The Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET) is a state-level qualifying examination for candidates aspiring to become teachers in government and private schools across Odisha. Conducted by the Board of Secondary Education (BSE), Odisha, OTET assesses the teaching aptitude and subject knowledge of candidates at the primary and upper primary levels through two separate papers.

OTET 2026 Overview

Particulars Details
Exam Name Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET)
Conducting Body Board of Secondary Education (BSE), Odisha
Level State Level
Papers Paper 1 (Classes 1-5), Paper 2 (Classes 6-8)
Total Questions 150 MCQs per paper
Total Marks 150 marks per paper
Duration 2 hours 30 minutes per paper
Negative Marking No negative marking
📌 Official Website: For the latest notification, application form and updates, visit the official BSE Odisha portal: bseodisha.ac.in

OTET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must fulfil the academic and professional teaching qualifications prescribed by NCTE for the level they intend to teach.

For Paper 1 (Classes 1 to 5)

  • Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed/appearing in 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (CT / D.El.Ed), OR
  • Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed), OR
  • Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education).

For Paper 2 (Classes 6 to 8)

  • Graduation with at least 50-55% marks and 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education, OR
  • Graduation with at least 50% marks and 1-year Bachelor in Education (B.Ed), OR
  • Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and 4-year B.El.Ed / B.A.Ed / B.Sc.Ed.

A relaxation of 5% in the minimum qualifying marks at the Higher Secondary or graduation level is generally allowed to reserved category candidates as per the official notification.

OTET 2026 Exam Pattern

Both papers consist of objective-type multiple-choice questions. Each question carries one mark and there is no negative marking.

Paper 1 (For Classes 1-5)

Subject Questions Marks
Child Development & Pedagogy 30 30
Language I (Odia) 30 30
Language II (English) 30 30
Mathematics 30 30
Environmental Studies 30 30
Total 150 150

Paper 2 (For Classes 6-8)

Subject Questions Marks
Child Development & Pedagogy 30 30
Language I (Odia) 30 30
Language II (English) 30 30
Mathematics & Science OR Social Studies 60 60
Total 150 150
Important: There is NO negative marking in OTET. As no marks are deducted for wrong answers, candidates should attempt every question.

OTET 2026 Syllabus

The syllabus is based on the NCTE framework and the Odisha state school curriculum. Major areas include:

  • Child Development & Pedagogy: learning principles, inclusive education and pedagogical concepts.
  • Languages: comprehension, grammar and pedagogy of Odia and English.
  • Mathematics: arithmetic, geometry, data handling and teaching methodology.
  • Environmental Studies / Science / Social Studies: concepts up to the relevant class level along with pedagogy.

OTET 2026 Qualifying Marks

Category Minimum Qualifying % Marks (out of 150)
General 60% 90
SC / ST / SEBC / PwD 50% 75

Qualifying in OTET is a mandatory requirement for teacher recruitment in government schools in Odisha at the relevant level.

Disclaimer: Exam details are subject to change. Always verify eligibility, pattern and dates with the latest official OTET notification before applying.

Explore more state TET and central teaching exam guides on Cosmo Classes: