OPSC Exam Pattern & Syllabus (Odisha)
The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) conducts the Odisha Administrative Services Examination for recruitment to various administrative positions in Odisha. The recruitment process includes 3 stages:
- Preliminary Examination
- Mains Examination
- Interview / Personality Test
Stage I: Preliminary Examination
The OPSC Prelims Exam is a screening test used to shortlist candidates for the Mains. It includes two objective-type papers.
| Feature | Paper I | Paper II |
| Subject | General Studies | General Studies (CSAT) |
| Total Marks | 200 | 200 |
| Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Nature | Merit-based (Screening) | Qualifying |
Important Notes:
- Note I: Paper II of the Preliminary Examination will be qualifying with minimum qualifying marks.
- Note II: The questions will be of multiple choice objective type.
- Note III: It is mandatory for the candidate to appear in both papers of the Civil Services (Prelim) Examination for the purpose of evaluation. Therefore, a candidate will be disqualified in case he/she does not appear in both papers.
Prelims Syllabus
General Studies Paper I
- Current Events of National and International Importance
- History of India and Indian National Movement
- History of Odisha and Odia Nationalism
- Odisha and Indian Geography – Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and the World
- Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Public Policy, Rights Issues, Political System, and Panchayati Raj
- Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Demographics, Inclusion, and Social Sector Initiatives
- General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Climate Change, and Biodiversity that do not require any subject specialisation
- General Science
General Studies Paper II (CSAT / Aptitude)
(Qualifying – minimum marks as fixed by the Commission)
Stage II: Mains Examination
The Mains Exam consists of 9 descriptive papers with a Total of 1750 marks, divided into two parts – Qualifying Papers and Merit Papers.
Part I – Qualifying Papers
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Nature |
| Paper I | Odia Language | 250 | Qualifying |
| Paper II | English Language | 250 | Qualifying |
Part II – Merit Papers
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
| Paper III | Essay | 250 | 3 hours |
| Paper IV | General Studies I | 250 | 3 hours |
| Paper V | General Studies II | 250 | 3 hours |
| Paper VI | General Studies III | 250 | 3 hours |
| Paper VII | General Studies IV | 250 | 3 hours |
| Paper VIII | Optional Subject – Paper I | 250 | 3 hours |
| Paper IX | Optional Subject – Paper II | 250 | 3 hours |
| Total (Merit Papers) | 1750 |
Mains Syllabus
Qualifying Papers
Paper I: Odia Language
- Comprehension of given passages
- Précis Writing
- Usage and Vocabulary
- Short Essays
- Translation from English to Odia and vice versa
Paper II: English Language
Paper III: Essay
Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay, arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion, and write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.
Paper IV: General Studies I – Indian Heritage & Culture, Odisha Heritage & Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society
Culture and Heritage
- Indian culture covering the salient aspects of Art forms, Literature, and Architecture from Ancient to Modern times
- Temple Architecture of Odisha
- Socio-cultural development in Odisha
- Bhakti Movement in Odisha and its impact on the Society of Odisha
- Evolution and Growth of Odia Language and Literature, and development of Odia Literature
- Regional Tradition of Odisha – Festivals
History
- Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present – significant events, personalities, and issues
- The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country
- Post-independence consolidation and reorganisation within the country
- Early Resistance Movements in Odisha – Paik Rebellion, Veer Surendra Sai and the Revolt of 1857
- Creation of Odisha Province
- Freedom Movement and Praja Mandal Movements in Odisha; Social bases of Odia Nationalism; Integration of Princely States in Odisha; Social reform movements in Odisha
Geography of India with Special Reference to Odisha
- Physical, economic and social geography of India
- Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclones; geographical features and their location; changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna, and the effects of such changes
- Odisha’s natural resources: water, forests, and minerals
- Odisha’s Physiography and Riverine system
Society
- Salient features of Indian society, Diversity of India and Odisha
- Role of women and women’s organisations; population and associated issues; poverty and developmental issues; urbanisation, their problems and remedies
- Effects of globalisation on Indian society as a whole and Odisha
- Distribution and growth of tribes and tribal population in Odisha; Urbanisation – Growth of urban population and urban centres in Odisha
- Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism and secularism
Paper V: General Studies II – Governance, Constitution, Polity and Inter-State Relations
- Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure
- Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States; issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure; devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein
- Separation of powers between various organs; dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions
- Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries
- Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers and privileges, and issues arising out of these
- Structure, organisation and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary; Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity
- Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act, Odisha Right to Public Services Act and Odisha Lokayukta Act
- Appointment to various Constitutional posts; powers, functions, and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies
- Statutory, regulatory, and various quasi-judicial bodies
- Important aspects of governance – transparency and accountability; e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens’ charters; institutional and other measures
- Role of Central and State Civil Services in a democracy
- Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in Odisha
- Odisha and its neighbourhood relations
Social Justice and Development
- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation India and Odisha
- Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
- Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States, and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions, and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections
- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, and Human Resources
- Issues relating to poverty and hunger
International Relations
- India and its neighbourhood relations
- Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests; Indian diaspora
- Important international institutions, agencies, and fora – their structure and mandate
Paper VI: General Studies III -Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
Economic Development
- Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development, and employment
- Inclusive growth and issues arising from it
- Government Budgeting – India and Odisha
- Land reforms in India and Odisha
- Effects of liberalisation on the economy; changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth
- Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc.
- Industrialisation in Odisha
- Investment models
Agriculture
- Major cropping patterns in various parts of the country; different types of irrigation and irrigation systems; storage, transport, and marketing of agricultural produce and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers in India and Odisha
- Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing in India and Odisha Doubling of Farmers’ Income
- Food processing and related industries in India and Odisha — scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management
Science and Technology
- Science and Technology developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
- Achievements of Indians in science and technology; indigenisation of technology and developing new technology
- Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, and issues relating to intellectual property rights
Biodiversity and Environment
- Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
- Disaster and Disaster Management in the Country and in Odisha – State institutions and policies on Disaster Management
Security
- Linkages between development and spread of extremism
- Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security
- Challenges to internal security through communication networks; role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges; basics of cyber security; money laundering and its prevention
- Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organised crime with terrorism
- Various Security forces and agencies of the Country and Odisha and their mandate
Paper VII: General Studies IV – Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
This paper includes questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life, and their problem-solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced in dealing with society. Questions may utilize the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad areas are covered:
- Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants, and Consequences of Ethics in Human Actions; Dimension of Ethics; Ethics in Private and Public Relationships; Human Values – Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers, and Administrators; Role of Family, Society, and Educational Institutions in Inculcating Values
- Attitude: Content, Structure, Function; its Influence and Relation with Thought and Behaviour; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence and Persuasion
- Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service: Integrity, Impartiality and Non-partisanship, Objectivity, Dedication to Public Service, Empathy, Tolerance, and Compassion towards the weaker sections
- Emotional Intelligence: Concepts, and their Utilities and Application in Administration and Governance
- Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World
- Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration: Status and Problems; Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas in Government and Private Institutions; Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance; Accountability and Ethical Governance; Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance; Ethical Issues in International Relations and Funding; Corporate Governance
- Probity in Governance: Concept of Public Service; Philosophical Basis of Governance and Probity; Information Sharing and Transparency in Government; Right to Information; Codes of Ethics; Codes of Conduct; Citizen’s Charters; Work Culture; Quality of Service Delivery; Utilisation of Public Funds; Challenges of Corruption
- Case Studies on the above issues y
Papers VIII & IX: Optional Subject (Paper I and Paper II)
Each question paper for optional subjects will contain eight questions, all carrying equal marks. Each paper will be divided into two parts – Part A and Part B, each containing four questions. Candidates are required to answer any five questions, taking at least two questions from each part.
One optional subject is to be chosen from the following list:
Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Anthropology, Botany, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Commerce and Accountancy, Economics, Electrical Engineering, English, Garo, Geography, Geology, Hindi, History, Khasi, Law, Management, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Science, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science and International Affairs, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, Statistics, Zoology, Odia, Persian, Sanskrit, and Urdu.
Stage III: Interview / Personality Test
The Interview/Personality Test is the final stage of the OPSC recruitment process.
| Feature | Details |
| Total Marks | 250 |
| Purpose | Assess mental calibre, personality, communication, general awareness |
Candidates’ overall personality, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and general awareness are evaluated. The test is intended to judge the mental calibre of the candidate – not only intellectual qualities but also social traits and interest in current affairs, including knowledge of customs, manners, and dialects of Odisha.
Some of the qualities to be judged are: mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, logical exposition, balance of judgements, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, and intellectual and moral integrity.
The marks obtained in the interview (out of 250) are added to the Mains marks (out of 1750) for the final merit ranking (out of 2000).
Marks Distribution
| Stage | Marks | Counted for Merit? |
| Preliminary Examination | 200 (each paper) | No – Screening only |
| Mains – Qualifying Papers (Odia + English) | 500 | No |
| Mains – Merit Papers | 1750 | Yes |
| Interview / Personality Test | 250 | Yes |
| Grand Total (Final Merit List) | 2000 | – |