Odisha Civil Services Exam 2026: Complete Guide to 465 Vacancies, Eligibility & Selection
The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has released the notification (Advt. No. 05 of 2025-26) for the Odisha Civil Services Examination (OCSE) 2025. This prestigious examination aims to recruit suitable candidates for Group-A and Group-B services under the Odisha State Government. With a revised total of 465 vacancies (including 154 reserved for women), this recruitment drive offers positions in the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS), Odisha Police Service (OPS), Odisha Revenue Service (ORS), and other allied services. The online registration process commences on 20th January 2026 and the final submission deadline is 27th February 2026.
Key Highlights about OPSC & Civil Services Notification
The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) is the state agency authorized to conduct the Civil Services Examination for entry-level appointments to the various civil services of Odisha. The 2025-26 notification brings opportunities for graduates to join the state administration with attractive salary packages and career growth.
- Recruiting Organisation: Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC)
- Exam Name: Odisha Civil Services Examination (OCSE) 2025
- Post Names: OAS, OPS, OFS, ORS, etc.
- Total Vacancies: 465 Posts (Revised)
- Salary/ Pay Scale:
- Group A: Level-12 (₹56,100)
- Group B: Level-10 (₹44,900)
- Job Location: Odisha
- Application Dates: 20th January 2026 to 27th February 2026
- Prelims Exam Date: Tentatively 07th June 2026
Vacancy Breakdown: Service-wise Distribution
The total 465 vacancies are distributed among various Group-A and Group-B services. The breakdown is as follows:
| Sl. No. | Name of Post/Service | Group | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) | A | 14 |
| 2 | Odisha Police Service (OPS) | A | 12 |
| 3 | Odisha Revenue Service (ORS) | B | 113 |
| 4 | Odisha Taxation & Accounts Service (OT&AS) | B | 155 |
| 5 | Odisha Cooperative Service (OCS) | B | 01 |
| 6 | Odisha Skill Dev. & Employment Service | B | 14 |
| 7 | Odisha Labour Service (OLS) | B | 98 |
| 8 | Odisha Excise Service (OES) | B | 06 |
| 9 | Odisha Tourism Service (OTS) | B | 08 |
| 10 | Odisha Welfare Service (OWS) | B | 16 |
| 11 | Odisha Transport Service (OTS) | B | 28 |
| Grand Total | 465 |
(Note: 154 posts are reserved for women. Reservation for SC, ST, SEBC, PwD, Ex-Servicemen, and Sports Persons is applicable as per government rules.)
Eligibility Criteria for OPSC Civil Services 2026
Candidates must fulfill the following eligibility conditions to apply for the exam:
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor’s Degree: A candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized University or Institution.
- Odia Language: The candidate must be able to read, write, and speak Odia and must have passed Middle School Examination with Odia as a language subject or passed HSC or equivalent with Odia as a medium of examination in a non-language subject.
Age Limit (as on 01.01.2025)
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 42 Years
- Note: Candidate must have been born not earlier than 2nd January 1983 and not later than 1st January 2004.
- Relaxation:
- 5 Years for SC/ST/SEBC/Women/Ex-Servicemen.
- 10 Years for PwD candidates.
Salary and Benefits: Pay Scale Structure
Selected officers will be paid as per the ORSP Rules, 2017:
- Group A Services (OAS, OPS): Pay Matrix Level-12, Cell-1 with a starting basic pay of ₹56,100.
- Group B Services (ORS, OT&AS, etc.): Pay Matrix Level-10, Cell-1 with a starting basic pay of ₹44,900.
- Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other allowances as sanctioned by the Government of Odisha from time to time.
Selection Process Explained
The OPSC Civil Services Examination consists of three stages:
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
- Paper I: General Studies (200 Marks, 2 Hours).
- Paper II: General Studies (200 Marks, 2 Hours). This is a qualifying paper with minimum 33% marks required.
- Negative Marking: One-third (0.33) marks deducted for every wrong answer.
- Selection: Candidates approximately 12 times the number of vacancies will be shortlisted for the Main Exam.
Stage 2: Main Examination (Descriptive)
- Part I: Qualifying Papers – Odia Language (250 Marks) & English Language (250 Marks). Marks not counted for ranking.
- Part II: Papers for Merit –
- Paper I: Essay (250 Marks)
- Paper II: General Studies I (250 Marks)
- Paper III: General Studies II (250 Marks)
- Paper IV: General Studies III (250 Marks)
- Paper V: General Studies IV (Ethics) (250 Marks)
- Paper VI: Optional Subject Paper I (250 Marks)
- Paper VII: Optional Subject Paper II (250 Marks)
- Total Written Marks: 1750 Marks.
Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview)
- Candidates who qualify in the Main Exam will be called for an interview carrying 250 Marks.
- Final Ranking: Based on marks obtained in Main Examination (Written Part) and Personality Test (Total 2000 Marks).
How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit Official Website: (link provided below)
- Read Instructions: Carefully read the detailed advertisement and instructions.
- Registration: Click on “Apply Online”. If applying for the first time, register using your basic details. If already registered, login with your credentials.
- Fill Application: Complete the online application form with personal, educational, and other details.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, and left thumb impression as per specifications.
- Pay Fee: Pay the examination fee of ₹700/- (Exempted for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
- Submit: Review the application form and submit. Take a printout of the submitted application form for future reference.
Important Dates for OPSC Civil Services 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 31st December 2025 |
| Addendum Notice | 03rd January 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20th January 2026 |
| Last Date for Registration/Payment | 20th February 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Submission of Application | 27th February 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 07th June 2026 (Tentative) |
Application Fees
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / SEBC | ₹ 700/- |
| SC / ST / PwD (Odisha) | Nil |
Essential Links for OPSC Recruitment
| Link Title | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| Apply Online Link | Apply Online Here |
| Official Website | Visit OPSC Website |
| Whatsapp Channel | Join for Updates |
| Telegram Channel | Join Telegram |
| Follow us on Arattai | Indian App Arattai |
| Odisha Govt Jobs Telegram | Join Odisha Telegram |
To summarize, the Odisha Civil Services Exam 2026 is the gateway to a distinguished career in the state administration. With 465 vacancies and a revised structure, aspirants have a significant opportunity. Ensure you apply online between 20th January 2026 and 27th February 2026 and start your preparation for the Prelims scheduled in June 2026.