Full Form of OPSC : Odisha Public Service Commission

OPSC Exam: Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) is an important agency of the state government which is responsible for the appointment of members in the various civil services and administrative services in the state. It also holds competitive examinations for the appointment of Deputy Collectors and Police Officers and other posts in Civil Services of the state government. OPSC recruitment is conducted in a fair manner and in a transparent manner and therefore helps the state government operate effectively. It serves an important purpose in providing directions through job opportunities to those who have the desire to serve the public services and enhance the area of Odisha.

History of OPSC Exam

To appear for the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) exam, candidates must meet certain requirements. Here’s a simple breakdown of the eligibility criteria:

1. Nationality:

• Applicants should be Indian only.

2. Educational Qualification:

• Those fulfilling the requisite are to possess a bachelor’s degree from any respectable university.
• Final-year students can also apply, but they need to provide proof of their degree before the final selection.

3. Age Limit:

• Candidate age should be between 21 to 32 years old.
• Age relaxation: There is an age relaxation provision for the reserved categories:. –

1. SC/ST: 5 years.
2. OBC : 10 years
3. Physically Handicapped: 10 years.

4. Domicile

• The candidate must be a permanent resident (domicile) of Odisha.

5. Number of Attempts:

• There is no fixed limit on the number of attempts for OPSC exams. However, candidates must still be within the age limit to apply.

Odisha PCS Exam Structure

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) is an organisation that conducts recruitment tests for the people in power as a government organisation in the State of Odisha .

1.Preliminary Exam

• • Objective Type: The Preliminary exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
  • Two Papers: There are two papers in the Preliminary exam:
    1. Paper I: General Studies I (focused on current events, history, geography, etc.)
    2. Paper II: General Studies II (which includes reasoning, aptitude, and comprehension).
  • Qualifying Nature: The marks obtained in the Preliminary exam are not counted for the final selection but are used to shortlist candidates for the Mains exam..

2. Main Exam

• • Descriptive Type: The Main exam consists of written descriptive papers.
  • Total Papers: There are typically six papers in the Main exam:
    1. Essay: Candidates write an essay on a given topic.
    2. General Studies I: Covers subjects like history and geography.
    3. General Studies II: Focuses on Indian polity, governance, and social justice.
    4. General Studies III: Includes topics related to technology, environment, and disaster management.
    5. General Studies IV: Concentrates on ethics, integrity, and aptitude.
    6. Optional Subject: Candidates choose one subject from a list provided by OPSC (e.g., sociology, public administration, etc.).
  • Marks Distribution: Each paper carries specific marks, and the total marks for the Main exam contribute to the final selection process.

3. Interview (Personality Test)

• • Final Stage: After clearing the Main exam, candidates face an interview or personality test.
  • Assessment: This round assesses candidates’ personality, communication skills, and suitability for a career in civil services.
  • Marks: The interview carries a set number of marks, which are added to the Main exam scores for the final ranking.

4. Final Selection

• Merit List: The final selection is based on the total marks obtained in the main exam and the interview. The candidates are ranked according to their scores.
• Appointment: Selected candidates are appointed to various government positions based on their merit and preferences.

OPSC Syllabus (Prelims & Mains)

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) conducts its exams in two main stages: Prelims and Mains. Each stage has its own syllabus and focus.

OPSC Prelims Syllabus

OPSC Preliminary Exam Syllabus

The Preliminary exam is the first stage and consists of two papers:

1. Paper I: General Studies
   This paper covers a wide range of topics, including:
   • Current Events: National and international news, sports, and important awards.
   • History of India: Ancient, medieval, and modern history; important events, and freedom struggle.
   • Indian National Movement: Key leaders, movements, and milestones in India’s struggle for independence.
   • Geography: Physical and human geography of India and Odisha, including climate, natural resources, and population.
   • Indian Polity and Governance: Constitution of India, political system, and administrative structure.
   • Economic and Social Development: Economic concepts, sustainable development, poverty, and social issues.
   • Environment and Ecology: Environmental issues, biodiversity, climate change, and conservation.
2. Paper II: General Studies
   This paper focuses on:
   • Comprehension: Understanding and interpreting passages.
   • Logical Reasoning: Analyzing arguments, making inferences, and logical deduction.
   • Decision-Making: Evaluating situations and making appropriate decisions.
   • Numerical Aptitude: Basic mathematics, data interpretation, and numerical problem-solving.
   • General Mental Ability: Questions on analytical reasoning and problem-solving.

OPSC Mains Syllabus

The Main exam is the second stage and consists of several papers. Candidates typically have to write six papers, which include:

1. Paper I: Odia Language
   This paper tests proficiency in the Odia language, including:
   • Language comprehension
   • Essay writing
   • Grammar and composition
2. Paper II: English Language
   This paper assesses candidates’ proficiency in English, including:
   • Language comprehension
   • Essay writing
   • Grammar and vocabulary
3. Paper III: General Studies I
   Topics covered include:
   • Indian Heritage and Culture: Art, literature, and cultural traditions of India.
   • History of India: Detailed study of ancient, medieval, and modern history.
   • Geography: World geography and Indian geography, including physical and economic aspects.
4. Paper IV: General Studies II
   This paper covers:
   • Indian Polity and Governance: Structure, function, and processes of government institutions.
   • Public Administration: Principles and practices of administration and governance.
   • Social Justice: Issues related to marginalized sections, welfare schemes, and policies.
5. Paper V: General Studies III
   Topics include:
   • Economic Development: Economic concepts, development indicators, and national policies.
   • Agriculture: Agricultural policies, challenges, and advancements in Odisha.
   • Environment: Current environmental issues, conservation, and sustainable development.
6. Paper VI: General Studies IV
   This paper focuses on:
   • Ethics and Integrity: Ethical theories, moral dilemmas, and integrity in public service.
   • Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing emotions, empathy, and interpersonal skills.
   • Case Studies: Application of ethical principles to real-life situations in public administration.

How to Apply for OPSC Exam

Applying for the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) exam is a simple process if you follow these steps:

1. Visit the Official Website:

• The application form can be found on the official Odisha PSC website opsc.gov.in.

2.  Check the Latest Notifications

• Find the notification for the OPSC exam.
• Read the notification carefully to check the eligibility criteria, exam dates, and other important details.

3 Registration:

• If you’re applying for the first time, click on “New Registration.”
• A registration link will be provided. Basic details like name, contact number, and email will be required.
• After registration, a unique registration ID will be generated.

4. Fill in the Application Form:

• Any Their personal details, education details, etc., and any other required reason.
• Please confirm that all particulars are correct and complete as these will be referenced for understanding in further processes.

5. Upload Documents:

• Your signed photo and signature will also be uploaded in scanned copies.
• Make sure that the size and the format of the files are as per the provided instructions.

6. Pay the Application Fee:

• The application fee can be paid via the internet even with the use of net banking, credit card, and debit card.
• The fee charges standard and wise, so ensure that you check the amount well.

7. Submit the Form:

• All the timelines and amount paid, all the forms, filled and checked, should be submitted at the appropriate places.

8. The Confirmation printout:

• Upon submission of your application successfully, a confirmation page will be displayed. It is suggested that the page is printed out or saved for record purposes.

OPSC Interview Process

The interview is an important part of the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) exam. It happens after the written exams and helps the commission assess candidates personally.

1. Purpose of the Interview:

• Hence the interview is useful in focusing on the candidate as a whole with regard to his personality, interaction with others and ability to take important decisions.
• This is not only about the information the candidate possesses, but also the way one communicates the thoughts to other people.

2. Panel of Interviewers:

• Panel of interview comprises senior civil servants and specialists.
• They will relate to the candidates’ educational qualifications, current affairs, and the subject opted for the mains exam.

3. Types of Questions

• Personal Questions: About your background, education, and why you want to join the civil services.
• Current Affairs: Questions about recent events or developments in Odisha and India.
• Situational Questions: Hypothetical scenarios where candidates must explain how they would handle specific situations.
• General Knowledge: Questions related to geography, history, and culture, particularly of Odisha.

4. Duration 

• The interview is conducted for an average of 20 to 30 minutes.
• Such questions may include one’s background and opinion on certain social issues.

5. Preparation for the Interview:

• Thorough knowledge of current events, history of Odisha, its culture and the working problems have to be mastered.
• It is important to perform mock interviews since these are quite good in instilling confidence.
• Practise speaking clearly and concisely. Mock interviews can help.

6. Final Evaluation:

• Candidates are assessed on the basis of their responses to questions, their general outlook score and their level of confidence.

Preparation Strategy for OPSC Exam

Preparing for the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) exam requires a well-planned strategy.

1.Understand the Exam Pattern

• The OPSC exam has three stages: Prelims, Mains, and an Interview.
• Prelims: Two objective papers (General Studies & Optional Subject).
• Mains: Descriptive papers (Essay, General Studies, Optional Subjects).
• Interview: Focuses on personality and knowledge.

2. Understand the Syllabus:

• The entire syllabus should be thoroughly read and understood. Focus on important topics for both Prelims and Mains.

3. Create a Study Plan:

• A daily and weekly study plan should be made. Allocate time for each subject and stick to the schedule.

4. Focus on General Studies:

• Syllabus Topics: Pay attention to the important topics like history, geography, polity, economy, and environmental studies.
• Practice Questions: Solve previous years’ question papers and sample papers to understand the exam pattern and frequently asked questions.

5. Choose the Right Optional Subject:

• An optional subject that aligns with your strengths should be chosen. Make sure it is interesting and has enough resources available.

6. Read Current Affairs Daily:

• Newspapers and magazines should be read regularly to stay updated with current events. Current affairs are important for the exam.

7. Use Standard Books:

• Recommended books for each subject should be followed. NCERT books are helpful for building a strong foundation.

8. Practise Mock Tests:

• Regular Practice: Take mock tests regularly, especially for the Prelims exam, to get used to the format and pressure.
• Analyze Results: After each test, analyze your performance. Identify weak areas and work on improving them.

9. Revise Regularly:

• Weekly Revision: Set aside time each week to review what you’ve studied. This helps reinforce your memory and understanding.

Recommended Books for OPSC Exam

1. General Studies

1. “Indian Polity” by M. Laxmikanth
   • A comprehensive book on Indian politics and governance. It covers important topics like the Constitution, political system, and governance.
2. “General Studies Paper I” by Manohar Pandey
   • This book includes various topics relevant for the General Studies paper, including geography, history, and current affairs.

2. Current Affairs

1. “Pratiyogita Darpan” (Monthly Magazine)
   • A popular monthly magazine that covers current affairs, important national and international events, and updates on government schemes.
2. **”The Hindu” or “Indian Express” (Newspapers)
   • Reading a good newspaper daily will keep you updated on current events, which is crucial for the exam.

3. History and Culture

1. “India’s Struggle for Independence” by Bipan Chandra
   • This book provides an in-depth look at the freedom struggle and is essential for understanding modern Indian history.
2. “Ancient India” by R. S. Sharma
   • A comprehensive resource for ancient Indian history and culture.

4. Geography

1. “Physical Geography” by Savindra Singh
   • A well-structured book covering physical geography, which is important for both the Preliminary and Mains exams.
2. “Geography of India” by Majid Husain
   • This book covers various geographical aspects of India, including landforms, climate, and resources.

5. Economics

1. “Indian Economy” by Ramesh Singh
   • This book provides a clear understanding of the Indian economy, including policies, current issues, and economic reforms.

6. Environmental Studies

1. “Environmental Studies: A Reference Book” by M. S. Swaminathan
   • This book covers environmental issues, policies, and their implications, which are often part of the syllabus.

7. Aptitude and Reasoning

1. “Quantitative Aptitude” by R.S. Aggarwal
   • A good book for practicing quantitative problems and improving your math skills.
2. “A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning” by R.S. Aggarwal
   • This book helps in enhancing your reasoning abilities, which is vital for competitive exams.

8. Books for Mains Exam

1. “General Studies for OPSC Mains” by S. N. Chatterjee
   • A focused book designed specifically for the Mains exam, covering various subjects in detail.
2. “Essay Writing for Competitive Exams” by M. S. Bhattacharya
   • This book provides tips and strategies for writing effective essays, which is an important part of the Mains exam.

Career Growth After Clearing OPSC 

Pass the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) examination, and a good job in governmental services is guaranteed. This is how your career can take shape after passing the OPSC:

1. What is the OPSC exam for?

• The OPSC exam, conducted by the Odisha Public Service Commission, is designed to recruit candidates for various administrative and civil service positions within the Odisha state government. It selects individuals for roles such as Assistant Collector, Block Development Officer, and other important posts that contribute to public administration and governance in the state.

2.Which post comes under OPSC?

• The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) recruits for various posts, including:

  1. Assistant Collector
  2. Block Development Officer (BDO)
  3. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)
  4. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)
  5. Revenue Officer
  6. District Tribal Welfare Officer
  7. Lecturers in Government Colleges
  8. Civil Service Officers
  9. Group A and Group B Administrative Services

4. What is the basic salary of OPSC?

• The basic salary for OPSC (Odisha Public Service Commission) officers typically ranges from ₹15,600 to ₹39,100 per month, depending on the position and grade.

5. What is the salary of BDO in Odisha?

• The salary of a Block Development Officer (BDO) in Odisha typically ranges from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 per month, depending on the pay scale and experience.

6. Which job has the highest salary in Odisha?

• The job with the highest salary in Odisha is typically that of a Chief Secretary or a Director-General of Police (DGP).