Yes, Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences Deemed to be University (KISS DU) as a body have targets to admit students who fall into the bottom 20% of household income group (or a more tightly defined target) in the country

The senior leadership at KISS DU, has taken a policy decision since the inception of the University that the students pursuing their studies at KISS DU must be from below poverty line (BPL). The same is reflected in the vision and mission of the University as well. In an endeavour to adhere to mission and vision of the University, KISS DU follows an admission policy which strives to admit students from the most economically as well as socially disadvantaged backgrounds, specifically targeting students who fall within the bottom 20% of the household income group in India.

Through this practice, KISS DU supports individuals from low-income families and also address broader socio-economic disparities in education. This inclusive approach ensures that students from impoverished backgrounds have access to resources, knowledge, and opportunities, breaking cycles of poverty and empowering communities(SDG-1). In doing so, KISS DU contributes to social mobility and fosters a diverse learning environment, furthering the goals of equitable access to education as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals.

Admission notification for academic year 2024-25: https://university.kiss.ac.in/admissions/

Admission notification for P.G. and Ph.D. programmes for the Academic Session 2024-25: https://university.kiss.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Notification-for-PG-Ph.D.-KISS-DU-2024-25.pdf

Admission information brochure for academic year 2024-25 : https://university.kiss.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Admission-Information-Brochure-PG-Ph.D-KISS-DU-2024-25.pdf

Free- Ship Policy: https://university.kiss.ac.in/docs/Criteria-5/5.1.1/KISS%20DU%20Free%20Studentship.pdf

Implementing a unique ‘ Earn while you learn’ program to enable students to earn supplemental Income alongside their studies. Vocational Training Centre at KISS DU, links education with productivity, economic development and individual prosperity. In doing so, they ensure sustainable livelihoods. The course designs are based on chemical, appliqué, painting, food processing, tailoring, knitting, and drinking water. Vocational products included phenyl, hand wash, liquid detergent, tribal paintings, uniforms, etc. One-third of the surplus sales’ proceeds are given to students, under KISS’ innovative ‘Earn While you Learn’ programme that provides supplementary income to students while encouraging them to study. Vocational classes are held for an hour everyday.

https://kiss.ac.in/skill-development/

The Centre for Indigenous Innovation and Entrepreneurship plans to promote futuristic innovations, an entrepreneurial environment through the cultivation of the potential of the entrepreneurs and/or their alumni at KISS-DU. It also wishes to create a vibrant start-up ecosystem to align itself with the major policy initiatives under the banners of Make-in-India and Start-up India, Stand-up India as well as Start-up Odisha. All these involve setting up incubator facilities, providing start-up supports such as mentoring, legal, financial and technological aids, intellectual property rights protection aids, cost-effective infrastructural support and other value-added services. This Centre will work towards providing a forum and platform where technologies developed by faculty and students can be commercialized.

https://university.kiss.ac.in/groups/centre-for-indigenous-innovation-and-entrepreneurship/