BSE Odisha Matric exam begins today, over 5.22 lakh students to appear across 3,133 centers

The annual matriculation examinations conducted by the Board of Secondary Education (BSE) begin today, marking a pivotal moment for lakhs of students in Odisha. A total of over 5.22L students, including those taking the Matriculation, Madhyama, and State Open School Certificate exams, are gearing up for this critical assessment, marking one of the most crucial academic milestones in the education system.

The exams will be conducted at 3,133 centers across Odisha, with examinations scheduled from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Students are required to arrive at their centers by 7:30 AM to ensure timely entry. The examination question papers are dispatched from 314 nodal centers, expected to reach between 07:30 AM and 08:30 AM.

This year’s exam will implement robust security protocols to prevent unfortunate incidents of paper leakage. The question papers have been tagged with QR codes and special numbers, introducing a new layer of security.

Also Read: Odisha Matric Exam 2025: BSE steps up security measures to prevent question paper leak

Exam Schedule and Logistics

The Odisha Class 10 board examinations are set to commence on February 21, 2025, and will conclude on March 6, 2025. The board has meticulously planned the exam schedule, with the First Language paper kicking off the series on February 21, followed by Second Language on February 23, Mathematics on February 26, Third Language on February 28, Science on March 4, and concluding with Social Science on March 6.

Preparation and Security Measures

The BSE Odisha has implemented stringent measures to ensure the smooth conduct of examinations and prevent any malpractices. Special arrangements have been made to safeguard against question paper leaks, including the use of sealed question papers and strict protocols for their distribution. The board has also deployed flying squads and static surveillance teams to monitor exam centers. Additionally, CCTV cameras have been installed at sensitive locations to maintain the integrity of the examination process. Students are advised to carry their admit cards and follow all exam day instructions carefully, including restrictions on electronic devices inside examination halls.

Changes in Exam Pattern and Assessment

For the 2025 examinations, BSE Odisha has introduced changes to the exam pattern and assessment criteria. The board has implemented a 50:50 ratio for objective and subjective questions in the summative assessment. This means that out of the total 100 marks, 50 marks will be allocated to multiple-choice questions (MCQs), while the remaining 50 will be for subjective questions. The internal assessment structure remains unchanged, with four Formative Assessments conducted quarterly throughout the academic year. These changes aim to provide a balanced evaluation of students' knowledge and analytical skills.

Post-Examination Process and Results Announcement

Following the conclusion of the examinations on March 6, 2025, the evaluation process will commence. The board is expected to announce the results in May 2025, although an exact date has not been specified. Students who may not perform satisfactorily in the main examination will have an opportunity to improve their scores through supplementary exams, the dates for which will be announced after the declaration of the main results.