Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) Civil Services Examination 2026

The OPSC Civil Services Exam (OAS) is the most prestigious state-level examination in Odisha, recruiting officers for Group A and Group B administrative roles like Odisha Administrative Service (OAS), Odisha Police Service (OPS), Odisha Finance Service (OFS), etc.

1. Important Dates

• Online Application Dates: January 20 - February 27, 2026.
• Preliminary Exam: October 2026 (Tentative).
• Mains Exam & Interview: Typically scheduled in the following year.

2. Selection Process Result

The selection follows a rigorous three-stage process akin to the UPSC CSE:

1. Preliminary Examination: Two objective-type papers (General Studies Paper I and Paper II). Paper II is qualifying (33% required). Marks in Paper I determine the cutoff for Mains.
2. Main Examination: Written descriptive examination consisting of 9 papers, including compulsory Odia, English, Essay, General Studies (I-IV), and two optional subjects (two papers each).
3. Personality Test: An interview assessing the candidate's suitability for a career in public service.

3. Key Eligibility: Language Requirement

A crucial requirement for the OPSC is proficiency in the Odia language. A candidate must:

• Be able to read, write, and speak Odia.
• Have passed Middle School exam with Odia as a language subject, OR passed Matriculation/equivalent with Odia as medium of examination, OR passed in Odia as language subject in regular class VII, OR passed a test in Odia in M.E. School standard conducted by the School & Mass Education Department.

4. Official Direct Links

Resource	Link
Official OPSC Portal	opsc.gov.in
Notification Details	View Advertisements
Apply Online Link	Candidate Login

5. Preparation Strategy

• Prelims: Focus on standard textbooks (Polity by Laxmikanth, History by Spectrum, Economy by Ramesh Singh). Special focus is required on Odisha History, Geography, and Current Affairs.
• Mains: Answer writing is the key. Practice previous years' questions daily. Keep Odia language skills sharp.
• Optional Subjects: Choose wisely based on academic background and availability of study materials.