OTET 2026 Exam: Latest Updates, Official Exam Date & Notification

The Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET) is a premier state-level examination designed to evaluate the competency of candidates for teaching roles in Classes I to VIII across government, private-aided, and private-unaided schools in Odisha. The assessment is divided into two segments: Paper I, tailored for primary teachers (Classes I–V), and Paper II, for upper primary teacher aspirants (Classes VI–VIII). 

The Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET) for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 was conducted on 5th July 2026. This offline examination was held for all registered candidates. Explore this article for comprehensive details regarding the Odisha TET 2026 exam.

OTET 2026- Exam Summary

Aspiring educators who meet the official OTET eligibility criteria have a significant opportunity to advance their teaching careers. Successful candidates are awarded the OTET Certificate, which grants lifetime validity from the date of issuance. You can find further overview details in the information table below.

OTET Exam Date 2026 Rescheduled 

As per the official notification, the Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET) 2026 was conducted on 5th July 2026. Paper 1 was held from 9:00 am to 11:30 am, while Paper II was scheduled from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Further exam-related updates are available via your admit card portal. 

OTET Exam Schedule and Time Table

OTET Answer Key 2026 Released - Click to Download

OTET 2026 Important Dates

The comprehensive schedule for the OTET 2026 exam, encompassing registration windows, fee payment deadlines, admit card distribution, and exam dates, has been officially published alongside the OTET Notification 2026. Refer to the table below for full details. 

OTET 2026 Notification

The official OTET Notification 2026 was released by the Board of Secondary Education (BSE), Odisha, Cuttack, on 25th March 2026 via their official portal, www.bseodisha.ac.in. The full testing schedule is now available, and you can access the official notification document directly through the download link provided below.

Download Official OTET Notification 2026 Here

OTET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Although the Odisha TET serves as an eligibility benchmark, candidates must strictly adhere to the defined eligibility criteria when submitting their OTET Application Form 2026. While there is no specific age limit for the OTET, specific educational qualifications are mandatory. Below, we have outlined the OTET Eligibility 2026 standards for both primary and upper primary teaching positions.

Eligibility Criteria for Paper-I (Primary Teacher for Classes I to V)

• Higher Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks and a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed).
• Higher Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 45% marks and a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed), following NCTE regulations.
• Higher Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks and a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed).
• Higher Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks and a 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education).
• Graduation and a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed).

Eligibility Criteria for Paper-II (Upper Primary Teacher for Classes VI to VIII)

• Graduation and a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed).
• Graduation with at least 50% marks and a 1-year Bachelor in Education (B.Ed).
• Graduation with at least 45% marks and a 1-year Bachelor in Education (B.Ed), in accordance with NCTE regulations.
• Higher Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks and a 4-year Bachelor in Elementary Education (B.El.Ed).
• Higher Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks and a 4-year B.A./B.Sc.Ed. or B.A.Ed./B.Sc.Ed.
• Graduation with at least 50% marks and a 1-year B.Ed. (Special Education).

OTET 2026 Application Form 

The online application portal for the Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET 2026) opened on 26th March 2026 at www.bseodisha.ac.in. Eligible candidates were required to complete their registration by the deadline of 9th May 2026 (11:45 pm). Please ensure all essential documentation is organized before finalizing your OTET 2026 application. 

Check Full OTET 2026 Application Process - Click Here

OTET 2026 Application Fee

Submission of the OTET application form is only considered complete upon successful payment of the application fee. SC/ST candidates are required to pay Rs. 400/-, while general category applicants must pay Rs. 600/-. All payments must be processed online through the secure HDFC payment gateway.

Steps to Apply Online for the OTET Exam 2026

Before initiating the registration process, applicants must carefully review the instructions, eligibility requirements, and guidelines for the OTET-2026. Candidates are permitted to register for Paper I, Paper II, or both, depending on their qualifications. A detailed, step-by-step guide on how to apply for the OTET exam is available here.

1. Visit the official website of the Board of Secondary Education, Odisha, Cuttack at www.bseodisha.ac.in.
2. On the homepage tab on Examination >OTET Examination> Online Application for Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test OTET- 2026> Go to Link.
3. Candidates are redirected to a new page. If you have already registered, click the “Login” button; otherwise, click on “New Registration” to register.
4. On clicking “New Registration”, the OTET-2026 page will be displayed.  Enter your name, password (to be created by you), and Mobile No. & e-mail ID, and then click on the Submit tab. (You will have to enter OTP, which shall be sent to your registered mobile no and email ID).
5. Submit your application forms by providing personal information, eligibility criteria, educational qualifications, and address.
6. Click on the Payment & Declaration tab to submit the application fee as per category, and then click on the Final Submit tab.

OTET 2026 Exam Pattern & Syllabus

The official exam pattern for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 is structured as follows.

• There are 150 questions for Papers 1 and 2 each.
• The duration of the examination is 150 minutes.
• Each correct answer gives 1 mark.
• There will be no negative marking.

Paper 1: Primary Level (Classes I to V)

Paper 2: Upper Primary Level (Classes VI to VIII)

View OTET 2026 Syllabus & Exam Pattern

Download OTET Previous Year Question Papers (PDF)

OTET 2026 Minimum Qualifying Marks

Qualification status in the Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET 2026) is determined by candidate performance in the written examination. To be declared qualified, applicants must secure the minimum marks specified in the official notification and the table provided below.

Check OTET Cut-Off Marks & Qualifying Criteria

OTET Certificate 2026

Candidates who achieve or exceed the minimum qualifying marks are certified by the Board of Secondary Education as eligible for teaching positions within Odisha schools. Please note that qualifying for the OTET is a prerequisite for eligibility and does not constitute a direct offer of employment for teaching roles.