OJEE 2026 Begins Today — B.Sc Nursing Paper Held Across 3 Shifts; Over 1 Lakh Candidates Expected
The Odisha Joint Entrance Examination (OJEE) 2026 has officially begun today, May 4, 2026, with the Basic B.Sc. Nursing paper being conducted in three shifts across exam centres in Odisha and select cities outside the state. For thousands of students aspiring to build a career in nursing and allied health sciences, today marks a defining moment in their academic journey.
The exam is being conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, ensuring a standardised and smooth testing experience. The three shifts are scheduled from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Candidates were required to report at least one hour before their respective shift timings to complete biometric verification and entry formalities on time.
Scale of the Examination
Around 1 lakh candidates are expected to appear for OJEE 2026 this year — a significant increase compared to previous years — reflecting the growing number of students pursuing professional courses in Odisha. The examination will be conducted from May 4 to May 10, 2026, covering multiple programmes including B.Pharm, MBA, MCA, M.Tech, Lateral Entry, and Nursing. OJEE remains the primary route to admission in some of Odisha's most reputed professional institutions.
How Was the Paper? Student Reactions
Early feedback from candidates who appeared in the morning shift indicates a mixed difficulty level for the Nursing paper. Biology was the most comfortable section, with questions largely NCERT-aligned and rated moderate by most students. Chemistry was described as balanced and manageable, featuring a good mix of theory and application-based questions. Physics, however, was considered the toughest section, with numerical-heavy questions from topics requiring both conceptual understanding and calculation speed. The English and General Knowledge sections were found to be straightforward, giving students enough room to manage their overall time effectively within the two-hour window.
Exam Pattern
The Nursing paper consists of 120 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 2 hours. Each correct answer carries +4 marks, while an incorrect response results in a deduction of 1 mark. With negative marking in place, strategic attempt selection is just as important as thorough preparation.
What Comes Next — Answer Key & Result
The provisional answer key for OJEE 2026 is expected to be released in the second or third week of May. Candidates will be given a brief objection window to challenge any answers by paying a specified fee per question. The final answer key is likely to follow by the end of May, with results expected in the first week of June 2026.
Students appearing in upcoming shifts are strongly advised to carry their admit card, a valid government-issued photo ID, and follow all exam centre guidelines strictly. Stay updated at ojee.nic.in for official announcements on answer keys, results, and counselling schedules.