Bhubaneswar, June 24: The Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET) 2026 has been postponed to July 5 following concerns from candidates over a scheduling conflict with the Odisha Sub-ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) recruitment examination. The decision has brought relief to thousands of aspirants who had applied for both examinations and feared losing the opportunity to appear in one of them.

Earlier, the Board of Secondary Education (BSE), Odisha, had planned to conduct the OTET on June 28. However, the OSSSC Combined Recruitment Examination was also rescheduled to the same date after it was shifted from its earlier schedule. The overlap created difficulties for many candidates preparing for both examinations, prompting widespread appeals to the authorities for a revision of the timetable.

Taking note of the concerns raised by students and job seekers, the School and Mass Education Department, in consultation with BSE Odisha, decided to postpone the teacher eligibility examination. The revised schedule now fixes July 5, 2026, as the new date for the OTET.

Officials stated that the decision was made in the interest of candidates and to ensure that no aspirant is deprived of the chance to appear in either examination. The move is expected to reduce stress among candidates and provide additional preparation time before the examination.

According to the revised programme, the structure and pattern of the OTET will remain unchanged. Paper-I will be conducted during the morning session from 9:00 am to 11:30 am, while Paper-II will take place in the afternoon session from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Examination centres allotted earlier will continue to remain valid for the rescheduled test.

The Board of Secondary Education has also clarified that candidates who have already downloaded their admit cards need not worry. Existing admit cards will remain valid despite the change in the examination date. However, fresh admit cards reflecting the revised schedule may also be made available on the board's official website for the convenience of candidates.

The postponement has been welcomed by teacher aspirants and job seekers across Odisha. Many candidates had expressed concerns on social media and through representations to authorities, highlighting the difficulties they would face if both examinations were held on the same day. Student organizations and education groups had also urged the government to intervene and prevent inconvenience to candidates.

OTET is one of the most important examinations for individuals aspiring to become teachers in government and aided schools across the state. Qualifying the examination is a mandatory requirement for recruitment to various teaching positions. Every year, a large number of candidates appear for the test in hopes of securing opportunities in the education sector.

Education experts believe the revised schedule will help ensure smoother conduct of the examinations while maintaining fairness for all applicants. With the conflict now resolved, candidates can focus on their preparation without worrying about overlapping exam dates.

Authorities have advised aspirants to regularly check official notifications and updates issued by BSE Odisha. The additional week before the examination is expected to provide candidates with valuable time to revise and strengthen their preparation ahead of the crucial eligibility test.

Powered by Froala Editor