BSE Odisha starts accepting OTET 2026 applications from today

Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET) 2026 registration window is officially open as of March 26, marking a significant step for thousands of teaching aspirants across the state. Candidates aiming for positions in government, private aided, and unaided schools can now access the application portal through the Board of Secondary Education (BSE), Odisha.

Essential Deadlines and Examination Timing

Applicants have until April 9, 2026, to complete their digital submissions. The BSE has clarified that the fee payment facility will also expire at 11:45 PM on the closing date. Following the registration phase, the board plans to issue admit cards on May 15, leading up to the offline pen-and-paper examination scheduled for May 29, 2026.

Historically, the OTET has been the benchmark for quality education in Odisha, ensuring that educators meet the standards set by the Right to Education Act to improve literacy rates across districts from Ganjam to Mayurbhanj.

Understanding the Two-Shift Exam Structure

Board officials will conduct the test in two distinct sessions on the same day:

• Paper I (Primary): Designed for those teaching Classes 1 to 5, held from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
• Paper II (Upper Primary): Aimed at Classes 6 to 8 educators, held from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.

Eligible candidates may choose to appear for one or both papers, provided they meet the academic requirements of graduation or higher secondary education coupled with professional teaching diplomas like B.Ed or D.El.Ed.

Scoring Logic and Qualifying Criteria

Questions follow an objective Multiple Choice (MCQ) format. Each paper consists of 150 questions totaling 150 marks. Notably, the board maintains a candidate-friendly policy with no penalty for incorrect answers.

General category participants must secure at least 60% (90 marks) to qualify. However, a relaxed criterion of 50% (75 marks) applies to SC, ST, SEBC/OBC, and PwD candidates.

Application Guide for Aspirants

1. Visit the official BSE Odisha portal at bseodisha.ac.in.
2. Select the "OTET 2026 Online Application" link on the homepage.
3. Register using a valid mobile number and email ID to create a profile.
4. Input personal and educational credentials with high accuracy.
5. Upload clear scans of your photograph and signature.
6. Process the application fee via the HDFC payment gateway.
7. Save the final acknowledgement receipt for future verification.​​​​​​​

Candidates and aspirants are advised to check : https://bseodisha.nic.in/otet_examinations/ for details and updates