OPSC OCS Exam Pattern 2026: Prelims, Mains & Interview Marking Scheme

G GOWTHAM
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.

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