Odisha PCS (OCS) Exam Syllabus: Prelims and Mains & Interview | 18 Dec 2025

Preparing for the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) exam starts with a clear understanding of the latest syllabus prescribed by the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC). The OPSC OCS syllabus outlines the scope of the Prelims and Mains and reflects a balanced focus on General Studies and Odisha-specific subjects. 

The examination is conducted in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and the Personality Test. While Prelims is a screening stage, the Mains examination determines final merit and includes an Essay paper, four General Studies papers, one Optional subject (two papers), and qualifying language papers in Odia and English. 

This page offers a concise and updated overview of the OPSC OCS syllabus for Prelims and Mains, with paper-wise topics and key focus areas to help you plan a focused and effective preparation strategy. 

Odisha PSC Foundation Course

OCS Prelims Exam Syllabus 

Paper I (200 Marks)

I. Current events of national and international importance. 

II. History of India and Indian National Movement. 

III. History of Odisha and Odia Nationalism. 

IV. Odisha and Indian Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World. 

V. Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj 

VI. Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc. 

VII. Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, 

VIII. Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc. 

IX. General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization. 

X. General Science. 

Paper II (200 Marks) 

I. Comprehension; 

II. Interpersonal skills including communication skills; 

III. Logical reasoning and analytical ability; 

IV. Decision making and problem solving; 

V. General mental ability; 

VI. Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. — Class X level) 

Main Examination Syllabus

The written examination comprises of two parts, i.e., Part-I and Part-II consisting of the following papers: 

Part I: Qualifying Papers 

These papers require a minimum of 25% to qualify. Both are of Matriculation standard. 

Part-II: Papers to be Counted for Merit 

Each paper is descriptive and carries 250 marks. 

PAPER-I: Essay 

Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay, to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression. 

PAPER-II (General Studies-I) 

Indian Heritage and Culture, Odisha Heritage & Culture, History and Geography of the World & Society 

Heritage and Culture

• 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, 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 Somavamasis, 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 of India with Special Reference to Odisha 

• 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 and 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 Odisha; Urbanization – Growth of urban population and urban centres in Odisha. 
• Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

PAPER-III (General Studies-II)

Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and Inter-State Relations 

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.

PAPER-IV (General Studies-III)

Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management 

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, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention – Arts & policies relating to Cyber Security and Money laundering. 
• 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.

PAPER-V (General Studies-IV)

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude 

This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem-solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilize the case study approach to determine these aspects.  

The following broad areas will be 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, Utilization of Public Funds, Challenges of Corruption. 
• Case Studies on above issues.  

Paper VI & VII: Optional Subject (Paper I & II)

Candidates choose one subject from a list (e.g., Agriculture, History, Sociology, Law, etc.).

List of Optional Subjects for Main Examination  

Download Optional Subjects Syllabus

Personality Test/ Interview (250 Marks)

• Conducted by a Board constituted by OPSC, which reviews the candidate’s career record. 
• Focuses on questions related to matters of general interest. 
• Aims to assess the candidate’s suitability for a career in public service. 
• Evaluates mental calibre, intellectual abilities, social traits, and interest in current affairs. 
• Assesses qualities such as: 
  • Mental alertness 
  • Critical thinking and ability to assimilate ideas 
  • Clear and logical expression 
  • Balanced judgment 
  • Breadth and depth of interests 
  • Leadership and social adaptability 
  • Intellectual and moral integrity 
• Not a test of specialised or general knowledge already covered in written exams. 
• Expects awareness of events at the state, national, and international levels. 
• Looks for interest in contemporary ideas, developments, and new discoveries reflecting an informed and curious mindset. 

Achieving success in the Odisha Civil Services requires more than just hard work; it demands a surgical approach to a syllabus that now mirrors the UPSC's depth while retaining its unique regional identity. By mastering the balance between high-level General Studies and essential Odisha-centric knowledge, you can transform this vast curriculum into a clear roadmap for success. 

Stay focused, stay consistent, and let this guide be the first step toward your career in the Odisha Administrative Services. 

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