The Higher Education Department of Odisha has commenced the Phase-1 e-admission process for undergraduate (UG) courses through the Students Academic Management System (SAMS). The academic session for 2026-27 is set to begin on July 9. Students can access the Common Application Forms (CAFs) on the SAMS website until June 10. The admission process will unfold in three rounds. The first merit list is scheduled for release on June 17, with first-round admissions taking place from June 18 to 20. The second merit list will follow on June 29, and admissions for this round will occur from June 30 to July 4. After the session begins, a third round for spot and waiting-list admissions will be held on July 17. Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj emphasized that the earlier start of the academic session aims to facilitate timely course completion, allowing students to prepare for competitive exams. Additionally, Phase-2 admissions will cater to students who do not secure a seat during Phase-1, following the results of the Class XII instant examinations, which are expected to be published approximately 60 days after the exams.