Odisha clears free Wi-Fi for 601 colleges: 1 GB data a day for 6 lakh students
By TUF News Desk · Published 11 November 2026 · 3 min read
Fact-checked against 2+ independent sources · Editorial policy
More than six lakh students in Odisha will soon get free internet on their college campus. The state cabinet on Monday, November 9, approved Odisha Shikshanet, a Rs 393.62 crore scheme that will bring high-speed Wi-Fi to 601 government and aided colleges over the next three years.
What students get
Every authenticated student will get up to 1 GB of free data a day inside the campus. The data is meant for academic work, research and skill development. Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the scheme is expected to benefit over six lakh students and faculty members across the state’s government and aided higher education institutions.
The scheme will run from the 2026-27 financial year to 2028-29. It builds on a first phase that already put Wi-Fi in 130 colleges. The approval came at the cabinet’s 49th meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, where 13 proposals were cleared. Higher Education Secretary Aravind Agarwal announced the scheme after the meeting.
Who it helps most
The government has pitched the scheme as a way to close the digital gap between city campuses and colleges in smaller towns and rural areas. Students from rural, remote and economically weaker backgrounds often have no reliable internet at home, so campus Wi-Fi becomes their main way to reach online journals, digital libraries and competitive exam material.
The government says the scheme fits into the National Education Policy 2020, Digital India and Odisha Vision 2036. Odisha’s older state universities, such as Ravenshaw University in Cuttack, sit at the centre of the state’s higher education system alongside hundreds of affiliated colleges, and the scheme’s full title covers colleges and universities.
What happens next
The government has not yet published a college-wise schedule, so the first sign for most students will be Wi-Fi going live on their own campus. The Higher Education Department posted about the approval on November 9, the same day the cabinet met. Students can check announcements on the Odisha Higher Education Department website. For students still picking a college, our guide to choosing a university in India explains what to compare beyond fees and location.
Frequently asked questions
What is Odisha Shikshanet?
A state scheme approved on November 9, 2026, to provide free, secure, high-speed Wi-Fi to 601 government and aided colleges in Odisha, with an outlay of Rs 393.62 crore over three years.
How much free data will students get under Odisha Shikshanet?
Up to 1 GB per day for every authenticated student, usable within the college campus for academic work, research and skill development.
Which colleges are covered by the scheme?
601 government and aided colleges across Odisha. The scheme builds on a first phase that already brought Wi-Fi to 130 colleges.
When will the Wi-Fi reach my college?
The scheme runs from the 2026-27 financial year to 2028-29. The government has not published a college-wise rollout schedule yet, so students should check with their college or the Higher Education Department.
Frequently asked questions
What is Odisha Shikshanet?
A state scheme approved on November 9, 2026, to provide free, secure, high-speed Wi-Fi to 601 government and aided colleges in Odisha, with an outlay of Rs 393.62 crore over three years.
How much free data will students get under Odisha Shikshanet?
Up to 1 GB per day for every authenticated student, usable within the college campus for academic work, research and skill development.
Which colleges are covered by the scheme?
601 government and aided colleges across Odisha. The scheme builds on a first phase that already brought Wi-Fi to 130 colleges.
When will the Wi-Fi reach my college?
The scheme runs from the 2026-27 financial year to 2028-29. The government has not published a college-wise rollout schedule yet, so students should check with their college or the Higher Education Department.
Sources: Business Standard, The Times of India, The New Indian Express