The Odisha Public service Commission (OPSC) conducts the Odisha Civil services (OCS) Examination in three stages — Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Interview/Personality Test. This pattern determines how candidates are assessed and how final merit is calculated.
🧩 1. Preliminary Examination (Screening Stage)
- Type: Objective‑type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Purpose: To shortlist candidates for the Mains exam — marks are NOT counted in final ranking
📊 Exam Structure
Paper
Subject
Marks
Duration
Paper‑I
General Studies‑I
200
2 hours
Paper‑II
General Studies‑II (CSAT) qualifying
200
2 hours
Total
400
4 hours
- Paper‑II is qualifying in nature — candidates must score at least 33% to qualify.
- Negative marking: 0.33 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
📌 Only Paper‑I marks are used to determine eligibility for the Mains; Paper‑II is just qualifying.
📚 2. Mains Examination (Written Stage)
The Mains exam is descriptive and subjective. Candidates must clear this stage to be eligible for the Interview.
✏️ Structure & Marks Distribution
The Mains consist of nine papers, divided into two parts:
🧠 Part‑I: Qualifying Papers (Marks Not Counted for Merit)
Paper
Subject
Marks
Duration
Paper‑I
Odia Language
250
3 hrs
Paper‑II
English Language
250
3 hrs
Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks (around 25% or as prescribed) in both papers to have their other papers evaluated for merit.
📘 Part‑II: Papers Counted for Final Merit
Paper
Subject
Marks
Duration
Paper‑III
Essay
250
3 hrs
Paper‑IV
GS‑I
250
3 hrs
Paper‑V
GS‑II
250
3 hrs
Paper‑VI
GS‑III
250
3 hrs
Paper‑VII
GS‑IV
250
3 hrs
Paper‑VIII
Optional Subject – Paper I
250
3 hrs
Paper‑IX
Optional Subject – Paper II
250
3 hrs
➡ Total Mains Written Marks: 1750 marks
🔹 Optional subjects are chosen by the candidate from a list prescribed by OPSC.
👥 3. interview / Personality Test
- Marks: 250
- After qualifying the Mains written exam, candidates are called for a Personality Test.
- The interview assesses traits like mental alertness, communication, leadership, decision‑making, ethical standards, and suitability for civil service.
- These marks are added to the mains written marks to form the final score.
🧮 Final Merit Calculation
Stage
Marks Counted?
Preliminary Exam
❌ No (only qualifying)
Mains Written
✅ Yes
Interview/Personality Test
✅ Yes
Grand Total
2000 marks
Final merit list is based on:
➡ Mains Written (1750) + Interview (250) = 2000
🧠 Marking Scheme Highlights
🔹 Preliminary Test
- Correct answer: +1 (typically)
- Wrong answer: −0.33 (negative marking)
- Unattempted: 0 marks
🔹 Mains Written
- No negative marking (essay and descriptive papers).
- Qualifying language papers must be cleared to have other papers evaluated.
🔹 Interview
- Marks are based on overall personality, general knowledge, expression skills, and suitability.
- It plays a critical role, especially where written marks are close.
📌 Quick Summary
Stage
Type
Marks
Counted in Final Merit
Prelims
Objective MCQs
400 (200+200)
❌
Mains
Descriptive
1750
✅
Interview
Personality Test
250
✅
Total
2000
Final Merit Score
🧠 Final Tips for OCS Aspirants
- Focus on Prelims GS Paper‑I (used for screening) and ensure Paper‑II qualifying marks.
- In Mains, essay, general studies, and optional subjects are high‑scoring areas.
- Polish communication and analytical skills for the Interview.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel