Rama Devi Women’s University (RDWU) is Odisha’s first Women’s University, established in 2015 by the Government of Odisha. The university was carved out from the former Rama Devi Women’s College, Bhubaneswar, which itself was founded in 1964 as a Government Women’s College affiliated to Utkal University. RDWU is recognised by UGC and holds NAAC ’A’ grade accreditation (reaccredited 2015). The university currently affiliates 49 women’s colleges across Odisha. All programmes are open exclusively to women candidates.
RDWU has not yet appeared in NIRF or other major national ranking lists, as it is a young affiliating university less than a decade old.
The campus spans 28 acres near Rupali Square, Unit-VI, Bhubaneswar, and houses the university’s own undergraduate and postgraduate departments alongside administrative and residential facilities.
- BA Hons: 13 subjects including English, Hindi, Odia, Economics, History, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, and Mathematics (3 years, INR 3,540 total)
- B.Sc Hons: 9 subjects including Biotechnology, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, Zoology, and Home Science (3 years, INR 3,815 total)
- B.Com Hons: 3 years (INR 3,540 total)
- B.Ed: 2 years (INR 45,000 total)
- MA: 12 subjects including English, Odia, Economics, Gender Studies, Journalism and Mass Communication, and Psychology (2 years, INR 4,208 to 14,208 total)
- M.Sc: Biotechnology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Home Science, Industrial Microbiology, and Life Science (2 years, INR 4,708 to 44,228 total)
- MBA: 2 years (INR 24,708 total)
- M.Com: 2 years (INR 4,208 total)
- PhD: 15-plus disciplines across humanities, social sciences, and sciences (INR 17,200 total programme fee)
BA Hons programme fees are INR 3,540 for the full 3-year programme, reflecting the government-regulated fee structure. MBA fees are INR 24,708 for 2 years. Girls’ hostel accommodation is available at INR 24,337 to 30,862 per year.
Odisha state government scholarship schemes including SC/ST free ship and OBC post-matric scholarships are available to eligible students through the NSP portal.
Based on available data, students from RDWU primarily pursue higher education, teaching, competitive examinations (Odisha PSC, UPSC, OSSTET), and government service after graduation. Reported average placement packages at 3.5 LPA cover the employed subset and represent one of several career pathways.
RDWU Admission Dates 2026
RDWU admissions for the 2026-27 session have concluded. UG admissions were processed through the SAMS Odisha portal on a merit basis, while PG and MBA admissions were anchored by Odisha CPET and OJEE 2026 respectively. The table below captures the concluded 2026-27 cycle.
| Event | Programme | Date / Status (2026-27 Cycle) |
|---|---|---|
| UG Application Opens | BA / B.Sc / B.Com Hons | May 27, 2026 |
| UG Application Closes | BA / B.Sc / B.Com Hons | June 20, 2026 |
| SAMS Round 1 Allotment | BA / B.Sc / B.Com Hons | Concluded (July 2026) |
| SAMS Round 2 Allotment | BA / B.Sc / B.Com Hons | July 20, 2026 (reporting deadline July 23) |
| Odisha CPET 2026 | MA / M.Sc / M.Com | Concluded (June 2026) |
| PG Counselling | MA / M.Sc / M.Com | Concluded (July to August 2026) |
| OJEE 2026 Counselling | MBA | Concluded (July to August 2026) |
The table below gives tentative dates for the next 2027-28 admission cycle at RDWU, based on the pattern from previous years.
| Event | Programme | Tentative Date (2027 Cycle) |
|---|---|---|
| UG Application Opens | BA / B.Sc / B.Com Hons | May to June 2027 (tentative) |
| Odisha CPET 2027 | MA / M.Sc / M.Com | June 2027 (tentative) |
| OJEE 2027 | MBA | May to June 2027 (tentative) |
RDWU Courses and Fees
RDWU’s own campus departments at Bhubaneswar offer UG and PG programmes across humanities, social sciences, sciences, and management. The university is exclusively for women and the fee structure is governed by the Government of Odisha. All BA, B.Sc, and B.Com Hons programmes carry government-regulated fees under INR 4,000 for the full 3-year programme.
| Programme | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees (General) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA Hons (13 subjects) | 3 years | 10+2 from recognised board. Merit-based through SAMS Odisha | INR 3,540 |
| B.Sc Hons (9 subjects) | 3 years | 10+2 with relevant science subjects. Merit-based through SAMS | INR 3,815 |
| B.Com Hons | 3 years | 10+2 from recognised board. Merit-based through SAMS | INR 3,540 |
| B.Ed | 2 years | Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks | INR 45,000 |
| MA (12 subjects) | 2 years | Bachelor’s degree in relevant subject. Valid Odisha CPET score | INR 4,208 to 14,208 |
| M.Sc (6 subjects) | 2 years | B.Sc with relevant subject. Valid Odisha CPET score | INR 4,708 to 44,228 |
| MBA | 2 years | Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks. Valid OJEE or CMAT score | INR 24,708 |
| M.Com | 2 years | B.Com with relevant subjects. Valid Odisha CPET score | INR 4,208 |
| PhD (15-plus disciplines) | 3 to 5 years | Master’s degree with 55% marks in relevant subject | INR 17,200 |
The M.Sc in Industrial Microbiology (INR 44,228) and M.Sc in Biotechnology (INR 24,228) have higher fees reflecting the laboratory-intensive nature of those programmes. The MA in Journalism and Mass Communication at INR 14,208 is among the more sought-after PG programmes, given RDWU’s position in Bhubaneswar, a growing media and administrative hub.
RDWU Admission Process
UG (BA / B.Sc / B.Com Hons) Admission
UG admissions are merit-based, relying entirely on the candidate’s 10+2 board marks. There is no entrance exam. The entire process runs through the SAMS Odisha portal (samsodisha.gov.in), which manages applications, merit lists, and seat allotments in multiple rounds across Odisha state universities. All programmes are open to women candidates only.
- Eligibility: 10+2 from any recognised board, any stream (for BA) or relevant science stream (for B.Sc)
- Allotment: Pure merit-based on 10+2 percentage across 2 to 3 rounds on SAMS Odisha
- Reporting: Physical document verification and fee payment at the university after SAMS allotment
PG (MA / M.Sc / M.Com) Admission
PG admissions require a valid Odisha CPET (Common PG Entrance Test) score in the relevant subject. The CPET is conducted by Utkal University on behalf of all Odisha state universities. Allotment is through SAMS Odisha’s PG counselling. Minimum eligibility is a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant subject with 50% marks.
MBA Admission
MBA admission is based on a valid OJEE (Odisha Joint Entrance Examination) score, or national MBA entrance exams such as CMAT or MAT. The OJEE conducting body manages centralised counselling. Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks. RDWU’s MBA is offered at the Bhubaneswar campus.
PhD Admission
PhD programmes across 15-plus disciplines are offered through the university’s research departments. Admission requires a Master’s degree with minimum 55% marks, followed by a written test and interview conducted by RDWU. A UGC-NET or JRF qualification may waive the written test requirement as per UGC guidelines.
RDWU Career Outcomes
Rama Devi Women’s University graduates predominantly pursue careers in teaching, public administration, competitive examinations, and higher education. This reflects the character of a state women’s liberal arts and science university, where direct campus placements form one of several career pathways rather than the primary outcome.
Based on available data, students placed through the campus placement cell grew from 72 to 197 over three years, with the average reported package rising from INR 2.9 LPA to INR 3.5 LPA. These figures cover corporate placements and do not capture the large cohort of graduates who enter government service, teaching, or higher education.
| Career Pathway | Typical Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Placement | Campus drive through university placement cell | Avg INR 3.5 LPA, 197 placed in the latest year |
| Government Service | Odisha PSC, UPSC, OSSTET, OSSSC | Strong participation from Economics, Political Science, and Odia graduates |
| Teaching | B.Ed followed by OSSTET or TET | B.Ed offered directly at RDWU |
| Higher Education / Research | M.Sc, MBA, or PhD at RDWU or other universities | M.Sc Biotechnology and Industrial Microbiology have PhD-pathway demand |
Life Science, Biotechnology, and Industrial Microbiology graduates pursue research and pharma roles, while Computer Science and MBA graduates are the primary corporate placement cohort. Journalism and Mass Communication MA graduates find openings in Odisha’s expanding media ecosystem.
RDWU Scholarships
Students at Rama Devi Women’s University benefit from Odisha state government scholarship schemes and central government programmes available through the National Scholarship Portal.
| Scholarship / Scheme | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| SC/ST Free Ship (Odisha) | SC/ST women students with Odisha domicile | Tuition fee reimbursement and maintenance allowance |
| OBC Post-Matric Scholarship | OBC women students with family income below state limit | Tuition fee and exam fee reimbursement |
| NSP Minority Scholarships | Minority community students with 50% in previous exam and income below INR 2 Lakhs per annum | INR 10,000 to 20,000 per year |
| INSPIRE Scholarship (DST) | Top 1% in Class XII board, pursuing B.Sc in basic sciences | INR 80,000 per year |
| NSP Central Merit Schemes | Based on merit and income across categories | INR 20,000 to INR 82,000 per year |
Given the government-regulated low fees at RDWU (under INR 4,000 for most UG programmes), scholarship amounts often exceed the tuition fee itself, making education effectively free for SC/ST and economically weaker students.
RDWU Campus and Infrastructure
The RDWU campus covers 28 acres near Rupali Square, Unit-VI, Bhubaneswar, in a well-connected central location. The campus houses science and arts department blocks, a central library with print and digital collections, computer labs, science laboratories, and a student canteen.
A girls’ hostel is available on campus with an annual fee of INR 24,337 to INR 30,862, inclusive of mess. The campus hosts cultural programmes and NCC, NSS, and youth welfare activities. Being located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital and an administrative-commercial hub, students have access to internship, part-time work, and competitive examination coaching centres nearby.
RDWU vs Utkal University vs Berhampur University
Women aspirants from Odisha comparing state government university options typically evaluate RDWU against Utkal University (Bhubaneswar) and Berhampur University (Berhampur), as all three are government universities offering similar liberal arts, science, and commerce programmes.
| Parameter | RDWU Bhubaneswar | Utkal University Bhubaneswar | Berhampur University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 2015 (university), 1964 (original college) | 1943 | 1967 |
| Type | State government (women only) | State government (co-ed) | State government (co-ed) |
| NAAC Grade | A (2015) | A+ (2022) | A (2018) |
| Campus Size | 28 acres, Bhubaneswar | 400 acres, Bhubaneswar | 400 acres, Berhampur |
| BA Hons Total Fees | INR 3,540 (3 years) | INR 3,000 to 5,000 (3 years) | INR 3,000 to 5,000 (3 years) |
| Affiliated Colleges | 49 women’s colleges (Odisha) | 600-plus co-ed colleges | 200-plus co-ed colleges |
| Exclusive to Women | Yes | No | No |
RDWU’s primary advantage is its women-only environment, which can be a decisive factor for students and families seeking a single-gender academic setting. Utkal University, with its 80-year legacy and larger affiliated network, offers a wider programme range and stronger alumni network. Berhampur University is the preferred choice for aspirants from the southern Odisha belt.
RDWU FAQs
Ques. Is Rama Devi Women’s University only for women?
Ans. Yes. All programmes at RDWU are exclusively open to women candidates, including UG, PG, B.Ed, MBA, and PhD. RDWU is Odisha’s first and currently only women’s university, established in 2015.
Ques. How does admission to BA Hons work at RDWU?
Ans. BA Hons admission at RDWU is purely merit-based, using the candidate’s 10+2 board percentage. There is no entrance exam. All applications, merit lists, and seat allotments are managed through the SAMS Odisha portal (samsodisha.gov.in). Admission for the 2026-27 session has concluded and the next cycle opens in May to June 2027.
Ques. What is the BA Hons fee at RDWU?
Ans. The total 3-year BA Hons programme fee at RDWU is INR 3,540 for General category students. This is the government-regulated rate set by the Odisha government. SC/ST students are eligible for free ship cards that effectively cover tuition and related fees through state scholarship schemes.
Ques. Does RDWU have a hostel?
Ans. Yes. RDWU has a girls’ hostel on the Bhubaneswar campus with annual fees of INR 24,337 to INR 30,862 inclusive of mess. Hostel seats are limited and generally allotted to outstation students on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ques. What is the placement scenario at RDWU?
Ans. Campus placements at RDWU have grown from 72 to 197 students placed over three years, with the average reported package at INR 3.5 LPA. However, a large segment of graduates pursue government jobs (Odisha PSC, UPSC), teaching (via OSSTET), and higher education rather than corporate placements. Computer Science, MBA, and Journalism graduates are the primary corporate placement cohort.
Ques. Is RDWU accredited?
Ans. RDWU holds NAAC ’A’ grade accreditation (reaccredited 2015). The university is recognised by UGC. It was also awarded CPE (College with Potential for Excellence) status by UGC in 2010 when it functioned as an autonomous college under Utkal University.
Comments
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Yes, you can get admission for the MA at Rama Devi Women's University. Candidates must have a graduation degree with the required marks. Apply through the SAMS Odisha portal. Admission is mainly merit-based, followed by seat allotment, document verification, and fee payment to confirm admission.
Rama Devi Women's University releases first-semester results online via its official examination portal (rdwuniversity.nic.in). Students must navigate to the "Results" section, enter their unique examination roll number, and choose their respective stream (Arts, Science, or Commerce). The downloadable provisional mark sheet displays subject-wise grades, grade points, and total SGPA.
Admissions are conducted through the Student Admission Management System (SAMS) portal managed by the Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha. Selection is merit-based, considering the marks obtained in the qualifying examination.
No, students cannot join Rama Devi Women's University directly without an entrance exam. For undergraduate (UG) courses, admissions are conducted through the Common PG Entrance Test (CPET) administered by the Higher Education Department of Odisha. For postgraduate (PG) courses, candidates must qualify in national-level entrance exams such as ICHR, NET, GATE, or SLET.
The first year fees of M.Sc is Rs. 4,023; B.Sc {Hons.} is Rs. 3,610; MA is Rs. 4,003; BA {Hons.} is Rs. 3,535; B.Com {Hons.} is Rs. 3,535; M.Phil is Rs. 10,130. Rama Devi Women's University provides a number of facilities to its students such as well maintained Hostels for the students- 1 for PG students and 2 for UG students along with wardens, security and mess, Library, Auditoriums, Wifi facility, Gym, and ATM.
Admissions have already been concluded for the academic year 2023-24 at the Rama Devi Women's University.
Admission to PG courses is done based on PG entrance test conducted by RDWU Bhubaneswar itself.
There are 4 hostels available in the university. There are 30 to 120 seats offered in the hostel. The hostel fee varies from INR 24 thousand per year to INR 30 thousand per year.
Rama Devi Women's University, Bhubaneswar does not offer an MSc in Chemistry.
The cutoff for year 2023 has not been released yet by the RDWU. You can check here to see the fee details. RDWU Courses and Fees
Check here to know about hostel facilities. RDWU Hostel
Candidates who wishes to apply for +3 Sc. Honours Biotechnology should have Biology at +2 level. The minimum eligibility is a pass in 10+2 in the relevant subject. The admission is solely based on the marks in the last qualifying examination. Check here for more. RDWU Admission
Admission into RDWU is done on the basis of marks scored in 10+2. There is a restriction on the maximum number of students seeking admission in UG courses from outside Odisha. You can get the admission but it is advised to contact the college regarding this matter.
Does this univeresity offer bcom course and bcom hons course?
Rama Devi Women’s University offers B.Com. in Honors mode only. The university does not offer B.Com. in General mode.
Yes, you can apply for admission to MSc Biotechnology as the minimum eligibility of the course is to complete B.Sc. Agriculture Honors with at least 50% marks in the aggregate.
The opening rank cut-off mark for BA at the University is 72 meanwhile the closing rank cut-off mark is 36.67. And the admission to the University takes place in the month of September.
College offers various courses like UG, and PG in different streams. You can apply for the course of your choice if you fulfill the eligibility criteria. Check here for Course & Fees Details.
The admission process for the Masters of Science (M.Sc) was closed in the month of June 2022 for the 2022 – 2024 academic session and the entrance results for the same are now out. You can apply for the course in the next academic session.
Yes, Rama Devi Women's University has hostel facilities. The hostel facility is available for girls. The hostel fee varies from INR 24.34 thousand to INR 30.86 thousand per year.