Samanta Chandra Sekhar Autonomous College, Puri, established in 1944, is a premier autonomous institution in Odisha. Offering a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across Arts, Science, and Commerce, the college is known for its strong academic foundation and vibrant campus life spread over 25 acres.
About Samanta Chandra Sekhar College (Autonomous) Puri
Samanta Chandra Sekhar College (Autonomous), established in 1944, is located in Puri, Odisha. It is a government autonomous institution affiliated with Utkal University, Bhubaneswar. The college was founded to provide quality higher education in the region and has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence.
The college holds an 'A' grade accreditation from NAAC and is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Arts, Science, Commerce, and Management, with a student strength exceeding 4,700. The institution has been awarded research grants under the Department of Biotechnology’s Star College scheme, reflecting its commitment to research and academic development.
Key Highlights
Overview
Samanta Chandra Sekhar College (Autonomous), established in 1944, is located in Puri, Odisha. It is a government autonomous institution affiliated with Utkal University, Bhubaneswar. The college was founded to provide quality higher education in the region and has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence.
The college holds an 'A' grade accreditation from NAAC and is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Arts, Science, Commerce, and Management, with a student strength exceeding 4,700. The institution has been awarded research grants under the Department of Biotechnology’s Star College scheme, reflecting its commitment to research and academic development.
Key Highlights
Admission Dates 2026
Samanta Chandra Sekhar College (Autonomous), Puri conducts admissions primarily based on merit from qualifying exams such as CBSE 12th and Odisha CHSE for UG courses. For MBA admissions, scores from exams like OJEE, CAT, MAT, XAT, and ATMA are accepted, with counselling conducted accordingly. The application process is online through the college or state portals.
Admission Process
Admissions at Samanta Chandra Sekhar College (Autonomous), Puri, are primarily merit-based, relying on Class 12 board exam scores for undergraduate courses and relevant entrance exams or merit for postgraduate programs. Applications are submitted online through the Odisha Department of Higher Education's SAMS portal or directly via the college website.
Undergraduate Admission
Steps to Apply
- Check eligibility based on Class 12 marks from recognized boards like Odisha CHSE, CBSE, or ISC.
- Register and fill out the online application form on the SAMS portal or the college website.
- Upload required documents and pay the application fee (₹300 for general, ₹200 for SC/ST).
- Submit the application and print the acknowledgment receipt.
- Wait for the merit list and cutoff announcement based on Class 12 scores.
- Participate in counseling if applicable and confirm admission by paying the fees.
- Complete document verification and enrollment at the college.
Postgraduate Admission
Steps to Apply
- Ensure you have a relevant undergraduate degree with minimum required marks.
- Apply online through the college website or SAMS portal, providing academic and personal details.
- Appear for entrance exams if required (e.g., OJEE for MBA) or rely on merit-based selection.
- Submit necessary documents and pay the application fee.
- Check merit list or entrance exam results for admission offer.
- Complete fee payment and document verification to finalize admission.
Eligibility Criteria & Fees
Documents Required
- Self-attested Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
- Undergraduate degree certificate (for PG admissions)
- Entrance exam scorecard (if applicable)
- Proof of residence (Aadhar card, domicile certificate)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC) if applicable
- Application fee payment receipt
Cutoff 2025
Samanta Chandra Sekhar Autonomous College, Puri, primarily offers admissions based on merit from qualifying exams such as Odisha CHSE and CBSE 12th marks, without a centralized entrance exam cutoff system like JEE or OJEE for most UG courses. The cutoff trends indicate that admission is largely percentage-based, with general category cutoffs around 60% or higher in the qualifying exam for popular courses. For professional courses like MBA, OJEE scores are considered, but detailed numerical cutoffs for 2025 are not publicly available.
No official detailed rank-based or percentile-based cutoff data for 2025 or 2024 from JoSAA or state counselling portals is available for this college. Admissions are merit-based on qualifying exam scores rather than entrance exam ranks.
Placements 2025
Samanta Chandra Sekhar College (Autonomous), Puri, recorded a placement rate of around 70% in 2025, primarily for MBA, BBA, and Computer Science students. The highest package offered was ₹3 LPA, with an average package near ₹2 LPA. Top recruiters included Wipro, Infosys, Tata, Mahindra, TCS, and Co-Cubes, with campus drives starting from the 5th semester.
Placement Statistics
Top Recruiters
IT: Wipro, Infosys, TCS, Co-Cubes
Consulting: Tata, Mahindra
Core: Rourkela Steel Plant, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors
Branch-wise Placement
Rankings & Accreditations
Samanta Chandra Sekhar College (Autonomous), Puri, holds a recognized position among autonomous colleges in Odisha with a NAAC 'A' grade accreditation. It is ranked within the top 200 colleges nationally by Collegedunia in 2025 but does not appear in the NIRF 2025 overall college rankings. The college is noted for its academic programs and infrastructure but is not listed in QS, India Today, Outlook, or THE rankings for 2025.
Other Rankings
Accreditations
- NAAC: Grade A (Valid till 2028)
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Samanta Chandra Sekhar College (Autonomous), Puri offers scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and extracurricular achievements, including sports. Scholarships range from ₹2,000 to ₹30,000 per year, supporting economically challenged students and those with strong academic records.
Institute Scholarships
Government Scholarships
Comparison
Samanta Chandra Sekhar College (Autonomous), Puri is compared with two other prominent autonomous government colleges in Odisha offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs with similar NAAC accreditation and recognized by Utkal University, making them peer institutions in terms of academic offerings, governance, and regional influence.
Key Strengths
- Samanta Chandra Sekhar College (Autonomous) Puri: Long-standing heritage since 1944 with autonomous status, strong NAAC 'A' accreditation, recognized under DBT Star College scheme for research, and diverse UG and PG programs affiliated to Utkal University.
- Government College, Bhubaneswar: Consistently ranked in NIRF top 100 colleges, strong academic reputation in Odisha, and well-established placement network with competitive salary packages.
- Nimapara Autonomous College, Puri: Autonomous governance with focus on regional student community, affordable fees, and steady placement record in local industries.
Campus & Infrastructure
Samanta Chandra Sekhar College (Autonomous) is situated in the heart of Puri, Odisha, spread over approximately 8.5 acres. The campus features an E-shaped main building housing teaching departments, a central library, administrative block, and multiple lecture theatres, complemented by an auditorium and sports grounds to support academic and extracurricular activities.
Campus Details
Academic Facilities
- Library: Central library with over 10,000 books and journals, providing reading, lending, reference, and documentation services
- Labs: 21 well-equipped laboratories across Science, Psychology, Education, and Geography departments
- Classrooms: Large, spacious, well-lit, and ventilated classrooms including 3 smart classrooms with internet access
Hostel
Other Facilities
- Auditorium for cultural functions and seminars
- Sports ground with facilities for cricket, badminton, running, and yoga
- Gymnasium
- Canteen providing snacks, lunch, and beverages at concessional rates
- Computer centre with modern computer labs and departmental computers
- Health care facility via Youth Red Cross Room
- Placement cell and advisory committee
- Common rooms for boys, girls, and faculty staff
- Information Bureau for student guidance on higher studies and employment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the admission process and eligibility criteria for undergraduate courses at Samanta Chandra Sekhar College?
Admission requires completion of 12th standard from a recognized board with relevant subject combinations. Selection may involve merit-based evaluation, document verification, and sometimes entrance exams or interviews depending on the course.
Are there any entrance exams or cutoffs for admission to postgraduate programs?
Postgraduate admissions require a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. Some courses may have entrance tests or merit-based selection; specific cutoffs vary by department and year.
What is the approximate fee structure for undergraduate and postgraduate courses?
Course fees range from ₹12,000 to ₹45,000 annually depending on the program. Exact fees vary by discipline and level of study.
Does the college offer scholarships or financial aid to students?
Yes, scholarships are available based on merit and financial need, including National Scholarship, Merit-cum-Means, Sports Scholarship, and Post-Matric Scholarships.
What are the payment options for tuition and hostel fees?
Fees can be paid through online portals or at the college office. Hostel fees are nominal, approximately ₹5,000 per annum, payable separately.
What is the placement scenario and average package for graduates?
The college has a Students’ Information Bureau that facilitates career counseling and placement support. Placement rates vary by department; specific average salary packages are not publicly detailed.
Which companies or sectors recruit from Samanta Chandra Sekhar College?
Recruitment is primarily from local and regional employers in education, government services, and private sectors; internships and campus placements are facilitated through the college’s career bureau.
How is the curriculum structured, and are there opportunities for research?
The curriculum includes 12 honours/core subjects in arts, 8 in science, and commerce streams with electives. The college promotes research through seminars, projects, and has well-equipped laboratories.
What is the faculty strength and qualification level at the college?
The college employs qualified faculty with postgraduate and doctoral degrees across departments, maintaining a good student-teacher ratio to support academic excellence.
What hostel facilities are available for boys and girls, and what is the capacity?
There are four hostels: two for boys (capacity around 154) and two for girls (capacity around 200). Hostels provide basic furniture and are located within 5-10 minutes walking distance from the college.
How is the food quality and mess facility in the hostels?
Hostel mess provides four meals daily with Indian and some Chinese dishes. Food quality is average, sometimes oily, and some students prefer off-campus accommodation due to this.
What extracurricular activities and clubs are available on campus?
Previously active clubs have been banned due to conflicts; however, NCC, Youth Red Cross, and Guide units are active. Annual sports events and cultural functions like fresher and farewell parties are organized.
Is there a gymnasium and sports infrastructure on campus?
The college has a large playground (22,000 sq.m.) and a gymnasium with modern equipment. Various indoor and outdoor sports like cricket, football, badminton, and wrestling competitions are held annually.
What are the library facilities and resources available to students?
The central library is well-stocked with books, journals, and digital resources. It includes reading rooms and provides access to a wide variety of academic materials for all departments.
Are there any health care or medical facilities on campus?
The college has a Youth Red Cross Room providing health care services to students and staff, ensuring basic medical support within the campus.
What is the campus safety and anti-ragging environment like?
The college maintains a good environment with no incidents of ragging. Safety measures and separate common rooms for boys and girls contribute to a secure campus atmosphere.
Is there Wi-Fi or internet access available for students on campus?
The college provides digital learning resources and computer labs, but Wi-Fi availability is limited or not fully established across the campus.
What is the dress code or uniform policy for students?
There is no strict dress code enforced; students generally wear casual or formal attire suitable for academic settings.
How accessible is the college for students commuting from nearby areas?
The college is centrally located in Puri with good connectivity. Hostels are nearby, and local transport options are available for day scholars commuting from the city.
How does Samanta Chandra Sekhar College compare with other autonomous colleges in Odisha?
It is one of the oldest and well-accredited autonomous colleges with NAAC Grade ‘A’, offering a balanced mix of academics, infrastructure, and extracurricular activities, making it a reputed choice in the region.
.png&w=1920&q=75)
