OJEE 2026: Candidates Must Choose Either Gen-EWS or SEBC Category for Odisha MBBS/BDS State Counselling — Not Both

The Odisha Joint Entrance Examination (OJEE) authority, which runs the state's medical counselling for MBBS and BDS state-quota seats, has issued a notice dated 8 August 2026 for NEET-UG 2026 candidates. It addresses a specific group: candidates who applied under the Gen-EWS (General - Economically Weaker Section) category in the original NEET-UG application, but who also hold a genuine SEBC (Socially and Educationally Backward Classes) certificate issued by the Government of Odisha. This is not a schedule or a result — it is a rule clarification about how such candidates must declare their category when registering for Odisha's state counselling. The bottom line: you can use only one of the two categories, not both, and once chosen it cannot be changed later.

Who exactly does this notice apply to?

This notice applies only to a specific overlap group: candidates who qualified NEET-UG 2026, who ticked the Gen-EWS category box during the national NEET-UG application (conducted by NTA), and who also separately hold a valid SEBC certificate issued by a competent authority of the Government of Odisha.

If you fall into this group and plan to take part in OJEE's counselling for Odisha's 85% state-quota MBBS/BDS seats, this rule directly affects you. If you applied under only Gen-EWS (with no SEBC certificate) or only under SEBC (with no Gen-EWS claim), this specific dual-category issue does not apply to you — you simply proceed with the one category you actually hold.

The core rule: one category, not both

OJEE has made it clear that a candidate cannot claim benefits under two reservation categories at the same time for the state merit list and seat allotment process. Even if you are technically eligible for both Gen-EWS and SEBC, Odisha's counselling system will only recognise one of them for you.

This matters because Gen-EWS and SEBC are different reservation categories with different eligibility criteria, different reserved seats, and different cut-offs in the merit list. Trying to use both — for example, to keep options open — is explicitly not permitted.

What you must do during OJEE registration

The notice lays out three clear steps for affected candidates.

• Category Declaration: While registering online for OJEE State Counselling, you must explicitly declare your final category choice — either Gen-EWS or SEBC. This is a specific, one-time decision made at the registration stage.
• Document Verification: If you choose SEBC, you must upload or produce a valid SEBC certificate that is issued by the competent authority of the Government of Odisha. A certificate from another state, or one not issued by the recognised competent authority, will not be accepted.
• Binding Choice: Whatever category you select during OJEE registration becomes final. OJEE has stated that no request to change the category will be entertained later, under any circumstances.

Why this choice needs careful thought

Because the decision is binding with no scope for correction afterward, candidates in this dual-eligible group should think this through carefully before registering — ideally by comparing which category is likely to give a better chance of seat allotment, based on the reserved seats and competition typically seen under each category in Odisha's counselling.

This is not a decision to make in a hurry at the last moment of filling the online form. Since OJEE has stated there is no reversal option, an incorrect or hasty choice could mean losing out on a seat you may otherwise have qualified for under the other category.

Traps to watch for

The biggest risk in this notice is treating category selection casually, since there is zero flexibility once submitted.

• ⚠️ Do not select SEBC unless your certificate is issued by the competent authority of the Government of Odisha specifically — certificates from other states or non-competent issuing bodies will not satisfy this requirement.
• ⚠️ Do not assume you can switch from Gen-EWS to SEBC (or vice versa) after registration if you change your mind or see better allotment chances elsewhere — OJEE has explicitly ruled this out.
• ⚠️ Do not attempt to claim both categories in the hope of getting benefits under either — the notice states this will not be permitted under any circumstances.

Frequently asked questions

If you are among the candidates who hold both a Gen-EWS status and a valid Odisha SEBC certificate, decide your category well before you sit down to register on the OJEE state counselling portal — this choice cannot be undone. Keep your SEBC certificate (if choosing that route) ready in the correct format issued by the Government of Odisha's competent authority, and watch OJEE's official portal for the state counselling registration schedule.