Summary: Odisha State Open University (OSOU) has opened online admission for the 2026-27 academic year, with the session beginning in August 2026. Eligible students can apply for 19 undergraduate and postgraduate open and distance learning programmes until August 26, 2026. Applicants must create their ABC ID and DEB ID, upload the prescribed documents, pay the programme fee online and submit the form before the closing date.
Published: July 17, 2026
Last updated: July 17, 2026
Admission opened: June 19, 2026
Last date of admission: August 26, 2026
Academic session: 2026-27, beginning August 2026
OSOU admission 2026: key highlights
- OSOU’s official admission notice sets August 26, 2026 as the last date of admission.
- The current intake covers six four-year BA Honours programmes and 13 postgraduate programmes.
- ABC ID and DEB ID are mandatory for admission to an open and distance learning institution.
- The application, document upload and programme-fee payment are completed online.
- After final submission, the application cannot be edited. Students should review every entry before selecting “Save & Submit”.
- No hard copy of the application form needs to be sent to OSOU.
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online admission started | June 19, 2026 |
| Last date of admission | August 26, 2026 |
| Academic session begins | August 2026 |
Students should complete registration, uploads, payment and final submission before August 26. A saved draft is not a completed admission application.
Programmes offered
The August 2026 intake includes BA Honours programmes in Economics, English, Hindi, History, Odia and Political Science. Postgraduate options include MA programmes in Economics, English, Hindi, History, Odia, Public Administration, Political Science, Rural Development, Sanskrit and Sociology, along with MBA in Disaster Management, Master of Commerce and MA in Journalism and Mass Communication.
OSOU lists the four-year BA Honours programmes with a maximum completion period of seven years. Most postgraduate programmes have a minimum duration of two years; applicants should check the programme page for its exact maximum duration, medium and available study centres.
Who is affected?
This update affects students seeking fresh admission to an OSOU undergraduate or postgraduate open and distance learning programme for the 2026-27 session beginning in August 2026.
For the BA Honours programmes, the official programme page states that applicants must have passed Plus Two or an equivalent examination. The listed MA programmes generally require a bachelor’s degree, while the MBA in Disaster Management requires graduation. Because eligibility can vary by programme, applicants must confirm the exact rule on the official OSOU programme list before paying.
Fees and payment
Fees vary by programme and must be paid online. For reference, OSOU’s official pages list a first-year total of Rs 6,000 for BA Honours in Economics and Rs 8,000 for MA Economics and MCom, including the one-time alumni and certificate fee. The MBA in Disaster Management page lists a Rs 500 application fee and directs applicants to the prospectus for the programme fee structure. Check the exact programme page and prospectus before payment.
Documents and IDs to prepare
- APAAR/ABC ID and DEB ID
- Active email address and mobile number
- Photograph in JPG format, 500 × 600 pixels and up to 200 KB
- Signature in JPG format, 400 × 80 pixels and up to 200 KB
- Scanned name in Odia in JPG format, 400 × 80 pixels and up to 200 KB; English may be uploaded if the applicant cannot write it in Odia
- Educational qualification certificates in JPG or PDF format, up to 300 KB
- Category certificate for eligible SC, ST or OBC non-creamy-layer applicants, up to 300 KB
- PwD certificate, when applicable, up to 300 KB
Required student action
- Choose a programme and verify its eligibility, fee, duration, medium and study-centre availability.
- Create or retrieve the required ABC ID and DEB ID before starting the application.
- Prepare the photograph, signature, Odia-name image and supporting certificates in the prescribed formats and sizes.
- Register on the official OSOU admission portal using a current email address and mobile number.
- Complete personal and academic information, upload documents and pay the applicable fee online.
- Review the full form carefully and submit it by August 26, 2026.
- Download or print the final application form and payment record for reference.
How to apply for OSOU admission 2026
- Open the official OSOU online admission portal.
- Read the General Instructions and Application Process sections.
- Select “New Registration” if you are applying through the portal for the first time.
- Enter a working email address and mobile number, complete registration and log in.
- Select “Proceed to Apply” and fill in personal information.
- Add academic information and upload the prescribed documents.
- Pay the programme fee through an available online payment gateway.
- Review the completed form. Use “Save as Draft” if it still needs checking; select “Save & Submit” only when all details are correct.
- Print or save the submitted application form. OSOU says a hard copy does not need to be sent to the university.
What happens if the deadline is missed?
The official notice lists August 26 as the last date of admission. Students who do not finish the required submission and payment by that date should not assume a saved draft will be accepted. Any extension or reopening would require a fresh announcement from OSOU.
Official links
- OSOU August 2026 admission announcement
- Official OSOU admission notice PDF
- OSOU online admission portal
- Programme eligibility, fees, duration and study centres
- UGC-DEB page for ABC ID and DEB ID
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date for OSOU admission 2026?
The official OSOU notice states that the last date of admission for the 2026-27 session beginning August 2026 is August 26, 2026.
Are ABC ID and DEB ID compulsory?
Yes. OSOU’s admission portal says both are mandatory under UGC guidelines for admission to an open and distance learning institution.
Can I edit the OSOU form after final submission?
No. The portal warns that the application cannot be edited after final submission. Review the form before selecting “Save & Submit”.
Do I need to send a hard copy to OSOU?
No. OSOU says applicants should print the submitted form for reference but do not need to send a hard copy to the university.
EntranceAlert.com is an independent education information platform and is not affiliated with Odisha State Open University, UGC or any government department. Verify programme eligibility, fees, study-centre availability and admission instructions on the official websites before paying.
