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OSOU Admission 2026: Step-by-Step Application Process

Updated 2 October 2026 Admission Process 4 min read

OSOU online admission for the August 2026 session (Academic Year 2026-27) started on 19 June 2026, with the extended last date to apply being 07 October 2026. Applicants must generate an ABC ID and DEB ID prior to registering on the official portal, completing a 5-step application process, and paying fees online.

Key facts

August 2026 Session Start Date 19 June 2026
August 2026 Session Extended Last Date 07 October 2026
Application Mode Online
Mandatory Student IDs ABC ID and DEB ID
Fee Payment Mode Online Payment Gateway
Hard Copy Submission Not required

Admission Schedule for 2026 Academic Sessions

OSOU conducts admissions in dual sessions every year. Applications for the August 2026 session (Academic Year 2026-27) are accepted through the OSOU online admission portal.

OSOU Admission Important Dates for 2026

Academic Session Admission Start Date Extended Last Date
August 2026 Session (2026-27) 19 June 2026 07 October 2026
January 2026 Session 16 January 2026 06 March 2026

Mandatory Registration Prerequisites and Document Specifications

As per UGC guidelines, applicants must create an Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) ID and a DEB ID on the UGC-DEB portal before filling out the online application. Keep digital copies of required files formatted according to university specifications.

  • ABC ID & DEB ID: Generated via the UGC-DEB student portal prior to registration.
  • Photograph: JPG format, 500 × 600 pixels dimension, maximum file size 200 KB.
  • Signature: JPG format, 400 × 80 pixels dimension, maximum file size 200 KB.
  • Odia Name Scan: JPG format, 400 × 80 pixels dimension, maximum 200 KB. If unable to write in Odia, upload an image written in English.
  • Educational Qualification Certificates: JPG or PDF format, maximum file size 300 KB.
  • Category & PwD Certificates (if applicable): JPG or PDF format, maximum file size 300 KB for SC/ST/OBC Non-Creamy or PwD status.

New User Registration Procedure

First-time applicants must create a account on the OSOU registration portal before filling out the main application form.

  1. Open the portal and choose your desired programme code from the ‘Select Programme’ dropdown list.
  2. Type your full name exactly as recorded in your educational certificates.
  3. Enter a valid, active email ID and cell phone number for official communications.
  4. Set a password, confirm the password, and type the security text shown on screen.
  5. Check the agreement box to consent to communications via SMS, email, and call from OSOU.
  6. Click the ‘SUBMIT’ button to finish registration.
OSOU: New User Registration Procedure — step-by-step
New User Registration Procedure: the steps at a glance.

Five-Step Application Submission Process

After registering, log in using your email ID and password, then click ‘Proceed to Apply’ to complete the application steps.

  1. Step 1 (Personal Information): Fill in all mandatory personal details and click ‘Save & Continue’.
  2. Step 2 (Academic Information): Enter your qualifying educational records and click ‘Save & Continue’.
  3. Step 3 (Document Upload): Upload your photo, signature, Odia name scan, educational certificates, and category/PwD certificates according to the prescribed dimensions.
  4. Step 4 (Online Payment): Pay the programme fee online using any available payment gateway.
  5. Step 5 (Edit or Submit Form): Review all form entries carefully. Click ‘Save as Draft’ if you need to review later, or click ‘Save & Submit’ for final submission.
  6. Print Application: After final submission, print the completed form using ‘Print Application Form’ for reference. Sending a hard copy to OSOU is not required.

Programme Fees and Guidelines

Programme fees must be paid entirely online during admission. Detailed fee structures per programme are published in the OSOU e-Prospectus page.

  • Annual Programme Fee: ₹7,500 per year for Post Graduate Degree programmes (as per February 2025 admission batch).
  • One-Time Certificate Fee: ₹400 payable at admission.
  • One-Time Alumni Fee: ₹100 payable at admission.
  • Term-End Examination Fee: ₹200 per course, paid separately when submitting the examination form.

Official documents (PDF)

Frequently asked questions

What is the last date to apply for OSOU admission in 2026?

For the August 2026 session (Academic Year 2026-27), the last date to apply has been extended to 07 October 2026.

Are ABC ID and DEB ID mandatory for OSOU online application?

Yes. As per UGC guidelines, generating an Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) ID and DEB ID on the UGC-DEB student portal is mandatory before filling out the form.

Do I need to submit physical copies of my application to OSOU?

No. You do not need to send hard copies of the application form or uploaded documents to OSOU after final online submission.

What should I do if I am unable to write my name in Odia for document upload?

If you cannot write your name in Odia, upload an image of your name written in English. OSOU will convert it to Odia later.

Can I edit my application form after submitting it?

No. Once you click ‘Save & Submit’ for final submission, the form cannot be edited. You can use ‘Save as Draft’ prior to final submission if you want to review it later.

Sources

Written from the official OSOU pages and documents below, as read on 2 October 2026.