Odisha Education Department Denies Reports of New School Closures; Board Exam Dates 2026 to Be Announced Soon

The School and Mass Education Department of Odisha has dismissed reports in some media outlets suggesting that new rounds of school closures or mergers are underway in the state.

Posting from its official handle on X (formerly Twitter), the state education department stated: “News being published in various media regarding new school closures or mergers in the state is completely baseless. Notably, as per the notification number 5465 dated 11.03.2020 and memorandum number 5538 dated 11.03.2020 issued by the School and Mass Education Department, a total of 5632 schools in the state were merged with nearby schools in the year 2020-21. Currently, no directive has been issued by the government to close any school in the state.”

Officials reiterated that no new orders have been issued for closing or merging schools and that information circulating online does not reflect any official decision. The clarification followed recent reports that hinted at possible rationalization of schools this year, which the department has now called inaccurate.

The previous merger of 5,632 schools during 2020–21 was carried out under the state’s rationalization policy aimed at addressing low enrolment in some areas. The move later drew criticism from several quarters, particularly in tribal and remote regions, and parts of the policy were eventually challenged in the Orissa High Court.

Department officials have now confirmed that if any policy changes occur in future, they will be communicated formally through notifications, not through media speculation.

Odisha Board Exams 2026: Dates to be out soon

Board of Secondary Education (BSE) and Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) Odisha are expected to release official date sheets for the 2026 board exams soon. Board examinations are usually conducted in February and March.

Class 10 (BSE)

Expected timeframe: February – March 2026

Status: To be announced

How to check: Visit the BSE Odisha website for updates.

Class 12 (CHSE)

Expected timeframe: February – March 2026

Status: To be announced

How to check: Visit the CHSE Odisha website for updates.