Odisha: No New School Closures; Board Exam 2026 Dates Soon

The Odisha government has strongly denied recent reports suggesting new school closures or mergers are happening in the state. The **School and Mass Education Department** officially confirmed on **X (formerly Twitter)** that these reports are "completely baseless." This important clarification aims to remove confusion and worry among students, parents, and teachers across Odisha.

The state education department clearly stated in its official message: "News being published in various media regarding new school closures or mergers in the state is completely baseless." Officials stressed that the government has not issued any new order or directive to close any school or combine it with another anywhere in Odisha. They want to assure everyone that current reports about such actions are untrue and do not represent any official decision or plan.

No New School Closures or Mergers in Odisha

The department also brought up past actions to provide context. In the academic years **2020-21**, a significant number of schools, precisely **5,632 schools**, were indeed merged with nearby educational institutions in Odisha. This major step was taken under the state’s previous **rationalization policy**. The main goal of this policy was to make school administration more efficient and to address the issue of schools having very few students, which can affect teaching quality and resource use.

The decision for these mergers in **2020-21** was based on official government documents: **notification number 5465** and **memorandum number 5538**, both issued on **March 11, 2020**, by the **School and Mass Education Department**. However, this earlier move faced strong criticism from various groups and communities. Many people, especially those in remote and tribal regions of the state, raised concerns. Consequently, certain aspects of this policy were even challenged in the **Orissa High Court**, highlighting the public's reaction to such changes.

Department officials have now firmly stated that if the government decides to implement any new policy changes related to schools in the future, these changes will be officially announced. They will publish proper, formal notifications through official channels. They will not allow media speculation or rumors to spread inaccurate information. Therefore, students, parents, and all school staff are advised to rely only on information released directly from official government sources for such critical updates.

Odisha Board Exams 2026: Dates Expected Soon

In another important update for students across Odisha, the official date sheets for the **Odisha Board Exams 2026** are expected to be released very soon. These upcoming examinations are crucial for both **Class 10** and **Class 12** students who are preparing to take their final board tests. Students should remain alert and prepare to check for these important announcements in the coming weeks.

The **Board of Secondary Education (BSE)** is the body responsible for organizing and conducting the **Class 10** board examinations. On the other hand, the **Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE)** is responsible for managing the **Class 12** board examinations. Historically, these significant statewide examinations are typically conducted during the months of **February and March** each academic year. This trend helps students to anticipate the general timeframe for their exams.

How to Check Your Exam Schedule

Students are strongly advised to regularly check the official websites of their respective education boards for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding exam dates and detailed schedules. Below is a simple guide to help you:

By staying informed through these official channels, students can ensure they receive the correct information for their upcoming board examinations and plan their studies accordingly.