The Odisha Joint Entrance Examination (OJEE) has issued an advisory for NEET UG 2026 candidates who will take part in Odisha state-quota counselling. Candidates who are eligible for both the Gen-EWS category and the state’s SEBC (Socially and Educationally Backward Classes) category must choose only one of the two, and the choice is final.
This applies to candidates who applied under Gen-EWS in their NEET UG 2026 form but also hold a valid SEBC certificate from the competent authority of the Government of Odisha. No candidate can claim benefits under more than one reservation category at the same time.
What you must do
- Declare one category: during OJEE state-counselling registration, clearly declare your final choice — Gen-EWS or SEBC. It is used for the state merit list and seat allotment.
- Document proof: if you choose SEBC, upload and produce a valid SEBC certificate issued by the competent authority of the Government of Odisha.
- The choice is binding: the category you pick at registration is treated as final. No request for a category change will be accepted later, under any circumstances.
Which to pick
Weigh the two before you register. Gen-EWS and SEBC have different cut-offs and seat shares, so the better choice depends on your rank and the seats you are targeting. Check last year’s Odisha closing ranks by category and use our college predictor to see which seats fit your rank under each option. Our Odisha counselling guide explains the process.
Related: Odisha NEET UG 2026 counselling schedule.
Official links
- OJEE notice on Gen-EWS vs SEBC category selection, 8 August 2026 (PDF)
- OJEE official portal (ojee.nic.in)
Source: Odisha Joint Entrance Examination — Notice No. OJEE/0401, 8 August 2026 (ojee.nic.in).