India, June 22 -- The Odisha Higher Education Department on Monday published the first selection merit list for Phase-I admissions into Undergraduate (UG Degree/+3) courses for the 2026-27 academic session, with a total of 1,78,782 students securing seats across higher educational institutions in the state.

According to official statistics, admissions are being conducted against a total sanctioned seat strength of 2,87,327. A total of 2,37,200 students had applied for admission this year. Of the 1,78,782 candidates selected in the first round, 69,182 are male students, 1,09,591 are female students and nine are transgender applicants.

The data shows that girls continue to outnumber boys in UG admissions across Odisha colleges.

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