Brief

Over 8,500 candidates submit nominations for Odisha student union elections

University campuses across Odisha saw a surge of candidates ahead of the Oct. 15 student union elections.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 10 Oct 2026 13:36:23 GMT

University and college campuses across Odisha were bustling on Friday as more than 8,500 candidates filed nominations for the student union elections scheduled for Oct. 15, New Indian Express reported.

What happened

Higher Education department sources said 8,325 nominations came from colleges, of which 1,175 were rejected, leaving 7,168 valid forms. Candidates arrived in large processions at 13 universities, including Utkal, Rama Devi and Ravenshaw, and over 300 colleges.

What the reports add

Student organisations such as the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) and National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) fielded candidates across the campuses. The All India Students’ Federation (AISF) also fielded candidates at Utkal University, Maa Manikeswari University and 35 other colleges in districts like Puri and Kalahandi.

What was said

ABVP national executive council member Biswajit Patra said the outfit is reaching out to students with an agenda of campus development and restoring suppressed student voices. AISF state president Sanghamitra Jena said the group is highlighting demands for social security, free bus services, quality education, staff regularisation and timely filling of vacant teaching posts.

Key facts

Over 8,500 candidates filed nominations for Odisha student union elections (newindianexpress.com)
7,168 nomination forms were deemed valid after 1,175 rejections (newindianexpress.com)
Candidates marched to submit papers at 13 universities and more than 300 colleges (newindianexpress.com)
ABVP, BCJD, NSUI and AISF were among the major student organisations fielding candidates (newindianexpress.com)
ABVP member Biswajit Patra said the group aims to restore suppressed student voices (newindianexpress.com)