Last updated: 26 October 2026  ·  Official source: opsc.gov.in. OPSC dates and rules can change through corrigenda; always confirm on the official website.

Prelims (objective; one-third negative marking)

Mains (descriptive, 3 hours each)

Interview: 250 marks. Final merit: 1,750 + 250 = 2,000. Prelims marks are not counted.

GS Paper I

• Current events of national and international importance.
• History of India and the Indian National Movement; history of Odisha and Odia nationalism.
• Geography of Odisha, India and the world: physical, social and economic.
• Indian polity and governance: Constitution, political system, Panchayati Raj, public policy, rights issues.
• Economic and social development: sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics, social-sector initiatives.
• Environmental ecology, biodiversity and climate change (no specialisation needed).
• General Science.

GS Paper II (CSAT)

• Comprehension; interpersonal and communication skills.
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability; decision making and problem solving.
• General mental ability; basic numeracy and data interpretation (Class X level).

GS I: Indian and Odisha Heritage, History, Geography and Society

• Indian art, literature and architecture; temple architecture of Odisha; Bhakti movement in Odisha; evolution of Odia language and literature; festivals and regional traditions of Odisha.
• Modern Indian history and the freedom struggle; the Kalinga War; Kharavela, Bhauma-Karas, Somavamsis, Gangas and Gajapatis.
• Paika Rebellion, Veer Surendra Sai and 1857 in Odisha; creation of Odisha Province; Praja Mandal movements, Odia nationalism and integration of princely states.
• Geography of India; geophysical phenomena; Odisha’s physiography, rivers, water, forests and minerals.
• Indian society, women, population, poverty and urbanisation; globalisation’s effect on India and Odisha; tribal population and urban growth in Odisha.

GS II: Constitution, Governance, Social Justice and IR

• Constitution, federalism, separation of powers, Parliament and state legislatures, executive and judiciary.
• Constitutional, statutory and regulatory bodies; Representation of the People Act.
• Odisha Right to Public Services Act and Odisha Lokayukta Act; Panchayati Raj Institutions in Odisha.
• Governance, transparency, e-governance and the role of civil services.
• Welfare schemes, health, education and SDGs in India and Odisha; MSMEs and women’s SHGs.
• International relations and Odisha’s relations with neighbouring states.

GS III: Economy, Technology, Environment, Security and Disaster Management

• Indian economy, growth and employment; budgeting and land reforms in India and Odisha.
• Infrastructure in India and Odisha; industrialisation in Odisha: issues and prospects.
• Agriculture, MSP, PDS and food security; e-technology for farmers and animal rearing in Odisha; food processing.
• Science and technology: IT, space, robotics, nanotech, biotech and IPR.
• Environment and EIA; disaster management institutions and policies in Odisha.
• Internal security, Left-wing extremism in Odisha, cyber security and security forces of India and Odisha.

GS IV: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

• Ethics and human values; attitude; emotional intelligence.
• Integrity, impartiality, objectivity, empathy and compassion; contributions of Indian and world thinkers.
• Probity in governance, RTI, codes of conduct, corruption; case studies.

• Essay: Essays on multiple topics; candidates must stay on the subject, organise their ideas and write concisely.
• Odia (qualifying): Comprehension, précis, usage and vocabulary, short essays, and translation between English and Odia.
• English (qualifying): Comprehension, précis, usage and vocabulary and short essays.

Choose one optional, which has two papers of 250 marks each.

What is the OPSC OCS exam pattern?

Prelims (GS Paper I and CSAT, 200 marks each), Mains (two qualifying language papers plus Essay, GS I–IV and two Optional papers of 250 marks each) and a 250-mark interview. Final merit is out of 2,000.

Is CSAT qualifying in OPSC?

Yes. You need 33% in CSAT; the Mains shortlist is based on GS Paper I.

How many optional subjects are there in OPSC OCS?

One optional with two papers, chosen from 30 subjects or the literature of English, Hindi, Odia, Persian, Sanskrit or Urdu.

What are the Odisha-specific topics in OPSC Mains?

Odisha history and culture (Kharavela to the Praja Mandal movement, temple architecture, Odia literature) in GS I; the Odisha Lokayukta and Right to Public Services Acts and PRIs in GS II; and Odisha’s economy, industry, disaster management and Left-wing extremism in GS III.

What is the qualifying mark in the OPSC Odia and English papers?

25% in each. The merit papers are evaluated only if you clear both.

• Exams now: OCS Mains 2025 Timetable and OPSC OCS Notification 2026
• OCS essentials: OPSC OCS Syllabus, OPSC OCS Notification 2026 and OPSC OCS Mains Result 2025
• Practice: 597 solved OPSC Prelims PYQs and OPSC OAS Mains previous year papers with model answers
• Odisha focus: Odisha current affairs and the OCS exam strategy guide
• Classroom and online coaching: Strive Edge IAS, Bhubaneswar