Bhubaneswar, March 19: The evaluation of answer sheets for this year’s Class 10 board examinations will be conducted from March 19 to April 2, with the process expected to take at least ten days. The Board has issued an official notification in this regard. However, the decision to continue evaluation work even on public holidays has sparked discontent among teachers.

As per the schedule, evaluation will not be halted on major festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr (March 21) and Ram Navami (March 27), despite both days being declared holidays by the Odisha government. According to the Director of Secondary Education’s earlier notification (Letter No. 32267 dated December 15, 2025), schools are to remain closed and teachers are entitled to leave on these occasions.

Despite this, answer sheet evaluation will continue across all 51 centres in the state, drawing criticism from teachers and teacher associations. Many have termed the decision unfair, alleging that it violates labour rights and forces them to work under mental stress.

Teachers have questioned the disparity, pointing out that those not assigned evaluation duties will enjoy holidays, while those engaged in the process are being deprived of the same. This, they argue, raises concerns about equity and the treatment of teaching staff.

Reacting to the issue, Odisha Government High School NPS Teachers’ Association President Pradeepta Kumar Pradhan said the matter has been brought to the notice of the Chief Minister, the School and Mass Education Minister, and senior Board officials. He warned that if the issue is not resolved, the association will be compelled to launch an agitation and may seek legal recourse.

He further emphasized that while teachers remain committed to students’ development, their rights and mental well-being should not be overlooked.