OTET Eligibility Criteria 2025: Age Limit & Educational Qualifications Guide
The official OTET Eligibility Criteria for 2025 has been released by the BSEO. Prospective candidates should carefully review the specific age limits and educational qualifications outlined in this guide to ensure their application is successful.
OTET Eligibility Criteria 2025: Overview
The Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET) 2025 will be administered by the Board of Secondary Education, Odisha (BSEO) in an offline pen-and-paper format at designated centers statewide. Aspirants are advised to stay updated on the official schedule, reporting times, and exam center protocols. The following guide provides a comprehensive overview of the OTET 2025, including key dates and paper structures to help you prepare effectively.
| Exam Name | Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test or OTET |
| Exam Conducting Body | Board of Secondary Education, Odisha (BSEO) |
| Exam Centres | Across the state of Odisha |
| Medium of Papers | English |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Mode of the Exam | Offline |
| OTET Admit Card 2025 | Released (10 December 2025) |
| OTET Official Website | bseodisha.nic.in |
What is OTET Eligibility?
Reviewing the OTET Eligibility Criteria 2025 is a mandatory step for all applicants to avoid disqualification. By confirming your educational background and age status early, you ensure your OTET online application is processed without issues. Below, we break down the specific eligibility requirements for both Paper-I and Paper-II to assist you in determining which category you qualify for.
- General Eligibility: He or she must be a citizen of India.
- Ability to Read and Write Odia: The candidate must be able to read and write in Odia. Any one of the following qualifications will be taken into consideration to ascertain the ability of the candidate
OTET Eligibility Criteria for Paper-I
To appear for the OTET Category-A (Paper-I), candidates must meet at least one of the following prescribed academic and professional criteria:
- Candidates should clear Class XII with at least 50 per cent (45 per cent for SC/ST/OBC/SEBC/PwD candidates) aggregate marks. Also, candidates should possess a two-year diploma in Elementary Education (CT or D.El.Ed).
- Candidates should clear Class XII with at least 45 per cent (40 per cent for SC/ST/OBC/SEBC/PwD candidates) aggregate marks. Also, candidates should possess a two-year diploma in Elementary Education, in accordance with the NCTE (Recognition Norms and Procedure) Regulations, 2002.
- Candidates should clear Class XII with at least 50 per cent (45 per cent for SC/ ST/ OBC/ SEBC/ PwD candidates) aggregate marks. Also, candidates should possess a four-year diploma in B.El.Ed.
- Candidates should clear Class XII with at least 50 percent (45 percent for SC/ ST/ OBC/ SEBC/ PwD candidates) aggregate marks. Also, candidates should possess a two-year diploma in Special Education.
- Candidates should clear a graduation in any stream. Also, candidates should possess a two-year diploma in Elementary Education/ Special Education

OTET Eligibility Criteria for Paper-II
Candidates must fulfill the designated educational benchmarks to be eligible for OTET Category-B (Paper-II):
- Candidates should clear graduation with at least 50 per cent (45 per cent for SC/ ST/ OBC/ SEBC/ PwD candidates) marks. Also, candidates should pass a one-year course in Bachelor of Education (B.Ed).
- Candidates should clear graduation with at least 45 per cent (40 per cent for SC/ ST/ OBC/ SEBC/ PwD candidates) marks. Also, candidates should pass a one-year B.Ed course in accordance with the NCTE (Recognition Norms and Procedure) Regulations issued from time to time in this regard.
- Candidates should clear graduation with at least 50 per cent (45 per cent for SC/ ST/ OBC/ SEBC/ PwD candidates) marks. Also, candidates should pass a one-year course in B.Ed (Special Education).
- Candidates should clear Class XII with at least 50 per cent (45 per cent for SC/ ST/ OBC/ SEBC/ PwD candidates) aggregate marks. Also, candidates should pass a four-year BA Ed/ BSc Ed course.

OTET Eligibility Criteria 2025 & Age Limit
As per the BSEO guidelines, applicants for the OTET 2025 exam must fall within the age range of 21 to 32 years. Adherence to this age bracket is mandatory; applications from candidates falling outside this limit will be automatically rejected during the screening process.
OTET Eligibility Criteria 2024: FAQs
Q: What are the professional qualifications for Paper-II? A: Candidates applying for the OTET 2025 Paper-II must possess a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree.
Q: What is the age limit for OTET 2025? A: To meet the OTET eligibility criteria, applicants must be between 21 and 32 years of age.
Q: Is the OTET conducted online? A: No, the OTET is conducted in an offline, pen-and-paper mode.