The Odisha State Board of Madrasa Education (OSBME) was formed by the Government of Odisha in the year 1971, before the formation, the Madrassa students' examination in the state was conducted by the Bihar Madrasa Board. The students had to face a lot of difficulties during their study due to the conduct of examination and award of certificates from other state.

In view of these problems, the Government of Odisha, taken a historic decision to make education accessible in the state and for the convenience of its students, established the Odisha State Board of Madrasa Education (OSBME) in the year 1971 by passing resolution under the State Government Education Rules (Resolution No. 33931 dated 31.08.1971), since then till now the Odisha State Board of Madrasa Education (OSBME) is continuously working for the promotion of education.

Initially the Odisha State Board of Madrasa Education (OSBME) was constituted for 3 years, after that it was renewed from time to time by the government, and now, under the aegis of DSE (O), the Odisha State Board of Madrasa Education (OSBME) is constantly engaged in the task of taking education to the masses.

Directorate of Secondary Education serves as a bridge between elementary and higher education and prepares younger generation between the age group of 14-18 years for entry into higher education. The Directorate of Secondary Education, Odisha has been set up in the year 1983 to look into the Secondary Education in the State.

The Director, Secondary Education, Odisha is the Administrative Authority for Odisha State Board of Madrasa Education (OSBME) under the School and Mass Education Department, Government of Odisha. Office of the Directorate Secondary Education, Odisha is located on the 6th Floor of Heads of Department Building, Bhubaneswar popularly known as 'Na Tala'.

Functions of Odisha State Board of Madrasa Education (OSBME) :

1. To conduct examinations of the courses being taught in the affiliated Madrasas of the state on the basis of the syllabus prescribed by the Madrasa Examination Board.

2. To determine the course of study and recommended books for the different stages of madrassa education.

3. To conduct the examination on the basis of rules prescribed by the Board.

4. To admit the candidates to the examinations as per the rules framed by the Board.

5. To publish the results of the examination.

6. To grant recognition to Madrasas on the basis of rules made by the Board.

7. To perform the functions entrusted by the Government to the Madrassa Board in the interest of Madrasa Examinations.

8. To bring proposal on necessary policies and decisions to strengthen the Madrasa Board and to present the proposal through the Secretary to the Director for approval.