Odisha's OTET-2025 Scandal: Political Uproar Over Exam Paper Leak

The Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET) for 2025 faced a major setback as it was postponed due to a question paper leak, leading to a storm of criticism directed at the state's BJP government. Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Lenin Mohanty accused the administration of failing to ensure the safety and trust of examinees, particularly sparking concerns among women and youth.

Mohanty highlighted that, within the last 14 months, Odisha has witnessed 13 cases of question paper leaks across various exams, resulting in widespread despair among candidates. In response to the disruption caused by the OTET-2025 paper leak — which affected an estimated 75,000 applicants — Mohanty called for refunds and accountability from state authorities.

The Vice Chairman of the Board of Secondary Education came under scrutiny after his laptop was identified as the source of the leak. Mohanty demanded the resignation of the school and mass education minister and reinforced the need for legal and financial reparations for wronged examinees. Odisha Crime Branch has arrested six individuals, including a data entry operator, with investigations ongoing.

(With inputs from agencies.)