The Odisha Joint Entrance Examination Board (OJEE) has issued a critical notice for NEET UG 2026 candidates who qualified for Odisha's state-quota medical counselling. If you applied under the Gen-EWS (Economically Weaker Section) category during your initial NEET UG application AND you also hold a valid SEBC (Socially and Educationally Backward Classes) certificate issued by the Government of Odisha, you must make an important choice. During OJEE state counselling registration, you must select ONE category only—either Gen-EWS or SEBC—for the merit list and seat allotment. This choice is permanent and cannot be changed later. Understanding this rule is essential because selecting the wrong category or trying to change it after registration will cost you your seat.
If you have both Gen-EWS and SEBC certificates, you must choose only ONE category during OJEE counselling registration, and this choice cannot be changed under any circumstances.
Who Does This Notice Apply To?
This notice applies specifically to NEET UG 2026 candidates who meet ALL three conditions: (1) you have qualified in NEET UG 2026, (2) you intend to participate in Odisha's state medical counselling for state-quota MBBS and BDS seats, and (3) you applied under the Gen-EWS category during your initial NEET UG application process.
The critical additional condition is that you must also possess a valid, genuine SEBC certificate issued by the competent authority of the Government of Odisha. If you have only one of these categories—either Gen-EWS or SEBC, but not both—this notice does not require you to make a choice. You will participate in counselling under the category you already have. However, if you hold both certificates, you are in the group this notice targets, and you must act carefully.
- Qualified in NEET UG 2026
- Applied under Gen-EWS category in initial NEET UG application
- Hold a valid SEBC certificate from Government of Odisha
- Intend to participate in Odisha state medical counselling
What Are Gen-EWS and SEBC Categories?
Gen-EWS stands for Economically Weaker Section. This is a central (national) reservation category created for candidates from general (unreserved) backgrounds who have an annual family income below a specified threshold. If you applied under Gen-EWS during NEET UG, it means you claimed this economic criterion at the national level.
SEBC stands for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes. This is a state-level (Odisha-specific) reservation category for communities that Odisha's government has classified as socially and educationally backward. To claim SEBC, you must hold a certificate issued by the competent authority of the Government of Odisha—not a central authority. The two categories are different: Gen-EWS is economic and national; SEBC is social/educational and state-specific.
In Odisha's state counselling, these two categories may have different seat allocations, cutoff scores, and merit lists. Choosing one category means you will compete in that category's merit list and be eligible for seats reserved for that category only. You cannot benefit from both simultaneously.
- Gen-EWS: national economic reservation category
- SEBC: Odisha state-level social and educational reservation category
- Each has its own merit list and seat allocation
- You must choose one for state counselling
The Core Rule: Choose ONE Category Only
The notice is emphatic: candidates eligible for both Gen-EWS and SEBC must choose only ONE category for Odisha's state medical counselling. Under no circumstances will you be permitted to claim benefit under multiple reservation categories simultaneously. This means you cannot apply for seats under Gen-EWS in one round and then switch to SEBC in another round, nor can you claim both categories at the same time.
The reason for this rule is that each category has its own merit list, cutoff score, and reserved seats. If a candidate were allowed to claim both, it would create confusion in seat allocation and violate the principle that each seat is reserved for one specific category. The rule protects the integrity of the counselling process and ensures fair distribution of seats.
This is not a suggestion or a guideline—it is a binding rule. Violating it by attempting to claim both categories will result in rejection of your application or cancellation of your allotted seat.
- You must select exactly ONE category: either Gen-EWS or SEBC
- You cannot claim both categories simultaneously
- You cannot claim one category in one round and switch to another later
- Attempting to claim multiple categories will result in rejection or seat cancellation
How to Declare Your Category During OJEE Registration
When you log in to the OJEE state counselling registration portal, you will be asked to declare your category. The notice specifies that you must explicitly declare your final category choice—either Gen-EWS or SEBC. This means you cannot leave it blank or ambiguous; you must actively select one option.
The registration form will likely present you with a dropdown or radio button asking which category you wish to participate under. Read the options carefully. If the form shows both Gen-EWS and SEBC as available options for you (because you have both certificates), select only one. Do not attempt to select both or to submit the form without making a clear choice.
Take your time with this decision. Think about which category gives you a better chance of admission based on the cutoff scores, seat availability, and your rank. Once you submit your registration with a category choice, that choice becomes final. You cannot change it later, so make sure you are certain before clicking submit.
- Log in to OJEE state counselling registration portal
- Look for the category selection field
- Explicitly select either Gen-EWS or SEBC (not both)
- Review your choice carefully before submitting
- Submit the registration form
Document Verification: SEBC Certificate Requirements
If you choose the SEBC category, you must upload or produce a valid SEBC certificate during the document verification stage of counselling. The certificate must be issued by the competent authority of the Government of Odisha. This is critical: a SEBC certificate from any other state or from a non-official source will not be accepted.
The notice does not specify the exact format, validity period, or sub-categories within SEBC, so you should check the OJEE counselling prospectus or contact OJEE directly for those details. However, the certificate must be genuine and issued by Odisha's government. If you do not have a valid SEBC certificate at the time of document verification, your SEBC claim will be rejected, and you may lose your seat if you have already been allotted one under that category.
If you choose Gen-EWS, you will need to produce the Gen-EWS certificate you used during your initial NEET UG application. Make sure you have both certificates ready before counselling begins, so you can make an informed choice and provide the correct document during verification.
- SEBC certificate must be issued by Government of Odisha
- Certificate must be valid and genuine
- Must be uploaded or produced during document verification
- Non-Odisha SEBC certificates will not be accepted
- Failure to produce a valid certificate will result in rejection of SEBC claim
The Binding Choice: No Changes Allowed After Registration
This is the most important trap in this notice. The category you select during OJEE registration will be treated as final. No requests for category change will be entertained at a later stage under any circumstances. This means once you submit your registration with a category choice, you are locked in. You cannot change your mind after seeing the merit list, after learning the cutoff scores, or after discovering that the other category had better seats available.
Many candidates make the mistake of thinking they can change their category choice later if they are not satisfied with their allotment. This notice makes it absolutely clear that is not possible. If you choose Gen-EWS and then regret it after seeing that SEBC had lower cutoffs, you cannot switch. If you choose SEBC and then realize Gen-EWS would have given you a better seat, you cannot change. The choice is permanent.
This is why you must think carefully before registering. Check the previous year's cutoff scores for both categories (if available), understand the seat distribution, and make an informed decision. Once you register, you are committed to that category for the entire counselling process.
- Category choice is final and binding
- No changes allowed after registration submission
- No exceptions under any circumstances
- Think carefully before registering
- Check cutoff scores and seat availability before deciding
How to Decide: Gen-EWS or SEBC?
Choosing between Gen-EWS and SEBC requires you to compare the two categories based on available data. The most important factors are: (1) the cutoff score for each category in the previous year's counselling, (2) the number of seats available under each category, and (3) your NEET UG rank and score. If Gen-EWS had a higher cutoff than SEBC in the previous year, and your rank is closer to the SEBC cutoff, SEBC may be the safer choice. Conversely, if Gen-EWS had more seats or a lower cutoff, it might be better.
You should also consider the colleges and courses available under each category. Sometimes one category has better college options than the other. Check the previous year's allotment data (if OJEE publishes it) to see which colleges and courses were filled under each category.
If you are still uncertain, contact OJEE directly or visit their office to ask for historical cutoff data and seat distribution. Do not guess. Make a data-driven decision, because once you register, you cannot change it.
- Compare cutoff scores for both categories (previous year)
- Check number of seats available under each category
- Review your NEET UG rank and score
- Look at colleges and courses available under each category
- Contact OJEE if you need clarification on data
- Make a decision based on facts, not guesses
Common Mistakes That Will Cost You Your Seat
Mistake 1: Not declaring a category at all. If you leave the category field blank during registration, your application may be rejected. The notice says you must explicitly declare your choice. Blank or ambiguous submissions are not acceptable.
Mistake 2: Attempting to claim both categories. Some candidates think they can select both Gen-EWS and SEBC to maximize their chances. This is explicitly forbidden. If you attempt it, your application will be rejected or your seat will be cancelled.
Mistake 3: Providing an invalid or non-Odisha SEBC certificate. If you choose SEBC but your certificate is not issued by the Government of Odisha, or if it is expired or forged, your SEBC claim will be rejected. You may lose your seat if you have already been allotted one under that category.
Mistake 4: Changing your mind after registration. Once you register with a category choice, you cannot change it. Do not expect OJEE to make exceptions. If you realize later that you chose the wrong category, you will be stuck with that choice for the entire counselling process.
- Do not leave the category field blank
- Do not attempt to select both categories
- Do not provide a non-Odisha SEBC certificate
- Do not expect to change your category choice after registration
- Do not assume exceptions will be made for you
Timeline and Next Steps
The notice was issued on 08.08.2026 (8 August 2026). It does not specify the exact date when OJEE state counselling registration will open or close. You must check the OJEE website (odishajee.com) or the official OJEE counselling prospectus for the registration schedule.
Your immediate action is to: (1) confirm whether you have both Gen-EWS and SEBC certificates, (2) if yes, gather the previous year's cutoff data and seat distribution for both categories, (3) make a decision about which category to choose, and (4) wait for the OJEE registration portal to open. Once it opens, register promptly and declare your category choice carefully.
Do not delay. Counselling schedules are tight, and missing the registration deadline will disqualify you from state-quota seats. Check the OJEE website regularly for updates on registration dates.
- Notice issued: 8 August 2026
- Check OJEE website for registration dates
- Gather cutoff and seat data for both categories
- Make your category decision before registration opens
- Register promptly when the portal opens
- Declare your category choice carefully during registration
Where to Get Help and More Information
For official information about OJEE state counselling, visit the OJEE website at odishajee.com. The website should have the full counselling prospectus, registration instructions, cutoff data, and seat matrices for both Gen-EWS and SEBC categories.
If you have specific questions about your eligibility, your certificates, or the category selection process, contact OJEE directly. The notice is signed by the Chairman of OJEE, so any clarifications should come from OJEE itself, not from coaching centers or unofficial sources.
Do not rely on rumors or advice from other candidates. Each candidate's situation is unique. Make your decision based on official data and your own analysis.
- Visit odishajee.com for official information
- Check the counselling prospectus for cutoff data and seat matrices
- Contact OJEE directly for clarifications
- Do not rely on unofficial sources or rumors
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
I have both Gen-EWS and SEBC certificates. Do I have to choose one category?
Yes, absolutely. The notice is clear: if you have both certificates, you must choose only ONE category—either Gen-EWS or SEBC—during OJEE state counselling registration. You cannot claim benefit under both categories simultaneously. The choice is binding and cannot be changed later.
What happens if I try to claim both Gen-EWS and SEBC at the same time?
Your application will be rejected or your allotted seat will be cancelled. The notice explicitly states that under no circumstances will a candidate be permitted to claim benefit under multiple reservation categories simultaneously. Attempting to do so is a violation of the counselling rules.
Can I change my category choice after I register?
No. The notice states that the category selected during OJEE registration will be treated as final, and no requests for category change will be entertained at a later stage under any circumstances. Once you submit your registration with a category choice, you are locked in for the entire counselling process.
Which category should I choose—Gen-EWS or SEBC?
That depends on your NEET UG rank, the cutoff scores for each category in the previous year, the number of seats available under each category, and the colleges/courses available. Compare the data for both categories and make an informed decision. If you are unsure, contact OJEE for clarification. Do not guess, because you cannot change your choice later.
What if my SEBC certificate is not issued by the Government of Odisha?
It will not be accepted. The notice specifies that the SEBC certificate must be issued by the competent authority of the Government of Odisha. Certificates from other states or non-official sources are invalid. If you choose SEBC but cannot produce a valid Odisha SEBC certificate during document verification, your SEBC claim will be rejected.
When do I need to declare my category choice?
During online registration for OJEE state counselling. The notice does not specify the exact registration dates, so you must check the OJEE website (odishajee.com) for the registration schedule. Once the portal opens, you must explicitly declare your category choice (Gen-EWS or SEBC) during registration.
I only have a Gen-EWS certificate, not SEBC. Does this notice apply to me?
No. This notice applies only to candidates who have BOTH Gen-EWS and SEBC certificates. If you have only Gen-EWS, you will participate in counselling under the Gen-EWS category. If you have only SEBC, you will participate under SEBC. The notice is for candidates with both certificates who must choose one.
What documents do I need to provide if I choose SEBC?
You must upload or produce a valid SEBC certificate issued by the competent authority of the Government of Odisha during the document verification stage of counselling. The certificate must be genuine and currently valid. If you do not have a valid SEBC certificate, your SEBC claim will be rejected.
Is there any way to get an exception to the 'no category change' rule?
No. The notice states that no requests for category change will be entertained at a later stage under any circumstances. There are no exceptions. Once you register with a category choice, that choice is final and permanent.
What if I make a mistake and choose the wrong category during registration?
Unfortunately, you cannot change it. The category choice is binding and final. This is why you must think carefully and make an informed decision before registering. Check the cutoff scores, seat availability, and your rank for both categories before you submit your registration.
If you have both Gen-EWS and SEBC certificates, your next step is to gather the previous year's cutoff data and seat distribution for both categories from the OJEE website. Make a careful, data-driven decision about which category to choose. When OJEE state counselling registration opens (check odishajee.com for dates), register promptly and declare your category choice explicitly. Remember: this choice is final and cannot be changed, so do not rush. If you have any doubts, contact OJEE directly before registering.
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