SUJOG / OBPAS in Odisha: The Super-Simple Guide to Getting Your Building Plan Approved

🔎 First, what is SUJOG / OBPAS?

SUJOG is the state’s urban services platform. Inside it, OBPAS (Online Building Plan Approval System) is the digital pipeline for building permits and later occupancy certificates. You apply online, upload drawings, pay fees, track status, and download approvals — all in one place. Sujog

If you like detailed manuals, the official Citizen and Architect/Technical Person guides walk through every click. Sujog+1

🧭 Who approves your plan?

Depends on where your plot sits:

• Inside a Development Authority area (like BDA, CDA, PKDA)? Your application is routed accordingly. Bhubaneswar Development Authority
• Otherwise, it goes to your ULB (Municipality/NAC) via SUJOG.
  Rules are governed by Odisha Development Authorities (Planning & Building Standards) Rules, 2020 and related updates. Urban Odisha

🛠️ The simplest step-by-step (save this)

1. Create an account on SUJOG → OBPAS. (Citizens apply, pros prepare/submit drawings.) Sujog
2. Add your Technical Person (architect/engineer). They’ll prep the CAD file and forms. Sujog
3. Pin your plot on the map (GIS): OBPAS checks land-use and any restricted zone flags before scrutiny. If the zone doesn’t match your plan, it’ll stop you right here. Sujog
4. Auto-scrutiny runs: the system checks setbacks, heights, parking, etc. Fix any “red marks,” then reupload. Sujog
5. Upload documents (ownership, RoR/Khata, conversion order if needed, drawings, declarations). Pay fees online. Sujog
6. Authority scrutiny & site check (if required). Track every move on your dashboard/SMS. Sujog
7. Permit issued: download your Building Permit from the portal and display it at site. Sujog
8. Build as per the approved plan only. Deviations create delays later (and can trigger enforcement/ODA court). The Times of India
9. Completion & OC: after construction, submit completion documents via OBPAS and get your Occupancy Certificate (OC). You’ll need OC before utilities and handover. SujogThe Times of India

⏱️ How long does it take?

The state’s service charter says:

• Low-risk buildings: around 15 working days after a complete application,
• Other buildings: around 30 working days,
• Queries, if any, within 7 working days.
  (Check your authority’s SLA; timelines start only after all documents are clean.) Invest Odisha+1Scribd

📄 Documents you (usually) need

• Ownership proof (latest RoR/Khata / title deed)
• Land-use conversion order if it was agricultural → Gharabari
• Sanction drawings in required format (your architect handles the .dxf / layered CAD file)
• Structural & stability declarations (by empanelled/registered professional)
• ID/address proofs, photos, and any NOCs relevant to your plot (corner/road widening, etc.)
  Exact lists and checklists are on BDA/Authority pages and the manuals. Bhubaneswar Development AuthoritySujog

🧑‍💻 What your architect/engineer actually does

• Registers as a Technical Person on SUJOG,
• Prepares the CAD drawing in the prescribed layer template,
• Runs auto-scrutiny, fixes errors, submits forms/undertakings,
• Responds to authority queries until permit is issued. Sujog

🔐 “Low-risk” fast track — what does that mean?

The Rules allow accredited/empanelled professionals to handle certain categories with quicker processing (subject to thresholds and conditions set by the Rules/Authority). Ask your architect if your house qualifies; it can save time. cms.bhubaneswarone.in

🚧 Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• Wrong land-use in GIS → fix land-use or pick a compliant use before filing. Sujog
• Skipping conversion (agri to residential) → do OLR 8-A conversion first.
• Building first, permit later → risky and slows down OC. OCs are being enforced strictly post-SC orders. The Times of India
• Assuming “minor deviation is fine” → can land you in an ODA court queue; BMC/BDA have expanded capacity to clear disputes, but better to avoid them. The Times of India

🧾 After construction: don’t forget the OC

• Apply for Completion then Occupancy Certificate on SUJOG.
• Utilities and lawful possession transfer depend on OC; banks also look for it. The Times of India

🧑‍⚖️ The rulebook behind OBPAS (for the nerds ❤️)

• Odisha Development Authorities (Planning & Building Standards) Rules, 2020 + subsequent amendments (and the equivalent OTPIT Rules for Trust areas). Urban Odisha
• BDA’s site has formats & site-inspection checklists if you’re filing in its area. Bhubaneswar Development Authority

❓ Quick FAQs

Q1. Can I apply myself, or do I need an architect?
You’ll need a registered Technical Person to prepare/certify drawings and handle auto-scrutiny; you can still see everything in your citizen login. Sujog

Q2. How do I know if my land-use is OK?
Pin your plot in OBPAS GIS during application. If the zoning doesn’t allow your proposed use, it’ll flag it. Sujog

Q3. What if the authority raises a query?
Your dashboard will show it. Fix drawings/docs and resubmit — the SLA clock resumes once you submit a complete response. Sujog

Q4. My house is small — can it be fast-tracked?
Possibly. Some low-risk categories have shorter timelines or accredited-professional routes. Check with your architect per the 2020 Rules. cms.bhubaneswarone.in

Q5. When should I apply for OC?
After finishing construction as per the approved plan — then apply for Completion/OC on SUJOG. Utilities/handover should follow the OC. SujogThe Times of India

Q6. Where can I find official guides?
Right here: Citizen Manual and Architect/TP Manual on SUJOG; BDA’s page has checklists. Sujog+1Bhubaneswar Development Authority

✅ TL;DR (copy-paste checklist)

1. Do land-use and ownership sanity check.
2. Get your architect/engineer on SUJOG.
3. Pin plot in GIS, run auto-scrutiny, fix reds. Sujog
4. Upload docs, pay fees, track dashboard. Sujog
5. Download Permit → build exactly as approved.
6. Apply Completion → OC before utilities/handover. The Times of India