
Landing Page of SAMS Portal
The journey to higher education in Odisha begins with the +3 college admission process, a well-organized system managed by the Student Academic Management System (SAMS). Offering access to over 1,037 degree colleges and 2.72 lakh seats, the process is merit-based and conducted online. For the 2025 academic session, applications for Phase 1 are live, with Phase 2 expected to follow for vacant seats. This guide, tailored for Odisha’s students, outlines the steps to apply for +3 colleges, including Phase 2 details, fees, merit lists, and scholarships.
Understanding the +3 Admission Process in Odisha

The +3 admission, or e-admission, targets students who have passed their Higher Secondary (10+2) examinations, offering degree programs in Arts, Science, Commerce, and Sanskrit. Administered through samsodisha.gov.in, the process involves submitting a Common Application Form (CAF), uploading documents, and paying a fee. Phase 1 applications, open from April 16 to May 20, 2025, cater to initial allotments, while Phase 2 addresses vacant seats. In 2024, over 2 lakh students applied, with 83,719 seats vacant after Phase 2, necessitating a third phase, indicating the importance of Phase 2.
How to Register for SAMS Odisha for +3? A Step-by-Step Guide
To apply for +3 colleges, students must register on the SAMS portal. Follow these steps:

- Access the Portal: Visit samsodisha.gov.in and select “Degree (+3)” under Higher Education.
- New Registration: Click “New Student Registration,” enter your name, mobile number, email ID, and date of birth, then submit.
- OTP Verification: Input the six-digit OTP sent to your mobile (valid for five minutes) and create a password.
- Log In: Use your mobile number and password to access your e-Space.
- Fill the CAF: Enter personal details, 10+2 marks, and college preferences (up to 20). Upload a passport-size photo and mark sheet.
- Pay the Fee: Complete the online payment (details below) and submit the CAF.
- Print CAF: Download and print the Applicant Copy for records.
Auto-validation, using your CHSE roll number and caste certificate barcode (for SC/ST), eliminates physical submission.
How to Apply for SAMS Odisha Phase 2 and When Will It Open?
Phase 2 of +3 admissions targets students who missed Phase 1, were not selected, or seek vacant seats. Based on 2024 trends, Phase 2 applications are expected to open in August 2025, likely from August 10 to August 24, following the completion of Phase 1 merit lists in July. The process mirrors Phase 1:
- Visit SAMS Portal: Go to samsodisha.gov.in and select “Degree (+3)” for Phase 2 registration.
- Log In or Register: Use existing credentials or register anew if you missed Phase 1.
- Complete CAF: Update or fill a new CAF with college preferences for vacant seats, available on the portal.
- Pay and Submit: Pay the fee online and submit the CAF, printing the Applicant Copy.
In 2024, Phase 2 ran from August 12 to August 26, addressing 83,719 vacant seats. Check samsodisha.gov.in for the official 2025 notification in July.
What is the Application Fee for +3 in Odisha?
The application fee ensures affordability:
- General Category: Rs. 275
- SC/ST Category: Rs. 175
- PwD, Orphans, Transgender: No fee
Payments are made online via Net Banking, NEFT, UPI, or Bank Challan. In 2024, exemptions supported thousands of PwD and transgender applicants.
How to Check the SAMS Odisha Merit List?
Post-CAF submission, merit lists determine college allocations. To check:
- Visit samsodisha.gov.in and log in with your mobile number and password.
- Select the “Merit List” tab under “Degree (+3).”
- Enter your barcode number and mobile number to view your allocated college and stream.
Merit lists are expected in June (first), July (second), and July (third) 2025. Selected students must report to the college with their intimation letter and original documents, such as mark sheets and caste certificates, by the deadline.
The slide-up option allows movement to higher-preference colleges in later rounds unless Annexure-7 is submitted to lock the choice. SMS/email alerts ensure timely updates.
Which Colleges Come Under SAMS Odisha?
SAMS oversees 1,037 colleges, including:
- Utkal University, Bhubaneswar
- Ravenshaw University, Cuttack
- BJB Autonomous College, Bhubaneswar
- Rama Devi Women’s University, Bhubaneswar
- Fakir Mohan University, Balasore
- Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanjadeo University, Mayurbhanj
College profiles, including streams and cutoffs, are listed on samsodisha.gov.in. In 2024, Science streams saw 40% of applications, followed by Arts (35%) and Commerce (25%).
What is the Amount of the State Scholarship in Odisha for +3 Students?
Odisha supports +3 students through scholarships on scholarship.odisha.gov.in:
- Post-Matric Scholarship: Offers Rs. 5,500–7,000 annually for SC/ST students, based on family income.
- Merit-cum-Means Scholarship: Provides up to Rs. 5,000 yearly for meritorious low-income students.
In 2024, thousands received funds via Aadhaar-linked accounts. Apply online with academic and income documents.
The SAMS Odisha +3 admission process, with its structured phases, ensures fair access to higher education. By registering early, applying in Phase 1 or Phase 2 (expected August 2025), and monitoring merit lists, students can secure their desired college.