The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) is a recruiting body that conducts the Odisha Civil Services Exam every year to recruit candidates for State Services and Subordinate Services posts. For this year, OPSC has announced 200 vacancies for Group A and B services for which thousands of candidates are interested to appear for the exam. To secure good marks, they must be aware of the syllabus and exam pattern for OPSC OCS Exam. This article provided a detailed OPSC OCS syllabus including prelims & mains exam pattern, subject-wise topics, marking schemes, and more details.  

OPSC OCS Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025

The OPSC Odisha Civil Service Exam consist of three stages- Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Candidates appearing for the exam must be familiarized with the syllabus, which helps them create a comprehensive study plan that covers all exam-relevant topics, thereby increasing their chances of clearing the OPSC OCS Exam. 

OPSC Syllabus 2025 : Overview
Organization NameOdisha Public Service Commission
Exam NameOdisha Civil Services Exam 2025 (OPSC OCS 2025)
Post NameGroup A and B
Vacancies200
CategorySyllabus
OPSC OCS Exam Date 2025July 2025 (Tentively)
Mode of ExamOffline
Negative MarkingPrelims- ⅓rd mark (0.33)
Selection ProcessPrelim, Mains, and Personality Test/Interview
Official Website https://www.opsc.gov.in/

OPSC OCS Notification 2025 Out for 200 Vacancies: Click to Check

OPSC OCS Exam Pattern 2025

The Odisha Civil Services (Combined Competitive Recruitment Examination) will be conducted in three phases: preliminary, mains, and interviews. The preliminary stage is qualifying, and the final selection of candidates will be based on the total marks scored by candidates in the mains and interview. 

OPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2025

The marks obtained in the prelims exam will not be counted in preparing the final merit list, however, candidates need to score good attempts as the preliminary exam is for shortlisting candidates for mains exam. 

  • Odisha Civil Service Prelims Exam consists of 2 General Studies papers- Paper 1 and Paper 2. Candidates have to mandatory appear for both paper.
  • A minimum of 33% marks is required to qualify for GS Paper 2 and for GS Paper 1, the qualifying marks will be decided by the commission.
  • There shall be 200 questions (Objective type) in each paper and duration for each Paper is 2 hours (120 minutes).
  • For each correct answer, 1 mark is awarded and each wrong answer results in a ⅓rd mark (0.33) deduction.
OPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
SubjectsNo. of Questions Maximum MarksDuration
General Studies Paper I2002002 hours
General Studies Paper II2002002 hours

OPSC OCS Mains Exam Pattern 2025

The marks scored in all 7 compulsory papers (except Odia and English Language) and interview marks will be counted in preparing the final merit list. All 9 papers in OPSC OCS Mains will be descriptive and mandatory to be attempted. 

  • OPSC OCS Mains Exam consists of 2 qualifying papers and 7 papers for assessment in the merit list.
  • Each paper is of 3 hours duration (180 minutes) and shall be conducted in more than 5 days.
  • Candidates have to score at least 25% marks in Odia and English Language.
OPSC OCS Mains Exam Pattern 2025
Part I: Qualifying Papers
Subject Maximum MarksDuration
Odia Language [Comprehension of Given Passages, Usage and Vocabulary, Precis Writing, Short Essays, 
Translation from English to the Odia language and vice versa]
2503 hours
English Language [Comprehension of Given Passages, Usage and Vocabulary, Precis Writing, Short Essays]250 3 hours
Part II: Papers to be Counted for Merit
SubjectMaximum MarksDuration
Paper I-Essay2503 hours
Paper II-General Studies-I [Indian Heritage and Culture, Odisha Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of world and society]2503 hours
Paper III-General Studies-II [Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and Inter-state relations]2503 hours
Paper IV-General Studies-III [Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Enviornment, Security and Disaster Management]2503 hours
Paper V-General Studies-IV [Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude]2503 hours
Paper VI-Optional Subject Paper I2503 hour
Paper VII-Optional Subject Paper II2503 hour
Total1750
Interview250
Grand Total2000

OPSC OCS Syllabus 2025

The syllabus for OPSC OCS Exam is a comprehensive outline that covers all subjects and topics to be covered for the upcoming Odisha Civil Service examination. To excel in the exam, candidates should thoroughly prepare according to the updated syllabus. The syllabus is divided into two main sections: preliminary and mains. The preliminary exam consists of two papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II. To prepare for the exam, candidates can download the detailed syllabus in PDF format from the official website, www.opsc.gov.in, and also given below.

OPSC OCS Prelims Syllabus 2025

OPSC OCS Prelims Syllabus 2025 consists of 2 papers, namely General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II. It comprises subjects like history, geography, the constitution of India, polity, etc.

OPSC OCS Prelims Syllabus 2025
PapersSyllabus Topics
General Studies Paper 1
  • Current events of national and international importance
  • History of India and the Indian National Movement
  • Geography of India and the world, focusing on physical, social, and economic aspects
  • Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
  • Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
  • General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change
  • General Science
General Studies Paper 2
  • Comprehension
  • Interpersonal skills, including communication skills
  • Logical reasoning and analytical ability
  • Decision-making and problem-solving
  • General mental ability
  • Basic numeracy and data interpretation (Class X level)
  • English language comprehension skills (Class X level)

OPSC OCS Mains Syllabus 2025

The syllabus for compulsory papers of OPSC mains has been mentioned below.

  
  
Odia Language

This paper assesses comprehension, usage, vocabulary, précis writing, short essays, and translation from English to Odia.

  • Comprehension of Given Passages
  • Usage and Vocabulary
  • Precis Writing
  • Short Essays
  • Translation from English to the Odia language and vice versa
English Language

Through English language paper, the candidates will be evaluated in term of comprehension, usage, vocabulary, précis writing, short essays, and translation from Odia to English.

  • Comprehension of Given Passages
  • Usage and Vocabulary
  • Precis Writing
  • Short Essays
OPSC OCS Mains General Studies I Syllabus
Heritage and Culture
  • Indian culture covers the salient aspects of art forms, literature, and architecture from ancient times to modern times.
  • Temple Architecture of Odisha
  • Socio-cultural development in Odisha
  • Bhakri 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, issues.
  • The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors/ contributions from different parts of the country.
  • Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
  • Kalinga War and its significance
  • Dynastic History of Odisha: Mahameghavahan Kharavela, The Bhauma Karas and The Somavamsis, The Gangas and Gajapatis.
  • Early Resistance Movements in Odisha- Paik Rebellion, Vir 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
  • Physical, economic and social geography of India.
  • Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone, 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 & minerals.
  • Odisha's Physiography and Riverine system.
  • Salient features of Indian society, Diversity of India and Odisha.
  • Role of women and women's organization, population an associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and remedies.
  • Effects of globalization on Indian society as a whole and Odisha.
  • Distribution and growth of tribes and tribal population in Urbanization - Growth of urban population and urban centres in Odisha.
  • Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
OPSC OCS Mains General Studies II Syllabus
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 & privileges and issues arising out of these.
  • Structure, organization 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, transparency & accountability, and institutional and other measures.
  • Role of Central and State Civil services in a democracy.
  • Panchayati Raj Institution (PRIs) in Odisha.
  • Odisha and its neighbourhood relations.
Social Justice
  • 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 MSMEs & women SHGS.
  • Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the State and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions, and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections- India and Odisha.
  • Issues relating to development and management of social sector/ Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources - India and Odisha.
  • Issues relating to poverty and hunger - Sustainable Development Goals.
OPSC OCS Mains General Studies III Syllabus
Science & Technology
  • Science and Technology-developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
  • Achievements of Indians in science & technology; Indigenisation of technology and developing new technology.
  • Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology, Bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Economic Development
  • Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
  • Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
  • Government Budgeting - India and Odisha.
  • Land reforms in India & Odisha.
  • Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
  • Infrastructure: Energy, Posts, Roads, Airports, Railways in the Country and Odisha.
  • Industrialisation in Odisha - Issues and prospects.
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 issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers in India & 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 & Odisha - Doubling of Farmers' Income.
  • Food processing and related industries in India & Odisha scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
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.
  • Linkages between development and spread of extremism. Left-wing extremism in Odisha.
Security and Disaster Management
  • Challenges to internal security through communication networks,the role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention Cyber Security and Money laundering. Arts & policies relating to
  • Security challenges and their management in border areas linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
  • Various Security forces and agencies of the Country and Odisha and their mandate.
OPSC OCS Mains General Studies IV Syllabus
General Studies IV
  • 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:
  • 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, Utilization of Public Funds, Challenges of Corruption.
  • Case Studies on the above issues.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.

OPSC OCS Optional Subjects List

Candidates can choose any of the subjects from the list of subjects given below for Optional Paper VI and VII of Mains Exam. 

  1. Agriculture
  2. Agriculture Engineering
  3. Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
  4. Anthropology
  5. Botany
  6. Chemistry
  7. Civil Engineering
  8. Commerce and Accountancy
  9. Economics
  10. Education
  11. Electrical Engineering
  12. Fishery Science
  13. Forestry
  14. Geography
  15. Geology
  16. History
  17. Home Science
  18. Law
  19. Management
  20. Mathematics
  21. Mechanical Engineering
  22. Medical Science
  23. Philosophy
  24. Physics
  25. Political Science and International Relations
  26. Psychology
  27. Public Administration
  28. Sociology
  29. Statistics
  30. Zoology
  31. Literature of any one of the following languages- English, Hindi, Odia, Persian, Sanskrit and Urdu

OPSC OCS Interview/Personality Test

Candidates who qualify for the Main Examination are called for a Personality Test/Interview, which has 250 marks. This stage assesses the candidate's mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgment, variety, and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, and intellectual and moral integrity

OPSC Syllabus 2025 PDF

The candidates can also download the syllabus pdf for OPSC Odisha Civil Service Examination 2025 which is also attached along with the official notification. Download the pdf by clicking the below link and check syllabus for all papers including optional papers.  

OPSC OCS Syllabus PDF {Prelims + Mains}- Click to Download

OPSC OCS Previous Year Question Papers—Click to Check

FAQs

Candidates can get the Syllabus of OPSC OCS 2025 from the official website or also mentioned in this article.

There are 3 stages namely Prelims, Mains and Interview.

Yes, there is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for each incorrect answer.

For general category, the number of attempts are 6 while for SC/ST there is no such limit.

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