OPSC Syllabus and Strategy
ABOUT THIS EXAM
The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in Odisha. It serves as the gateway to esteemed services like the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS), Odisha Police Service (OPS), and Odisha Revenue Service (ORS), among others.
SYLLABUS FOR THE EXAMINATION
Note: Candidates are advised to go through the syllabus for both the Preliminary and Main Examination, as periodic revisions are made.
Part A - Preliminary ExaminationPaper I – (200 marks) Duration: Two hours
- Current events of national, international, and Odisha state importance.
- History of India and Odisha, including the Indian National Movement.
- Indian and World Geography—Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and Odisha.
- 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—Non- specialized topics.
- General Science.
Paper II – (200 marks) – CSAT Duration: Two hours
- Comprehension.
- Interpersonal skills, including communication skills.
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability.
- Decision-making and problem-solving.
- General mental ability.
- Basic numeracy (Class X level) & Data Interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, etc.).
Note: Paper-II (CSAT) is a qualifying paper with a minimum of 33% marks. Both papers are mandatory; failure to appear in both papers results in disqualification.
The Main Examination assesses a candidate’s intellectual depth and analytical skills rather than just factual knowledge. The General Studies papers test awareness of multiple subjects relevant to civil services.
- Qualifying Papers on Indian Languages and English
- Comprehension of passages Precis Writing
- Usage and Vocabulary
- Short Essays
- Translation (English to Indian Language & vice-versa)
Note: These papers are of Matriculation level and are qualifying in nature. Marks will not count for ranking.
Paper-I:
Essay Candidates are required to write essays on multiple topics. The emphasis will be on clarity, coherence, and logical presentation of ideas.
Paper-II:
General Studies-I
- Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World & SocietyIndian Culture, Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
- Modern Indian History from the mid-18th century to the present.
- The Freedom Struggle and contributions from Odisha.
- Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within India and Odisha.
- History of the world, including the Industrial Revolution, World Wars, Decolonization, and Political Philosophies.
- Indian Society: Diversity, Role of Women, Urbanization, and Social Empowerment.
- Geography: Physical Features, Natural Resources, and Geophysical Phenomena.
Paper-III:
General Studies-II
- Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations Odisha and Indian Constitution—Historical evolution, amendments, and basic structure.
- Union and State functions and responsibilities.
- Federal structure and local governance, including Panchayati Raj.
- Judiciary, Executive, and Legislature of Odisha and India.
- Government policies & interventions for development.
- Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections, social justice, and empowerment initiatives in Odisha.
- India and Odisha’s relations with neighbouring states and countries.
Paper-IV:
General Studies-III
- Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management Odisha’s Economic Growth, Development, and Employment Trends.
- Agriculture, Cropping Patterns, Irrigation, and E-Technology for Farmers.
- Infrastructure Development in Odisha—Energy, Transport, and Industry.
- Effects of Liberalization on Odisha’s Economy.
- Environmental Issues and Disaster Management in Odisha.
- Internal Security, Cybersecurity, and Border Security Challenges.
Paper-V:
General Studies-IV
- Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude Ethics in Governance and Public Administration.
- Human Values and Teachings from Leaders & Reformers.
- Emotional Intelligence and Decision-Making.
- Ethical Dilemmas in Government.
- Transparency, Accountability, and Right to Information (RTI).
- Probity in Governance & Work Culture.
Paper-VI & Paper VII:
Optional Subject Papers I & II Candidates can choose one subject from the list of Optional Subjects (each carrying 250 marks).
List of Optional Subjects: Odia Language & Literature
- History
- Geography
- Political Science & International
- Relations
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Law
- Agriculture
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Anthropology
- Commerce & Accountancy
- Understand the Syllabus & Exam Pattern – Go through the official OPSC syllabus and focus on Odisha-specific topics in Polity, History, and Geography.
- Follow a Structured Study Plan – Create a disciplined timetable with dedicated time for Prelims, Mains, and revision, ensuring balanced coverage of all subjects.
- Refer to Standard Books & Odisha-Specific Content – Use NCERTs for fundamentals, along with books covering Odisha’s history, economy, polity, and geography.
- Stay Updated with Current Affairs (Odisha & National) – Read newspapers like The Hindu, The Indian Express, and Odisha-based newspapers like Sambad and Dharitri for local issues.
- Practice Answer Writing & Take Mock Tests – Develop a habit of writing structured answers with proper Odisha-specific examples and take regular tests to improve speed and accuracy.
- Choose the Right Optional Subject – Select an optional that aligns with your interest, availability of study material, and scoring potential in the Odisha context.
- Focus on Odisha-Specific Topics – Prepare extensively on Odisha’s governance, culture, festivals, major policies, Panchayati Raj institutions, and socio-economic issues.
- Master Odia Language Paper – Practice comprehension, essay writing, and translation, as the language paper is qualifying but crucial for overall success.
- Enhance CSAT Skills – As CSAT is qualifying, focus on time management in logical reasoning, comprehension, and numerical ability.
- Revise Regularly – Keep short notes of Odisha-related data, schemes, and policies and revise them frequently to retain key facts.
- Develop Administrative & Ethical Thinking – Read case studies on Odisha administration and governance to improve decision-making skills for Ethics & Essay papers.
- Stay Physically & Mentally Fit – Ensure a balanced routine with exercise, meditation, and adequate rest to maintain focus and productivity.