Odisha CPET 2026: Result Expected June, Eligibility, Counselling and Merit List

Odisha CPET 2026 (Common Postgraduate Entrance Test) is conducted by the State Selection Board (SSB), Odisha, for admission to MA, MSc, MCom, and other postgraduate programmes across 114+ Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in Odisha. The CPET 2026 exam has been successfully completed from May 5 to May 18, 2026, and the provisional answer key has been released; SSB Odisha is currently processing objections received from candidates. The final answer key and result are now the most awaited events.

• Final Answer Key: The CPET 2026 final answer key is yet to be released by SSB Odisha after processing all objections submitted between May 20–22, 2026. Last year (2025), the final answer key was released within 7–10 days of the objection window closing.
• Result / Merit List: The CPET 2026 result is expected in June 2026. In 2025, the merit list was declared on June 2. The result combines 70% CPET exam marks and 30% career marks from Class 10, Class 12, and graduation.
• Choice Filling (Counselling): Online choice filling on the SAMS Odisha portal is expected to begin in early June 2026 for 31,915 PG seats across 114+ colleges. In 2025, choice filling ran from June 3–8.
• Round 1 Seat Allotment: The first round of seat allotment is expected in mid-June 2026. In 2025, Round 1 allotment was announced on June 13. Three allotment rounds plus a spot round are typically held before classes begin in mid-July.

What is Odisha CPET 2026?

Odisha CPET stands for Common Postgraduate Entrance Test. It is a state-level entrance examination conducted by the State Selection Board (SSB), Odisha, under the Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha. The exam gives admission to MA, MSc, MCom, and other postgraduate programmes offered by government universities and autonomous colleges across Odisha.

The test is designed to check whether you have the subject knowledge needed to study at the postgraduate level. If you want admission to any PG course in an Odisha government college, you must appear for CPET. The exam covers more than 50 PG subjects, and you can appear for more than one subject by paying an additional fee.

For the 2026 session, 58,708 candidates applied to compete for 31,915 PG seats across 114+ Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs). This means roughly 1.84 candidates are competing for every seat, making CPET a moderately competitive exam. The counselling and seat allotment process is handled separately through the SAMS Odisha portal (pg.samsodisha.gov.in).

Source: SSB Odisha Official Website

Odisha CPET 2026 Important Dates

The table below lists all key events for CPET 2026. Upcoming events appear first (in chronological order), followed by completed events. Past events are marked (Over).

All post-objection dates are tentative and based on the 2025 pattern. Official dates will be notified by the Higher Education Department, Odisha on ssbodisha.ac.in and pg.samsodisha.gov.in.

Source: SAMS Odisha — CPET 2026 Key Dates

Odisha CPET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before you apply for CPET 2026, you must make sure you meet the eligibility conditions set by SSB Odisha. Candidates who do not meet the eligibility criteria can have their admission cancelled even after seat allotment.

Educational Qualification

• You must have passed a Bachelor’s Degree (+3 degree or equivalent) from a recognised university in the relevant subject.
• You need a minimum of 45% aggregate marks in your graduation (General category).
• SC/ST candidates need a minimum of 40% aggregate marks.
• If you are appearing in your final year graduation exam in Academic Session 2026–27, you can apply provisionally. Your admission will be confirmed only after you submit the final marksheet and meet the eligibility marks.
• You must have studied the relevant Honours or Core subject at UG level for the PG programme you are applying for.

Subject-wise Eligibility

Different PG subjects have different eligibility conditions at the UG level. For example, to apply for MSc Chemistry, you must have studied Chemistry as an Honours or Core subject in graduation. You should check the subject-specific eligibility in the official CPET 2026 prospectus available at pg.samsodisha.gov.in.

Age Limit

SSB Odisha has not specified an upper age limit for CPET 2026. Candidates of any age who meet the educational qualification can apply.

Domicile

Odisha-domicile students are eligible for all seats. Candidates from other states may apply for open category seats where available, subject to university-specific policies.

Odisha CPET 2026 Application Process

The CPET 2026 application process was conducted entirely online through the SAMS Odisha portal (pg.samsodisha.gov.in). The application window was open from February 27, 2026 to March 22, 2026. If you missed the deadline, you cannot apply now.

The CPET 2026 application window has closed. No fresh applications are being accepted. Registered candidates should track the final answer key and result dates on ssbodisha.ac.in.

How to Fill the CPET 2026 Application Form (For Future Reference)

• Visit pg.samsodisha.gov.in and click on "New Student Registration."
• Enter your name, mobile number, and email address to create a login account.
• Log in with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
• Fill out the Common Application Form (CAF) with your personal details, academic details, and the subjects you want to appear for.
• Upload your scanned photograph and signature in the required format.
• Pay the application fee online via net banking, debit card, or credit card.
• Submit the form and download the confirmation receipt for future reference.

CPET 2026 Application Fee

The application fee is non-refundable. You should double-check your subject choices before making the payment.

Documents Needed at the Time of Application

• Scanned passport-size photograph (JPG format, as per size guidelines)
• Scanned signature
• Class 10 marksheet and certificate
• Class 12 marksheet and certificate
• Graduation marksheets (all years / semesters)
• Caste/category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS, if applicable)
• PwD certificate (if applicable)
• Aadhaar card or other valid photo ID

Odisha CPET 2026 Admit Card

The CPET 2026 admit card (hall ticket) was released on April 30, 2026 at 11:00 AM on the SAMS Odisha portal. All candidates who successfully submitted their applications could download it using their login credentials. The admit card was used for the exam held from May 5–18, 2026 and is no longer needed for the exam itself.

You should still keep a printed copy of your admit card safely, as some colleges may ask for it during the counselling process and document verification at the time of admission.

Details Printed on the CPET 2026 Admit Card

• Candidate’s name and photograph
• Roll number and application number
• Subject(s) chosen and exam date/time/session for each
• Exam centre name and address
• Important instructions for exam day

How to Download the Admit Card (For Future Exams / Reference)

• Visit pg.samsodisha.gov.in and log in with your registered credentials.
• Click on "Download Hall Ticket" or "Admit Card" link in your dashboard.
• Your admit card will open as a PDF. Download and take a printout.
• Carry the printout along with a valid photo ID to the exam centre.

No candidate was allowed entry into the exam hall without a valid admit card and a government-issued photo ID. The exam has now been completed (May 5–18, 2026).

Odisha CPET 2026 Answer Key

SSB Odisha released the CPET 2026 provisional answer key on May 19, 2026 at 11:00 AM on the official website ssbodisha.ac.in. The provisional answer key lists the tentative correct answers for all questions in each subject paper. Candidates had the chance to challenge any answer they believed was incorrect during the objection window.

The objection submission window closed on May 22, 2026 at 11:45 PM. SSB Odisha is currently reviewing all objections received from candidates. The final revised answer key will be released after this review process is complete. The final answer key will incorporate any corrections based on valid objections.

CPET 2026 Answer Key Timeline

How to Raise an Objection (For Reference)

• Log in to your student account on pg.samsodisha.gov.in.
• Navigate to the "Answer Key Objection" section.
• Select the question you want to challenge and provide your reason with reference to books or official sources.
• Pay the objection fee of ₹200 per question (non-refundable) online.
• Submit the objection before the deadline.

The objection window for CPET 2026 has closed. The final answer key will be published on ssbodisha.ac.in once the review is complete. Keep checking the official website regularly.

Source: SSB Odisha Official Website

Colleges Accepting Odisha CPET Score

More than 114 Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) accept CPET scores for PG admission in Odisha. These include government universities, their affiliated PG centres, and government autonomous colleges. For the 2026 session, a total of 31,915 PG seats are available across these institutions.

Top Universities Accepting CPET 2026 Score

The complete list of participating colleges with subject-wise and category-wise seat matrices is available at pg.samsodisha.gov.in.

Odisha CPET 2026 Preparation Tips

The CPET 2026 exam is over, but if you are preparing for the next cycle or want to know how to approach a similar exam, here are some effective preparation strategies based on the CPET pattern.

1. Focus on the Official Syllabus

The CPET paper is strictly based on the UG CBCS model syllabus 2019 for your subject. Download the official subject-wise syllabus PDF from ssbodisha.ac.in and use it as your roadmap. Do not study topics outside this syllabus — it is a waste of time.

2. Revise UG Textbooks Thoroughly

CPET tests what you learned in your graduation. Go back to your UG textbooks, notes, and reference books. Focus on conceptual clarity rather than rote learning, since MCQ-based questions test your understanding.

3. Understand the Two Sections

Each CPET paper has two sections — Core (40 questions) and Elective (30 questions). Know which topics fall under each section and allocate your preparation time accordingly. Core section carries more marks, so prioritise it.

4. Practice MCQ-Based Questions

Since all questions are MCQs, practice previous year question papers and sample questions in MCQ format. This helps you develop the habit of quickly identifying the correct option from four choices.

5. No Negative Marking — Attempt All Questions

There is no negative marking in CPET. You should attempt all 70 questions. Even a guess gives you a chance of scoring — leaving a question blank gives you zero. In the last 10–15 minutes of the exam, mark answers for any unattempted questions.

6. Improve Your Career Score Too

Since 30% of your final merit score comes from your Class 10, Class 12, and graduation marks, doing well in your UG final exams directly improves your CPET merit rank. If you are a final-year student, do not ignore your UG exams while preparing for CPET.

7. Time Management During the Exam

You have 90 minutes for 70 questions — that is about 77 seconds per question. Do not spend too long on any single question. Mark difficult questions and come back to them. With no negative marking, speed and coverage matter more than perfection.