Prepare for the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Examination 2026 with the latest OPSC syllabus and exam pattern. The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) conducts the OCS exam to fill Group A and Group B positions across various state services. With the recent announcement of 465 vacancies, understanding the updated syllabus is essential for targeted preparation and success.
This comprehensive guide covers the latest OPSC OCS 2026 syllabus, including Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages. Stay ahead with insights on the latest vacancy details and develop a focused study plan to achieve your dream of joining Odisha’s civil services.
OPSC OCS Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026
Candidates are advised to review the OPSC OCS Syllabus and Exam Pattern thoroughly to gain a clear understanding of the examination structure. Below is an overview of the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) OCS exam:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) |
| Exam Name | Odisha Civil Services Exam |
| Posts | Group A & B |
| Category | Syllabus & Exam Pattern |
| Mode of Exam | Offline |
| Negative Marking | ⅓ mark (0.33) in Prelims |
| Selection Process | Prelims → Mains → Personality Test/Interview |
| OPSC Official Website | www.opsc.gov.in |
OPSC OCS Mains Exam Date 2026 Out
OPSC OCS Mains Admit Card 2026 Out- Check
OPSC OCS Syllabus & Exam Pattern for Prelims and Mains
Understanding the latest syllabus, exam structure, and marking scheme is crucial for developing an effective preparation strategy. With the recent increase in vacancies and a highly competitive selection process, a syllabus-focused approach will enable aspirants to enhance their accuracy and overall performance in the OPSC OCS exam.
Prelims Exam Pattern
- Two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper I & II.
- Each paper: 200 marks, 2 hours duration.
- Negative marking: 0.33 mark per wrong answer.
- Paper II requires 33% minimum marks to qualify.
- Prelims are qualifying; marks are not included in the final merit list.
Prelims Exam Structure:
The first stage of the Examination of OPSC OCS is Prelims. Prelims are of a qualifying nature and do include negative markings. Candidates can refer to the table below for the OPSC OCS Prelims exam structure:
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies Paper I | 200 | 200 | 2 hours |
| General Studies Paper II (CSAT) | 200 | 200 | 2 hours |
Mains Exam Pattern
- 9 descriptive papers in total.
- 2 papers (Odia & English Language) are qualifying.
- 7 papers count towards the merit list.
- Each paper: 250 marks, 3 hours duration.
- Candidates must secure 25% in Odia & English to qualify.
Mains Exam Structure:
Once candidates clear the OPSC OCS prelims exams, candidates will have to appear for the OPSC OCS mains. The exam structure of the mains is quite different from that of the prelims. Candidates can refer to the table below for reference:
| Category | Paper | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Papers | Odia Language | 250 | 3 hrs |
| English Language | 250 | 3 hrs | |
| Merit Papers | Essay | 250 | 3 hrs |
| GS Paper I | 250 | 3 hrs | |
| GS Paper II | 250 | 3 hrs | |
| GS Paper III | 250 | 3 hrs | |
| GS Paper IV | 250 | 3 hrs | |
| Optional Paper I | 250 | 3 hrs | |
| Optional Paper II | 250 | 3 hrs | |
| Total (Mains) | 1750 | ||
| Interview | 250 | ||
| Grand Total | 2000 |
OPSC OCS Syllabus: Prelims 2026
The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has outlined a clear and structured Prelims syllabus for the OPSC OCS 2026 examination. A thorough understanding of this syllabus enables candidates to concentrate on the most relevant topics, thereby enhancing their chances of qualifying confidently for the Mains stage.
General Studies Paper I
- Current events of national & international importance
- History of India and the Indian National Movement
- Indian & world geography (physical, social, economic)
- Indian polity and governance (Constitution, Panchayati Raj, policies, rights)
- Economic & social development (poverty, demographics, inclusion, SDGs)
- Environmental ecology, biodiversity, and climate change
- General Science
General Studies Paper II (CSAT)
- Comprehension passages
- Interpersonal & communication skills
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy & data interpretation (Class X level)
- English comprehension (Class X level)
OPSC OCS Syllabus: Mains 2026
The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has prescribed a comprehensive OPSC OCS Mains Syllabus 2026 designed to evaluate candidates’ analytical abilities, subject knowledge, and writing skills across multiple papers. This detailed syllabus serves as a vital guide for aspirants to tailor their preparation effectively and excel in the Mains examination.
(A) Qualifying Papers
Odia Language
- Comprehension of passages
- Usage and vocabulary
- Précis writing
- Short essays
- Translation (English ↔ Odia)
English Language
- Comprehension of passages
- Usage and vocabulary
- Précis writing
- Short essays
(B) Papers Counted for Merit
Paper I – Essay
-
Essays on multiple topics test critical thinking, clarity, and expression.
Paper II – General Studies I (Heritage, Culture, History & Geography of India and Odisha)
- Indian art, architecture, and literature (ancient to modern)
- Temple architecture of Odisha
- Bhakti movement in Odisha and its impact
- Evolution of the Odia language and literature
- Regional traditions and festivals
- Modern Indian history, freedom struggle, post-independence developments
- Odisha history – Kalinga War, dynasties (Kharavela, Bhauma Karas, Somavamsis, Gangas, Gajapatis)
- Paik Rebellion, Vir Surendra Sai, 1857 revolt, Praja Mandal movements
- Creation of Odisha Province & social reform movements
- Indian & Odia society – diversity, role of women, poverty, urbanization, tribal issues
- Globalization and its effects on Odisha
Paper III – General Studies II (Governance, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations)
- Evolution & features of the Constitution
- Federal structure, devolution of powers, separation of powers
- Parliament & State legislatures – structure, privileges, issues
- Executive & Judiciary – structure, accountability
- Odisha-specific laws: Right to Public Services Act, Lokayukta Act
- Constitutional & statutory bodies
- Governance – transparency, e-Governance, accountability
- Social justice & welfare schemes for vulnerable sections (India & Odisha)
- Role of MSMEs, SHGs, poverty & hunger issues, SDGs
- Odisha’s neighborhood relations & India’s international role
Paper IV – General Studies III (Science, Economy, Agriculture, Environment, Security & Disaster Management)
- Developments in science & technology, IT, robotics, biotech, nanotech
- Indian economy – growth, employment, resource mobilization
- Budgeting (India & Odisha), land reforms, and industrialization in Odisha
- Agriculture – cropping patterns, irrigation, e-technology in farming
- Subsidies, MSP, PDS, food security, animal rearing
- Food processing & supply chain management
- Biodiversity & environment – conservation, EIA, pollution control
- Disaster management – India & Odisha-specific policies
- Extremism in Odisha, cyber security, money laundering, and border security
- Security forces & agencies of India and Odisha
Paper V – General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude)
- Ethics in human actions – determinants, consequences
- Human values – teachings of leaders & reformers
- Role of family, society & education in values
- Attitude, aptitude, empathy, and compassion in governance
- Emotional intelligence – concepts & applications
- Moral thinkers (India & world)
- Public service values, corruption, transparency, accountability
- RTI, codes of ethics, citizen charters, probity in governance
- Case studies on ethical dilemmas
Paper VI & VII – Optional Subject Papers
-
Candidates choose one subject (two papers) from the official list (History, Geography, Political Science, Law, Sociology, Agriculture, Engineering, Literature, etc.).
OPSC OCS Optional Subject List 2026
Candidates can select from subjects like:
Agriculture, Anthropology, Botany, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Commerce & Accountancy, Economics, Education, Electrical Engineering, Fishery Science, Forestry, Geography, Geology, History, Home Science, Law, Management, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Science, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science & International Relations, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, Statistics, Zoology, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Agriculture Engineering, and Literature of languages (Odia, English, Hindi, Sanskrit, Persian, Urdu).
OPSC OCS Interview / Personality Test
-
Candidates who qualify for the Mains are called for a Personality Test (250 marks).
-
Assesses:
- Mental alertness & logical thinking
- Leadership & communication skills
- Social awareness & decision-making
- Ethical integrity & suitability for civil services.
OPSC OCS Selection Process
The Odisha Civil Services Exam is conducted in three stages:
- Preliminary Examination – Objective type, qualifying in nature.
- Mains Examination – Descriptive papers, marks counted for merit.
- Personality Test/Interview – Final stage to assess suitability.
| Also check |
| OPSC OCS Previous Year Papers |
| OPSC OCS Salary |
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