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OPSC OCS Exam Pattern 2026: The Odisha Public Service Commission has released the OPSC OCS exam pattern in the advertisement. Candidates should check the paper pattern and marking scheme outlined by the authorities. It provides information about the exam format, number of questions, total marks, and overall marking scheme. The OPSC OCS exam pattern is divided into three phases: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. All the candidates should know the exam conditions of every stage to avoid last-minute confusion. Continue reading to know the exam pattern and marking scheme for the OPSC OCS recruitment drive.
Download OPSC OCS Syllabus 2026
OPSC OCS Exam Pattern 2026
The Odisha Public Service Commission aims to fill 465 vacancies for various Group A and Group B posts through the Odisha Civil Services Examination. The selection process includes three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The prelims exam of OCS will be held tentatively on June 7, 2026. Candidates aiming for this test should check the latest OPSC OCS exam pattern. This helps them know the number of questions asked and the marks allotted in each section of every stage. OPSC OCS prelims exam comprises two objective-type papers worth 400 marks. The OPSC OCS mains exam comprises 9 descriptive-type papers worth 1750 marks. The personality test carries 250 marks. Read ahead to know the latest OPSC OCS exam pattern and marking scheme for reference purposes.
Download the OPSC OCS Previous Year Papers
OPSC OCS Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
Understanding the OPSC OCS Exam Pattern can help you stay on track in your preparation. Below are the highlights of the paper pattern for the OPSC OCS exam:
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Conducting Body | Odisha Public Service Commission |
| Post Name | Group A and Group B |
| Vacancies | 465 |
| Selection Process | Prelims, Mains, and Interview |
| Maximum Marks | Prelims: 400 marks Mains: 1750 marks Interview: 250 marks |
| Negative Marking | Yes |
OPSC OCS Exam Pattern 2026 for Prelims
The OPSC OCS prelims exam serves as a screening test only. It comprises two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper 1 and General Studies Paper 2. Each paper carries 200 marks, making the total 400 marks. Each paper shall be of 2 hours duration. The marks obtained in the prelims exam will be used to shortlist candidates for the mains exam. It will not be counted to determine the final order of merit. The minimum qualifying marks in GS Paper II is 33%. There shall be a negative marking/penalty of 1/3rd mark for every wrong response. Given below is the OPSC OCS exam pattern for prelims:
| Subject | Maximum Marks | Exam Duration |
| General Studies - Paper-I | 200 marks | 2 hours |
| General Studies - Paper-II | 200 marks | 2 hours |
OPSC OCS Exam Pattern 2026 for Mains
The OPSC OCS Main exam shall consist of nine papers of conventional essay type. The main exam will be divided into two parts: Part I and Part II. Each paper shall be of 3 hours duration. The question papers (other than Indian Language and Literature) shall be set in English. Given below is the OPSC OCS exam pattern for the mains exam:
| Part-I: Qualifying Papers | Marks |
| Paper-I: Odia Language The pattern of questions shall be broadly as follows: (i) Comprehension of given passages. (ii) Précis writing. (iii) Usage and vocabulary. (iv) Short Essays. (v) Translation from English to the Odia Language and vice-versa. | 250 marks |
| Paper-II: English Language The pattern of questions shall be broadly as follows: (i) Comprehension of given passages. (ii) Précis writing. (iii) Usage and vocabulary. (iv) Short Essays. | 250 marks |
| Part-II: Papers to be Counted for Merit | |
| Paper-I Essay | 250 marks |
| Paper-II General Studies-I (Indian Heritage and Culture, Odisha Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society) | 250 marks |
| Paper-III General Studies-II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and Inter-State Relations) | 250 marks |
| Paper-IV General Studies-III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management) | 250 marks |
| Paper-V General Studies-IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude) | 250 marks |
| Paper-VI Optional Subject- Paper-I | 250 marks |
| Paper-VII Optional Subject-Paper-II | 250 marks |
| Total | 1750 Marks |
OPSC OCS Exam Pattern 2026 for Interview
The marks secured in the main exam and the Interview shall be counted for final ranking. The OPSC OCS interview/personality test round carries 250 marks.
OPSC OCS Marking Scheme
The OPSC OCS Marking Scheme is quite straightforward. There shall be a negative marking for incorrect answers in the OPSC OCS prelims exam. Given below is the latest OPSC OCS marking scheme for reference purposes:
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There shall be four alternatives for the answers to every question.
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A negative marking of one-third (0.33) mark will be applicable for every wrong answer.
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If a test-taker gives more than one answer, it shall be treated as an incorrect answer even if one of the given answers is correct. There will be the same penalty as above for that question.
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If a question is left blank, there shall be no penalty for that question.
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