Bhubaneswar: The colleges and universities will reopen in Odisha as per the guidelines to be framed by the State Government, informed Higher Education Minister Arun Sahoo today.

"As the Corona meter is on decline in Odisha, the further decision will be taken for reopening of campus as per the State Government's guidelines," he told media when he was asked whether the examinations will be conducted online.

Even as the State Government in its Unlock 6 guidelines has made it clear that the higher education institutions will be permitted to open only for research scholars, the Minister stated that the decision in this regard will be taken as per the guidelines.

He said that the results of UG and PG were announced on time even as the examinations were delayed due to COVID-19 this year. Amidst the pandemic, the entrance examinations were also conducted for admission into UG courses.

"Though there was a little bit delay in conducting everything due to Corona, the results of UG and PG were out by October 31 and entrance tests for admission into higher education courses were also conducted. The admission into Plus III first year has almost completed and the admission into PG courses will commence soon," Sahoo said.

He urged students not to waste the time during pandemic and to continue study at home till reopening of colleges and universities.

"The decision will be taken at a particular time as per the guidelines by the Centre and State Government," the minister told reporters.

Worth mentioning that all the academic institutions in the State will remain closed till Nov 30 as per the State Government's unlock-6 guidelines.

As per the guidelines, the higher education institutions will be permitted to open only for research scholars and post-graduate students in science and technology stream. All training activities including skill and professional development will be allowed.