The Odisha government has appointed OAS (SAG) officer Dr. Swati Mishra as the new Registrar of Utkal University, Bhubaneswar. Dr. Mishra, who was serving as Joint Secretary in the Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC), has been officially relieved from her current role to take over the responsibilities at the state’s premier educational institution. The appointment comes following an official notification issued by the General Administration and Public Grievance Department of Odisha on June 13, referencing a prior communication from the Governor’s Secretariat (Notification No. 6655/SG(HE) dated 09.06.2025). The state government has placed Dr. Mishra’s services at the disposal of Utkal University for her new assignment.

She will replace Pinaki Pattnaik, another senior OAS officer, who was earlier appointed as Registrar of Utkal University on February 27, 2025. However, Pattnaik’s appointment has now been cancelled, according to the latest government order. He will resume his previous role as Additional Secretary to the Government in the Skill Development & Technical Education (SD&TE) Department, and will continue to serve as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chairman of Odisha Skill Development Authority, Bhubaneswar.

Dr. Swati Mishra’s appointment is expected to bring new administrative momentum to Utkal University, one of Odisha’s oldest and most prestigious universities. With her experience in civil administration and government service, her leadership is anticipated to contribute positively to the university’s academic and administrative functions. This decision is part of a broader administrative reshuffle by the Odisha government aimed at strengthening the governance of key institutions in the state.