The Odisha Public Service Commission has released the official OPSC OCS Mains Exam Date 2026. Stay informed with the comprehensive exam schedule, paper-wise structure, shift timings, updated exam pattern, and essential admit card guidelines.
The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has officially confirmed the OPSC OCS Mains Exam Date 2026 for the 5,690 candidates who successfully qualified through the Preliminary round. This crucial stage will be conducted in an offline format at various designated examination centers. Candidates should prioritize reviewing the official schedule to streamline their final preparation phase.
OPSC OCS Mains Exam Date 2026
While official updates are regularly published on the commission's website, the OPSC OCS Mains examination is officially slated to take place in October 2026. The Mains stage consists of 9 papers in a rigorous descriptive format, requiring focused and strategic preparation.
Practice with the latest OPSC OCS Mock Test 2026 to boost your score
OPSC OCS Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The OCS Mains Examination is structured as a series of descriptive papers designed to rigorously evaluate a candidate's analytical depth, writing proficiency, and comprehensive grasp of their chosen subjects.
| Part | Subject | Marks | Duration |
| Part I: Qualifying Papers | Odia Language | 250 marks | 3 hours |
| English Language | 250 marks | 3 hours | |
| Part II: Merit Papers | Essay | 250 Marks | 3 hours |
| General Studies-I(Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World & Society) | 250 marks | 3 hours | |
| General Studies-II(Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations | 250 marks | 3 hours | |
| General Studies-III(Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management) | 250 Marks | 3 hours | |
| General Studies-IV(Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude) | 250 marks | 3 hours | |
| Optional Subject – Paper-I | 250 marks | 3 hours | |
| Optional Subject – Paper-II | 250 Marks | 3 hours | |
| Total (Mains) | 1750 |
Crucial Qualifying Standards: Candidates must secure a minimum of 25% marks in each mandatory paper to qualify; failure to do so will result in the disqualification of their remaining answer scripts.
OPSC OCS Recruitment 2026
The OPSC extended the application window for the OCS Recruitment 2026, setting the final submission deadline for March 12, 2026. This extension was provided to ensure that all eligible aspirants had sufficient time to finalize their applications.
OPSC OCS Notification 2026 Official PDF
Following the official notification release on December 31, 2025, the OPSC OCS examination process encompasses detailed guidelines regarding eligibility, selection criteria, syllabus, and administrative instructions for all applicants.
Candidates are strongly advised to thoroughly review the official notification to ensure complete compliance with all application guidelines.
OPSC OCS Group A & B Recruitment 2026
This recruitment drive offers a premier opportunity for graduates to secure prestigious Group A and B positions within the Odisha government. The selection procedure consists of a multi-stage approach, including Preliminary, Mains, and Personality tests.
| OPSC OCS Notification 2026 Out: Key Highlights |
Important Details
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Vacancy Details
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Important Dates
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Selection Process
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OPSC OCS Vacancy 2026 (Revised) Official Notice Out
The OPSC has published a revised vacancy notice through the 1st Addendum to Advertisement No. 05 of 2025–26, outlining updated category-wise distributions and service allocations for the Odisha Civil Services recruitment.
Total vacancies have been scaled up from 314 to 465, reflecting the latest requirements from the General Administration & Public Grievance Department. Aspirants should adjust their preparation strategies to match this increased opportunity.
Access the Revised OPSC OCS Vacancy Notice (2025-26) Here
| S.No | Post | Group | Vacancies |
| 1 | Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) | Group A | 16 |
| 2 | Odisha Police Service (OPS) | Group A | 31 |
| 3 | Odisha Finance Service (OFS) | Group A | 89 |
| 4 | Odisha Cooperative Service | Group B | 4 |
| 5 | Odisha Revenue Service | Group B | 54 |
| 6 | Odisha Labour Service | Group B | 20 |
| 7 | Odisha Employment Service | Group B | 13 |
| 8 | Odisha Taxation & Accounts Service | Group B | 87 |
| 9 | Odisha Excise Service | Group B | 6 |
| 10 | Odisha Tourism Service | Group B | 8 |
| 11 | Odisha Welfare Service | Group B | 16 |
| 12 | Odisha Skill Development & Employment Service | Group B | 10 |
| 13 | Odisha Transport Service | Group B | 8 |
| Total Revised Vacancies | Group A & B | 465 |
Reservation Policy Details
- PwD (4%): 20 posts
- Ex-Servicemen (3%): 10 posts
- Sports Persons (1%): 4 posts
- Women’s Reservation: Included category-wise as per rules
OPSC OCS Recruitment Application Fees 2026
Candidates are required to remit the prescribed application fee as detailed in the official OPSC Recruitment 2026 notification to validate their registration.
Category-Specific Application Fees
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / SEBC Candidates | ₹700 |
| SC / ST Candidates | Exempted |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | Exempted |
Important Payment Guidelines
- The application fee must be paid online only through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
- No offline payment mode is accepted.
- Applications submitted without successful fee payment (where applicable) will be rejected.
- Fee once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.
- Candidates are advised to keep the payment receipt safely for future reference during the recruitment process.
OPSC OCS 2026 Apply Online Details
The online application portal for OPSC OCS 2026 is now closed. Following the extension from March 7 to March 12, 2026, all registered candidates should now focus on the upcoming examination stages.
How to Apply for OPSC OCS Vacancy 2026?
Follow our comprehensive guide to understand the official application procedure for the OPSC OCS 2026 recruitment cycle.
- Visit the official website of OPSC www.opsc.ocs.gov.in.
- On the homepage, click on the link “OPSC OCS Recruitment 2026 Apply Online.”
- Register yourself by providing basic details such as name, email ID, and mobile number.
- Log in using the generated registration ID and password.
- Fill in the OPSC OCS application form with the required personal and educational details.
- Upload the necessary documents, such as a photograph and signature.
- Review the application form carefully before submitting it.
- Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference
What are the Eligibility Criteria For OPSC Recruitment 2026?
Eligibility for OPSC OCS 2026 covers essential criteria including age limits, academic qualifications, and nationality status. Ensure you meet all requirements before proceeding.
Age Limit
Applicants must strictly adhere to the age limits defined by the commission, with standard relaxations applied to reserved categories as per government mandates.
Educational Qualification
To be eligible for OPSC OCS 2026, candidates must meet specific educational benchmarks as outlined in the official recruitment guidelines at the time of application.
- The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognised university or institution.
- The degree should be obtained from a State Government-recognised University, a Nationally recognised University, or a Deemed University approved by the UGC.
- Candidates who have completed their degree through regular, distance, or open mode are also eligible, provided the university is recognised.
- Final-year students can apply, but they must provide proof of passing the degree examination before the final stage of selection.
- The candidate should have the ability to read, write, and speak the Odia language and must have passed Odia as a subject or medium at the prescribed level
Nationality & Language Requirement
Applicants must be Indian citizens with proficiency in the Odia language (reading, writing, and speaking), verified through academic records.
| Eligibility Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | OPSC OCS 2026 |
| Age Limit (Unreserved) | 21 to 38 years |
| Age Relaxation | Applicable for SC/ST/OBC/Ex-Servicemen/Women/PwDs |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Language Requirement | Knowledge of Odia |
| Number of Attempts | As per category-wise rules |
What is the Selection Process For OPSC OCS 2026?
The selection process consists of three distinct phases: Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Personality Test. The final merit ranking is determined by performance in the Mains and the Interview.
Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary examination comprises two papers, both conducted in an objective, multiple-choice format.
- Paper I: General Studies
- Paper II: General Studies
Main Examination
The Mains stage is entirely descriptive, testing candidates on languages, General Studies, and specialized optional subjects.
- Odia Language
- English Language
- English Essay
- General Studies Paper I
- General Studies Paper II
- Optional Subject Paper I
- Optional Subject Paper II
Personality Test (Interview)
Shortlisted candidates from the Mains exam proceed to the Personality Test, which assesses suitability for high-level administrative service.
Number of Attempts
Strict limits on the number of attempts for the Odisha Civil Services Examination are enforced as per official government policy.
| Category | Maximum Number of Attempts |
| Unreserved (UR) | 06 (Six) |
| Socially & Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) | 09 (Nine) |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | Unlimited (No limit) |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | Unlimited (No limit) |
OPSC OCS Salary 2026
The OPSC OCS salary package is determined by the Odisha Pay Matrix, offering a stable financial structure inclusive of basic pay, DA, HRA, and other administrative perks for Group A and B officers.
| SL. No. | Post Name | Service Group | Scale of Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Odisha Administrative Service (Junior Branch) | Group A | Rs. 56,100 – Level 12 (Pay Matrix) |
| 2 | Odisha Finance Service (Junior Branch) | Group A | Rs. 56,100 – Level 12 (Pay Matrix) |
| 3 | Odisha Taxation & Accounts Service | Group B | Rs. 44,900 – Level 10 (Pay Matrix) |
| 4 | Odisha Co-operative Audit Service | Group B | Rs. 44,900 – Level 10 (Pay Matrix) |
| 5 | Odisha Co-operative Service | Group B | Rs. 44,900 – Level 10 (Pay Matrix) |
| 6 | Odisha Revenue Service | Group B | Rs. 44,900 – Level 10 (Pay Matrix) |
| Also check |
| OPSC OCS Syllabus |
| OPSC OCS Previous Year Papers |
| OPSC OCS Salary |
FAQs
Official OPSC OCS 2026 notifications are hosted at opsc.ocs.gov.in.
You can download the OPSC OCS 2026 recruitment notification directly via the links provided in this guide.
This examination recruits candidates for various Group A and Group B civil service positions in Odisha.
Yes, detailed fee structures and potential relaxations for reserved categories are explicitly stated in the official notification.
Thoroughly reading the official notification ensures candidates remain aware of all exam rules and procedural requirements to prevent application errors.
Applications must be submitted via the official OPSC portal during the active registration window.
The official notification serves as the primary resource for information regarding vacancies, syllabus, exam structure, and key deadlines.
The OPSC OCS Mains examination is currently scheduled to take place in October 2026.