Gangadhar Meher University (GMU), Sambalpur is a public state university in Odisha. It was established in 1944 as Sambalpur College by local intellectuals and administrators and was renamed Gangadhar Meher College in 1949 in honour of the eminent Odia poet Gangadhar Meher. The institution was elevated to full university status in 2015 under the Odisha Universities Act, 1989. GMU is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and accredited with an ’A’ grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
GMU does not currently appear in the NIRF university rankings.
The university is located at Amruta Vihar, Sambalpur, Odisha. Campus facilities include 9 hostels, 4 IT laboratories, a central instrumentation facility, an IT skill centre, and a 1,200-seat auditorium. A second campus is currently under development.
GMU offers 28 UG, 26 PG, and 23 PhD programmes to 6,449 students across arts, science, and commerce disciplines:
- BA / BA Hons in 15 subjects including Anthropology, Economics, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Odia, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sanskrit, Sociology, and Statistics
- BSc / BSc Hons in Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, and Zoology. BSc in Information Science and Telecommunication is also offered
- BBA (3 years) and BCom / BCom Hons
- Integrated BA+BEd and BSc+BEd (4-year NEP programmes)
- MA / MSc / MCom across corresponding disciplines (2 years)
- MBA (2 years) with Financial Management specialisation
- MCA (2 years)
- PhD across 22 disciplines in arts, science, and commerce
The total fee for a 3-year BA or BSc under the general quota ranges from INR 31,455 to INR 36,625. The 4-year BA Hons or BSc Hons (NEP) ranges from INR 44,810 to INR 45,310. The 2-year MBA programme is available at INR 27,540 for the full duration. SC and ST students are eligible for a tuition fee waiver under Odisha government norms.
UG admissions are based on Class 12 board merit through the SAMS Odisha portal. No separate entrance exam is required for BA, BSc, BCom, or BBA programmes.
GMU Admission Dates 2026
Admissions to Gangadhar Meher University for the 2026-27 academic session have concluded. UG and PG admissions ran through the SAMS Odisha centralised portal, with undergraduate classes commencing on July 10, 2026. The next cycle for the 2027-28 session is expected to reopen in May 2027.
| Event | Date (2026-27 Cycle - Concluded) |
|---|---|
| SAMS UG Application Opens | May 27, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | June 16, 2026 |
| First Merit List Release | June 22, 2026 |
| Seat Acceptance and Fee Payment | Up to July 6, 2026 |
| Classes Commence | July 10, 2026 |
The 2027-28 admission cycle is expected to follow a similar schedule. Indicative tentative dates are listed below for aspirant planning.
| Event | Tentative Date (2027-28 Cycle) |
|---|---|
| SAMS UG Application Opens | May 2027 (Tentative) |
| Application Deadline | June 2027 (Tentative) |
| First Merit List | Late June 2027 (Tentative) |
| Classes Commence | July 2027 (Tentative) |
The table below lists the admission mode for each programme family at GMU.
| Programme | Admission Mode | Selection Basis |
|---|---|---|
| BA / BSc / BCom / BBA | SAMS Odisha UG Portal | Class 12 merit |
| BA+BEd / BSc+BEd (Integrated) | SAMS Odisha UG Portal | Class 12 merit |
| MA / MSc / MCom | SAMS Odisha PG Portal | Graduation merit |
| MBA | OJEE / SAMS PG | OJEE score plus graduation merit |
| MCA | OJEE | OJEE score |
| PhD | University website direct | RET or NET/JRF plus interview |
GMU Courses and Fees
Gangadhar Meher University offers more than 77 degree programmes spanning undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. All fees are under government-regulated rates, making GMU one of the most affordable university options in western Odisha.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees (General Quota) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA / BSc / BCom (Pass) | 3 years | Class 12 pass with relevant subjects | INR 31,455 to INR 36,625 |
| BA Hons / BSc Hons / BCom Hons | 4 years (NEP) | Class 12 with relevant subjects | INR 44,810 to INR 45,310 |
| BBA | 3 years | Class 12 pass (any stream) | INR 36,125 |
| BA+BEd / BSc+BEd (Integrated) | 4 years | Class 12 pass | INR 47,710 |
| MA / MCom | 2 years | Relevant graduation | INR 24,190 |
| MSc | 2 years | BSc with relevant subjects | INR 24,690 |
| MBA | 2 years | Any graduation, OJEE score | INR 27,540 |
| MCA | 2 years | BSc/BCA/relevant IT graduation | INR 9,460 |
| PhD (Arts / Commerce) | 3 years minimum | PG with 55% marks, NET/JRF or RET | INR 43,113 |
| PhD (Science / Technology) | 3 years minimum | PG with 55% marks, NET/JRF or RET | INR 68,613 |
Distinctive offerings include BSc in Information Science and Telecommunication, Integrated BA+BEd and BSc+BEd programmes designed to produce trained school teachers, and PhD programmes in Biotechnology alongside humanities and commerce disciplines. SC and ST students are eligible for full tuition fee exemption under Odisha government norms, with only miscellaneous fees payable.
GMU Admission Process
Gangadhar Meher University uses the SAMS Odisha centralised system for all UG and most PG admissions. The process is merit-based at the UG level and merit-plus-entrance at the PG level.
UG Admissions (BA / BSc / BCom / BBA)
Eligibility for UG programmes at GMU:
- Pass in Class 12 (10+2) from a recognised board
- Relevant subject combination (PCM for BSc Maths, Science for BSc, any stream for BA / BCom / BBA)
- No minimum percentage cutoff is mandated by SAMS norms, but seat allotment is competitive based on Class 12 aggregate marks
Selection stages for UG admission:
- Online application through the SAMS Odisha UG portal
- Merit list generated on Class 12 aggregate
- Online choice filling and seat allotment
- Fee payment and document verification at GMU
- Admission confirmation and enrolment
Students entering the 4-year BA Hons or BSc Hons pathway under the National Education Policy can exit with a Pass degree after 3 years or continue to the 4-year Hons degree. The admission process is identical for both pathways.
PG Admissions (MA / MSc / MCom / MBA / MCA)
Eligibility for PG programmes:
- Graduation in the relevant discipline from a recognised university
- Minimum 45% aggregate marks (general category) or 40% for SC/ST candidates
- MBA additionally requires a valid OJEE (Odisha Joint Entrance Examination) score
- MCA requires a valid OJEE score or equivalent gateway
Admission to MA, MSc, and MCom is through the SAMS Odisha PG portal based on graduation merit and subject eligibility. MBA and MCA admissions factor in the OJEE score. MBA closing scores through OJEE are determined competitively and are not pre-declared.
PhD Admissions
Eligibility for PhD at GMU:
- PG degree in the relevant discipline with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD)
- Valid UGC-NET with JRF, or clearing the university’s Research Entrance Test (RET)
Candidates without NET/JRF must sit for the RET written test conducted by GMU, followed by an interview before the Doctoral Committee. PhD seats are available in 22 disciplines, including Biotechnology, Computer Science, and Sociology. Applications are submitted directly through the university website at gmuniversity.ac.in.
GMU Career Outcomes
Gangadhar Meher University is a teaching-focused state government university. Career outcomes for graduates are driven by government competitive exams, public sector employment, higher studies, and teaching careers rather than corporate campus placements.
The university operates a Career Development Cell that supports students with career guidance and maintains placement records for outgoing batches. No NIRF-verified aggregate CTC data has been published for GMU, which is typical for multi-discipline liberal arts and science government universities of this type.
Typical career pathways for GMU graduates by discipline:
- Arts and Humanities graduates pursue UPSC, Odisha PSC, SSC, and banking exams, school and college teaching via NET/SET qualification, and postgraduate research
- Science graduates pursue NET/GATE fellowships, DRDO/CSIR lab positions, government technical roles, and research-oriented careers
- Commerce and MBA graduates enter banking, finance, insurance, government services, and corporate HR and operations roles, primarily in the Odisha market
- BSc Computer Science and MCA graduates enter IT services, software support, and government IT roles
- BA+BEd / BSc+BEd graduates are directly eligible for school-level teaching positions in Odisha government schools
There is no service bond obligation for GMU graduates. PhD students are eligible to apply for UGC-JRF, ICMR, ICSSR, and DBT national fellowship schemes during their doctoral tenure.
GMU Scholarships
Students at Gangadhar Meher University are eligible for a range of state and central government scholarship programmes. The university maintains dedicated SC/ST/OBC support cells that assist students in applying through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and the Odisha state scholarship systems.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| NSP SC Post-Matric Scholarship | SC students, passed 10+2, parental income up to INR 2.5 lakhs per annum | Full tuition fee plus maintenance allowance |
| NSP ST Post-Matric Scholarship | ST students enrolled in UG or PG course | Full tuition fee plus maintenance allowance |
| NSP OBC Post-Matric Scholarship | OBC students, annual family income up to INR 1 lakh | Partial tuition fee coverage |
| Odisha Government Tuition Fee Waiver | SC/ST students admitted to government-quota seats | Full tuition fee exemption |
| UGC-JRF Fellowship | PhD scholars clearing UGC-NET with JRF rank | Monthly stipend of INR 37,000 to INR 42,000 for up to 5 years |
Applications for NSP scholarships are submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal. The university’s student welfare office provides guidance on documentation and eligibility verification.
GMU Campus and Infrastructure
Gangadhar Meher University is located at Amruta Vihar, Sambalpur, in the western part of Odisha. The main campus houses the academic complex and residential facilities, with a second campus under development to expand capacity.
Key infrastructure on the GMU campus:
- 9 hostels providing residential accommodation for male and female students
- 4 IT laboratories and a dedicated IT skill centre for digital literacy training
- A central instrumentation facility supporting advanced science research
- An e-resource centre for digital library and e-journal access
- A 1,200-seat auditorium used for academic seminars, convocations, and cultural events
- A three-storey utility centre with a bank branch, canteen, creche, stationery, and a gym
- A well-maintained sports field supporting multi-sport activities
Hostel fee payment is handled separately through the eps.eshiksa.net platform. The university caters primarily to students from Sambalpur, Bolangir, Jharsuguda, and surrounding districts of western Odisha. The campus was designated a heritage institution by the Odisha state government, reflecting its role as one of the oldest degree-granting institutions in the region.
GMU vs Sambalpur University vs Berhampur University
Gangadhar Meher University, Sambalpur University, and Berhampur University are among the leading state government universities in Odisha. Aspirants from western and southern Odisha regularly compare these three institutions when choosing a postgraduate or doctoral programme.
| Parameter | Gangadhar Meher University | Sambalpur University | Berhampur University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of University Status | 2015 | 1967 | 1967 |
| Origin (as college) | 1944 | 1967 | 1967 |
| NAAC Grade | A | A++ | B++ |
| Location | Sambalpur city | Jyoti Vihar, Burla (near Sambalpur) | Berhampur, Ganjam district |
| Key Programmes | BA, BSc, BCom, MBA, MCA, PhD (arts and science) | PG arts and science, MBA, Law, MSW, PhD | PG arts, science, commerce, PhD |
| UG Admission Mode | SAMS Odisha | SAMS Odisha | SAMS Odisha |
| Fee Structure | Government-regulated (INR 31,455 to INR 36,625 for 3-year UG) | Government-regulated | Government-regulated |
GMU has an edge in breadth of NEP-aligned 4-year Hons UG programmes and is well-placed for arts and science aspirants in the Sambalpur catchment. Sambalpur University holds the higher NAAC grade (A++) and has a broader PG catalogue including a Law Faculty. Berhampur University is the natural choice for aspirants from the Ganjam and Koraput belt of southern Odisha. For students outside these catchment areas, NAAC grade and programme availability are the primary distinguishing factors.
GMU FAQs
Ques. Is Gangadhar Meher University a government or private university?
Ans. Gangadhar Meher University is a government (public) university under the Odisha state government. It was elevated from autonomous college status in 2015 under the Odisha Universities Act, 1989, and is recognised by UGC.
Ques. What is the total fee for BA or BSc at GMU?
Ans. The total fee for a 3-year BA or BSc programme under the general quota ranges from INR 31,455 to INR 36,625. SC and ST students are eligible for a tuition fee waiver, bringing the effective cost down to the miscellaneous fee component only. The 4-year Hons versions under NEP range from INR 44,810 to INR 45,310 in total.
Ques. Is an entrance exam required for admission to GMU UG courses?
Ans. No entrance exam is required for BA, BSc, BCom, or BBA admission at GMU. UG admission is based on Class 12 board merit through the SAMS Odisha centralised portal. MBA and MCA require a valid OJEE score. PhD admission requires UGC-NET/JRF or clearing the university’s Research Entrance Test (RET).
Ques. How do I apply for admission to GMU in 2027?
Ans. UG applications are submitted through the SAMS Odisha portal at degree.samsodisha.gov.in. The application window for the 2027-28 session is expected to open in May 2027. PG applications go through pg.samsodisha.gov.in. PhD applications are submitted directly on the GMU website at gmuniversity.ac.in.
Ques. Does GMU have hostel facilities?
Ans. Yes. GMU has 9 hostels on campus for male and female students. Hostel fee is separate from the academic fee and is paid through the eps.eshiksa.net platform. Hostel boarder lists and monthly expenditure details are published on the university website.
Ques. Is GMU ranked by NIRF?
Ans. Gangadhar Meher University does not currently appear in the NIRF university rankings. It received NAAC A grade accreditation in 2015 and participates in UGC-recognised programmes. Aspirants looking for NIRF-ranked options in the region may consider Sambalpur University, which holds NAAC A++ grade.
Ques. What scholarship options are available at GMU?
Ans. SC and ST students are eligible for full tuition fee waiver under Odisha government norms and can apply for NSP Post-Matric Scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal. OBC students can apply for OBC Post-Matric Scholarships with family income up to INR 1 lakh per annum. PhD scholars with UGC-JRF are eligible for a monthly stipend of INR 37,000 to INR 42,000 for up to 5 years.
Ques. What are the career prospects after a degree from GMU?
Ans. GMU graduates typically pursue government competitive exams (UPSC, Odisha PSC, SSC, banking), teaching careers through NET/SET qualification, and research through PhD and national fellowships. Science graduates pursue GATE/NET and government research lab positions. MBA and MCA graduates join banking, IT services, and corporate roles in the Odisha job market. The Integrated BA+BEd and BSc+BEd programmes prepare students directly for government school teaching positions.
Comments
Found 11 Comments
GMU Sambalpur M.Sc Botany is offered as 2 Years Full Time program, with a total intake of 20 seats. The minimum eligibility criteria for M.Sc is Graduation + CPET. You can pursue an MSc in Botany after completing a B.Tech in Civil Engineering
GMU Sambalpur BBA is offered as 3 Years Full Time program, with total intake of 64 seats. The minimum eligibility criteria for BBA is 10+2. The total fees for GMU Sambalpur BBA in 2025 is INR 6,210 for the complete course duration. Candidates who wish to apply to the courses available at the University may do so by following the given steps.
Candidates who wish to apply to the courses available at the University may do so by following the given steps.
The fee for the BSc and BEd is mentioned below:
The fee for the BSc in Mathematics is mentioned below:
The total time taken from Application process to results at GM University Sambalpur is from February to June i.e around 4 months.
It depends on the course you opting at GMU. You may check here to know about whether the program you are intereted in has entrance exam as a form of selection or not. GMU Admission
Admission to GMU Sambalpur is done based on OJEE score followed by OJEEB counselling. Thus, you need to qualify those to get selected.
There are various admission procedures viz. entrance test for few courses and merit-based SAMS-counselling for some courses. You can check out all of them in detail at GMU Sambalpur Admission.
Sambalpur gm collage hostel fees
The hostel fee is around INR 8 thousand per year. The hostel facilities are available for both boys and girls.
What is the Amount of MBA?
The total fee of Gangadhar Meher University MBA is INR 60 thousand. The per year fee of the course is INR 30 thousand.