Wi-Fi facilities will be extended to 601 government and aided colleges across Odisha.
The initiative is intended to strengthen internet infrastructure in higher education institutions and provide students with access to digital academic resources.
The scheme builds on the first phase of Odisha Shikshanet, under which Wi-Fi facilities had already been provided to 130 colleges. The new approval will expand the programme’s coverage.
Important: The reported coverage is 601 government and aided colleges. The exact institution-wise implementation list and rollout schedule have not yet been confirmed in the reports available at the time of writing.
Students Will Get Up to 1GB Free Internet Data Every Day
One of the major highlights of the Odisha Shikshanet scheme is its daily free internet allowance.
Every authenticated student will be entitled to use up to 1 GB of free internet data per day within the college campus.
This facility is intended to help students access educational content, download study materials, attend online lectures, use digital libraries and explore online learning platforms.
The daily data allowance is a campus-based facility. It should not be understood as a free mobile data recharge or an internet benefit that can be used outside the college campus.
How Will the Free Wi-Fi Facility Help Students?
The scheme is expected to improve students’ access to several educational and digital services.
1. E-Books and Digital Libraries
Students will be able to access digital study materials, e-books and online library resources for their academic requirements.
2. Online Lectures and Virtual Classrooms
Campus internet connectivity can help students participate in virtual classrooms, access recorded lectures and use online educational platforms.
3. Competitive Examination Preparation
Students preparing for competitive examinations will have better access to online study materials, mock tests, examination resources and learning platforms.
4. Research and Higher Education
The availability of internet facilities can support students and faculty members in accessing research databases, academic publications and other digital resources.
5. Digital Government Services
The facility is also expected to support access to important online education-related services, including:
- Student Academic Management System (SAMS)
- Higher Education Information Management System (HIMS)
- Scholarship portals
- Other online academic and e-governance services
Implementation Period and Budget
The Odisha Government has approved a total financial outlay of ₹393.62 crore for the Odisha Shikshanet scheme.
The programme will be implemented over three financial years.
| Financial Year | Scheme Status |
|---|---|
| 2026–27 | Implementation period begins |
| 2027–28 | Implementation continues |
| 2028–29 | Final year of the approved implementation period |
The project will involve the installation of Wi-Fi infrastructure, bandwidth provisioning, network management, cybersecurity arrangements and operation and maintenance support.
A centralised monitoring dashboard will also be established to monitor network performance, service availability, security, uptime and usage.
Who Will Benefit from Odisha Shikshanet?
The initiative is expected to benefit more than six lakh students and faculty members across government and aided higher education institutions in Odisha.
The scheme is particularly relevant for:
- Undergraduate students.
- Postgraduate students.
- Students from rural and remote areas.
- Students from economically weaker sections.
- Faculty members and academic institutions.
The programme is intended to reduce the digital divide and make digital learning resources more accessible across the state.
Is Online Registration Required for Free Wi-Fi?
As of 10 November 2026, the available reports about the Cabinet approval do not provide a separate student registration link or a detailed application procedure for the free Wi-Fi facility.
The scheme specifies that students will be authenticated to access the daily internet allowance on campus. The exact authentication process, student login procedure, Wi-Fi access credentials and institution-wise rollout arrangements have not yet been announced in the reports reviewed.
Students should therefore follow announcements from their respective colleges and the Higher Education Department, Odisha, for further instructions.
Important Dates – Odisha Shikshanet Scheme 2026
| Event | Date / Period |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Approval | 9 November 2026 |
| Scheme Implementation Begins | Financial Year 2026–27 |
| Implementation Period | 2026–27 to 2028–29 |
| Final Implementation Year | 2028–29 |
| Institution-Wise Rollout Schedule | Awaited |
| Student Authentication Guidelines | Awaited |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the Odisha Shikshanet Scheme?
Odisha Shikshanet is a state government initiative to provide free, secure and high-speed Wi-Fi internet facilities to government and aided colleges across Odisha.
Q2. When was the Odisha Shikshanet scheme approved?
The Odisha Cabinet approved the scheme on 9 November 2026 under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Q3. How much budget has been approved for the scheme?
The government has approved a total financial outlay of ₹393.62 crore.
Q4. How many colleges will be covered under Odisha Shikshanet?
The scheme will extend Wi-Fi facilities to 601 government and aided colleges across Odisha.
Q5. How much free internet data will students get every day?
Every authenticated student will be entitled to up to 1 GB of free internet data per day within the college campus.
Q6. Can students use the free Wi-Fi outside their college campus?
The announced facility is intended for use within college campuses. It is not a free mobile data recharge for use outside the campus.
Q7. How many students are expected to benefit from the scheme?
More than six lakh students and faculty members are expected to benefit from the initiative.
Q8. What is the implementation period of the Odisha Shikshanet scheme?
The scheme will be implemented over three financial years, from 2026–27 to 2028–29.
Q9. Will private colleges also receive free Wi-Fi under the scheme?
The reported coverage specifically mentions 601 government and aided colleges. Coverage of unaided private colleges has not been confirmed.
Q10. How can students register for Odisha Shikshanet?
A separate student registration link and detailed authentication procedure have not yet been announced in the available reports. Students should follow their respective colleges for further instructions.
Important Links
| Odisha Higher Education Department | Click Here |
| Odisha Government Portal | Click Here |
| SAMS Odisha | Visit Portal |
| Odisha Education Updates – Sunil Web | Click Here |
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