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The Odisha Common Postgraduate Entrance Test (CPET) is a state-level exam conducted by the Student Academic Management System (SAMS) under the Higher Education Department, Odisha. It serves as the single entry point for admission to various postgraduate courses in public universities and autonomous colleges across the state. Covering disciplines like Arts, Science, Commerce, and professional programs, CPET ensures merit-based selection with reservations. For the 2026 session, the process remains online via pg.samsodisha.gov.in, promoting transparency and accessibility for graduates seeking quality higher education in Odisha institutions.
Table of Contents
Odisha CPET 2026 Important Dates
The official notification for Odisha CPET 2026 is anticipated in early 2026. Based on recent cycles and tentative schedules:
- Notification Release: March 2026
- Application Form Start: March 2026
- Last Date to Apply: Late March 2026
- Application Correction Window: Late March 2026
- Admit Card Release: April 2026
- Exam Dates: May 2026
- Result Declaration: June 2026
- Merit List and Counselling Start: June-July 2026
Candidates must monitor pg.samsodisha.gov.in for exact dates and updates from the Higher Education Department.
Odisha CPET Participating Universities and Colleges 2026
CPET scores facilitate admissions in over 20 public universities and numerous autonomous colleges, offering thousands of PG seats.
- Utkal University, Bhubaneswar
- Berhampur University
- Sambalpur University
- Ravenshaw University, Cuttack
- Fakir Mohan University, Balasore
- Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University, Baripada
- Other autonomous colleges affiliated under the system
Programs include MA, MSc, MCom, MBA (Agri-Business), MCA, and specialized courses with strong academic and research focus.
Odisha CPET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To apply for Odisha CPET 2026:
- Bachelor's degree in the relevant subject from a recognized university.
- Minimum 45-50% aggregate (relaxation for SC/ST/PwD as per norms).
- Final-year students eligible if degree completed before admission.
- No upper age limit.
- Odisha domicile preferred for state quota; open seats available.
Specific subjects require corresponding UG honors/major.
Odisha CPET 2026 Application Form
The process is fully online:
- Visit pg.samsodisha.gov.in.
- Register with mobile, email, name, and DOB for OTP validation.
- Fill personal, academic, and subject preferences.
- Upload photograph, signature, and certificates.
- Pay fee: Approximately INR 500-1000 (varies by category).
- Submit and print confirmation.
Multiple subject applications possible with additional fees.
Odisha CPET Exam Pattern 2026
The exam is offline (OMR-based), subject-specific:
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Total Questions: 70-100 MCQs (varies by subject)
- Total Marks: 70-100
- Marking: +1 for correct; -0.25 for incorrect (in most cases)
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Core Questions | From Honors/Major subject (higher weightage) |
| Elective/Related | From generic electives or allied areas |
| Mode | Offline OMR |
Odisha CPET Syllabus 2026
Syllabus aligns with UG honors/core curriculum (CBCS model):
- Subject-specific: Full UG syllabus of chosen PG discipline.
- For multidisciplinary: Relevant UG topics.
- Examples: MA English - Literature, Grammar; MSc Physics - Mechanics, Quantum, etc.
Detailed PDFs available on pg.samsodisha.gov.in post-notification.
Odisha CPET Previous Year Cutoff Trends
Cutoffs are subject, university, category, and round-specific, released as marks or ranks during counselling. They depend on applicant numbers, difficulty, and seats.
In recent years, top universities like Utkal required 60-75+ marks for General in popular subjects (e.g., Physics, English). Reserved categories saw 10-20 marks relaxation. Trends indicate moderate rise in competition for Science streams, stable for Arts/Commerce.
Analysing 2024-2025 data shows General cutoffs for flagship programs at premier institutes around 65-80 marks, with variations.
| Subject/Example (General at Utkal Univ) | 2023-24 Marks | 2024-25 Marks | 2025 Marks | Expected 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | Around 70 | 69.69 | Similar | 70+ |
| English | 65-75 | 70+ | 68-75 | 70-80 |
| Commerce | 60-70 | 65+ | Similar | 65+ |
| SC/ST Relaxation | 10-20 lower | Similar | Similar | Similar |
Check round-wise archives on pg.samsodisha.gov.in for precise data.
Odisha CPET Previous Year Question Papers
Practising previous papers aids in understanding patterns, repeated topics, and time management. Official downloads:
- Visit pg.samsodisha.gov.in > Previous Year Question Papers section.
- 2020-2025 papers available subject-wise.
- Direct links in notifications or archives post-exam.
Solve multiple sets to cover variations.
Odisha CPET Preparation Tips 2026
Focus on UG fundamentals:
- Revise honors syllabus thoroughly using standard textbooks.
- Practice MCQs from previous years; questions often repeat.
- Manage time for 70-100 questions in 90 minutes.
- Avoid guesswork due to negative marking.
- Use mocks for accuracy; target 80%+ attempts correctly.
- Strengthen weak topics early.
Dedicated 2-3 months prep suffices for good ranks, as competition is moderate.
Odisha CPET Admission Process 2026
Merit based on entrance (70-80%) + career marks (20-30%). Online counselling:
- Choice filling post-merit list.
- Multiple rounds of allotment.
- Slide/float/freeze options.
- Document verification and fee payment at allotted institute.
- Spot rounds for vacancies.
Prioritize based on previous cutoffs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Odisha Common Postgraduate Entrance Test for PG admissions in state universities and colleges.
- Expected in March 2026 on pg.samsodisha.gov.in.
- Yes, usually -0.25 for wrong answers.
- Bachelor's degree with relevant subject and minimum marks (relaxed for reserved).
- Multiple, with separate fees per application.
- Yes, for public universities and most autonomous colleges.
- From pg.samsodisha.gov.in previous question papers section.
- 70+ marks for top universities in competitive subjects.
- Yes, fully through SAMS portal with choice filling.
- Yes, provisional if degree completed before admission.
- Weighted: Entrance marks + career/academic performance.
- Often similar or repeated; solving PYQs highly beneficial.
