The OTET is a state-level eligibility test conducted by BSE Odisha to certify candidates for teaching positions in primary (Classes I–V) and upper primary (Classes VI–VIII) schools across government, private aided, and private unaided institutions in Odisha. The exam comprises two papers:

• Paper I: For candidates aspiring to teach Classes I–V.
• Paper II: For candidates aspiring to teach Classes VI–VIII.

Each paper consists of 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), with 1 mark per question, no negative marking, and a duration of 2.5 hours (150 minutes). Below is the detailed syllabus for both papers.

OTET Paper I Syllabus (Classes I–V)

Total Marks: 150
Sections: 5 (all compulsory)

1. Child Development and Pedagogy (30 marks, 30 questions)

Focuses on understanding child development and teaching methodologies.

• Child Development (Primary School Child):
  • Concept of development and its relation to learning.
  • Principles of child development (e.g., physical, cognitive, emotional).
  • Influence of heredity and environment.
  • Stages of development (Piaget, Kohlberg, Vygotsky theories).
• Learning and Pedagogy:
  • How children think and learn; reasons for learning difficulties.
  • Teaching-learning processes: child-centric and progressive education.
  • Motivation and learning; role of play and activities.
• Inclusive Education:
  • Addressing learners with diverse needs (e.g., special needs, gifted).
  • Understanding children with learning difficulties and impairments.
• Key Focus: Applying psychological principles to primary education.

2. Language I (Odia/Urdu/Hindi/Telugu/Bengali) (30 marks, 30 questions)

Tests proficiency in the chosen language (typically Odia for Odisha candidates).

• Language Comprehension:
  • Reading unseen passages (prose or poetry, 100–150 words).
  • Questions on comprehension, inference, and vocabulary.
• Pedagogy of Language Development:
  • Role of language in child development.
  • Principles of language teaching (listening, speaking, reading, writing).
  • Challenges in teaching language in diverse classrooms.
  • Language skills evaluation (e.g., grammar, syntax in Odia).
• Key Focus: Teaching language at the primary level (e.g., Odia grammar: Sandhi, Samasa).

3. Language II (English) (30 marks, 30 questions)

Tests English proficiency and teaching ability.

• Comprehension:
  • Two unseen passages (one prose, one poetry, 100–150 words each).
  • Questions on comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary.
• Pedagogy of Language Development:
  • Learning and acquisition of English as a second language.
  • Principles of teaching English (e.g., phonetics, vocabulary building).
  • Challenges in multilingual classrooms.
  • Language skill assessment (e.g., tenses, prepositions).
• Key Focus: Basic English usage and pedagogy for young learners.

4. Mathematics (30 marks, 30 questions)

Tests mathematical understanding and teaching skills.

• Content:
  • Numbers: Counting, operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
  • Fractions and decimals: Basic concepts.
  • Geometry: Shapes (circle, triangle, square), symmetry.
  • Measurement: Length, weight, time, volume.
  • Data Handling: Simple tables, pictographs.
• Pedagogical Issues:
  • Nature of mathematics (logical thinking, abstraction).
  • Teaching methods: Activity-based learning, problem-solving.
  • Error analysis and remedial teaching.
• Key Focus: Practical math for Classes I–V, teaching aids.

5. Environmental Studies (EVS) (30 marks, 30 questions)

Tests knowledge of EVS and its pedagogy.

• Content:
  • Family and Friends: Relationships, animals, plants.
  • Food: Sources, nutrition basics.
  • Shelter: Types, materials.
  • Water: Sources, conservation.
  • Travel: Modes, distances.
  • Things We Make and Do: Local crafts, activities.
• Pedagogical Issues:
  • Concept and scope of EVS.
  • Learning through observation and exploration.
  • Teaching tools: Stories, experiments, discussions.
• Key Focus: Connecting EVS to daily life, Odisha context (e.g., local flora).

OTET Paper II Syllabus (Classes VI–VIII)

Total Marks: 150
Sections: 4 (3 compulsory + 1 optional)

1. Child Development and Pedagogy (30 marks, 30 questions)

Focuses on upper primary learners.

• Child Development (Elementary School Child):
  • Development stages (11–14 years): Physical, cognitive, social.
  • Influence of adolescence on learning.
  • Theories: Piaget (concrete operational), Erikson (identity).
• Learning and Pedagogy:
  • How children learn at upper primary level.
  • Constructivist approaches: Inquiry-based learning.
  • Assessment strategies: Formative and summative.
• Inclusive Education:
  • Addressing diverse learners (e.g., slow learners, gifted).
  • Gender, caste, and cultural influences on education.
• Key Focus: Adolescent psychology, classroom management.

2. Language I (Odia/Urdu/Hindi/Telugu/Bengali) (30 marks, 30 questions)

Tests advanced language skills.

• Language Comprehension:
  • Two unseen passages (prose/drama/poetry, 150–200 words).
  • Questions on comprehension, grammar, and literary elements.
• Pedagogy of Language Development:
  • Teaching language at upper primary level.
  • Developing reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
  • Language assessment techniques.
• Key Focus: Higher-order language use (e.g., Odia literature basics).

3. Language II (English) (30 marks, 30 questions)

Tests English proficiency at a higher level.

• Comprehension:
  • Two unseen passages (prose/poetry, 150–200 words).
  • Questions on inference, vocabulary, and grammar.
• Pedagogy of Language Development:
  • Teaching English as a second language for older learners.
  • Enhancing communication skills.
  • Remedial teaching for language gaps.
• Key Focus: Advanced grammar (e.g., clauses), teaching strategies.

4. Optional Section (Choose A or B) (60 marks, 60 questions)

Candidates select one based on their teaching preference.

A. Mathematics and Science (60 marks)

• Mathematics (30 marks):
  • Content:
    • Number System: Integers, fractions, decimals.
    • Algebra: Basic equations, expressions.
    • Geometry: Angles, triangles, circles.
    • Mensuration: Area, perimeter, volume.
    • Data Handling: Bar graphs, mean.
  • Pedagogy:
    • Teaching abstract concepts.
    • Problem-solving strategies.
• Science (30 marks):
  • Content:
    • Food: Nutrients, digestion.
    • Materials: Properties, states of matter.
    • Natural Phenomena: Light, sound, weather.
    • Living World: Plants, animals, ecosystems.
  • Pedagogy:
    • Inquiry-based learning.
    • Experiments and observation.
• Key Focus: Conceptual clarity, practical application.

B. Social Studies (60 marks)

• Content:
  • History: Ancient India, Odisha’s history (e.g., Ashoka’s Kalinga War).
  • Geography: Earth’s structure, resources, Odisha’s geography.
  • Social and Political Life: Governance, rights, local administration.
• Pedagogy:
  • Teaching historical events and concepts.
  • Use of maps, timelines, and discussions.
  • Linking social studies to current affairs.
• Key Focus: Odisha-specific events, civic awareness.

Key Notes

• Language Choice: Language I options are Odia, Urdu, Hindi, Telugu, or Bengali; Language II is always English.
• No Negative Marking: Encourages attempting all questions.
• Odisha Context: Questions often reflect Odisha’s culture, geography, and educational needs (e.g., local environmental issues in EVS).

Preparation Tips

1. Resources:
   1. Child Development: “Child Development” by Laura E. Berk.
   1. Language: Odia grammar books, “Objective General English” (SP Bakshi).
   1. Math/Science: NCERT Class VI–VIII textbooks.
   1. Social Studies: “Lucent’s GK,” Odisha-specific guides.
2. Practice: Solve OTET 2024 papers (available on Testbook).
3. Focus Areas: Pedagogy (60 marks across papers), Odisha-specific GK.
4. Time Management: Practice 150 questions in 150 minutes (1 min/question).

Conclusion

The OTET Syllabus 2025 for Paper I and Paper II emphasizes child development, language skills, and subject-specific knowledge tailored to primary and upper primary teaching. Candidates should align their preparation with this detailed breakdown and check www.bseodisha.ac.in for the 2025 notification (expected June–July 2025) to confirm any updates. Start early to master both content and pedagogy!