OPSC

. Preliminary Examination (Prelims):

• Paper I: General Studies
  • Current events of national and international importance
  • History of India and Indian National Movement
  • Indian and World Geography (Physical, Social, Economic)
  • Indian Polity and Governance (Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues)
  • Economic and Social Development (Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives)
  • Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change
  • General Science
• Paper II: General Studies
  • 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 (Class X level)

B. Main Examination (Mains):

• Paper I: Odia Language (Qualifying)
• Paper II: English (Qualifying)
• Paper III: English Essay
• Paper IV: General Studies I
  • History and Culture of India and Odisha
  • Geography of India and Odisha
  • Indian Polity, Constitution, Governance, and Public Policy
  • Social Justice and International Relations
• Paper V: General Studies II
  • Indian and Odisha Economy
  • Science and Technology
  • Environment and Ecology
  • General Mental Ability
• Papers VI & VII: Optional Subject (two papers)
  • Choose one subject from the list provided by OPSC (e.g., History, Geography, Public Administration, Sociology, etc.)

C. Personality Test (Interview):

• Assessment of the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and suitability for public service in Odisha.

Preparation Tips:

• Start with NCERTs for basics.
• Refer to Odisha-specific books for state history, geography, and culture.
• Read newspapers (focus on Odisha news as well as national).
• Practice previous years’ question papers.
• Take mock tests for self-assessment.

OPSC Civil Services: Booklist & Study Plan

1. NCERT Books (Class 6–12)

• History: NCERTs + “History of Modern India” by Bipin Chandra
• Geography: NCERTs + “Certificate Physical and Human Geography” by G.C. Leong
• Polity: NCERTs + “Indian Polity” by M. Laxmikanth
• Economics: NCERTs + “Indian Economy” by Ramesh Singh
• Science: NCERTs (focus on basics)

2. Odisha-Specific Books

• History & Culture of Odisha:
  • “Odisha History” by Dr. K.C. Panigrahi
  • “Odisha Parichaya” (for culture and general awareness)
• Geography of Odisha:
  • “Geography of Odisha” by Dr. S. Mishra
• Odisha Economy:
  • Odisha Economic Survey (latest edition)
• Current Affairs:
  • Odisha-specific newspapers (e.g., The Samaja, Sambad)
  • Odisha government websites and annual reports

3. Standard Reference Books

• Environment: “Environment” by Shankar IAS Academy
• Ethics: “Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude”
• Essay: Practice essays on Odisha and national topics

4. Newspapers & Magazines

• The Hindu or Indian Express (for national news)
• Odisha-specific newspapers (for state news)
• Yojana & Kurukshetra (for socio-economic issues)

5. Practice & Revision

• Previous years’ OPSC question papers
• Mock tests (available from coaching institutes and online platforms)
• Regular answer writing for Mains

Sample Weekly Study Plan

• Monday–Friday:
  • 2 hours: NCERTs/Standard Books (rotate subjects)
  • 1 hour: Odisha-specific topics (history, geography, economy)
  • 1 hour: Current Affairs (national + Odisha)
• Saturday:
  • 2 hours: Optional Subject
  • 1 hour: Mock Test/Previous Year Paper
  • 1 hour: Revision
• Sunday:
  • 2 hours: Revision of the week’s topics
  • 1 hour: Essay/Case Study Practice
  • 1 hour: Rest or catch up

Tips for Success

• Make your own notes for quick revision.
• Focus on Odisha-specific facts and data.
• Revise regularly—at least once a week.
• Practice answer writing and time management.
• Stay updated with Odisha government schemes and policies.