Kandhamal: BJD MLA Rajib Patra appeared 10th HSC examination conducted by State Institute of Open School (SIOS) in his 40s here on Wednesday.

Patra, who represents Baliguda assembly constituency in Kandhamal district, is appearing the matric examination at the centre - Jaleshpata government girls' high school - located under Tumudibandha block.

The legislator had dropped his education from class VIII.

Like other candidates, Patra reached examination centre at 9 am and entered the hall by showing his admit card.

However, there was no special arrangement made for him at the examination centre, the school authority informed.

The exam commenced from Wednesday and will conclude on Oct 30.

Notably, the Board of Secondary Education has launched State Institute of Open School programme for all dropout students of Odisha clearing class V examination to appear matric examination. There is no age limit for the exam under the programme.