OPSC OAS Exam Pattern 2026, Check Prelims and Mains Pattern

Q: Ques: How much should candidates score to qualify OPSC OAS Prelims?

Ans: OPSC OAS Preims exam has 2 parts in which paper 2 is qualifying in nature. Candidates must score atleast 33% marks to qualify this round.

Q: Ques: Can candidates choose between Odia and English in OPSC OAS Mains part 1?

Ans: No, candidates cannot choose between Odia and English in Part 1 of OPSC OAS Mains Exam. Both the Odia Language and English papers are compulsory qualifying papers that all candidates must attempt.

Q: Ques: Is there negative marking in OPSC OAS mains?

Ans: No, OPSC OAS mains does not have negative marking as it is descriptive in nature. Prelims on the other hand, reduces ⅓ marks for every wrong answer.

Q: Ques: Is OPSC OAS Prelims marks included in the final merit list?

Ans: No, OPSC OAS prelims marks is not included in the final merit list. The final merit list includes the marks scored in the mains and the interview round.

Q: Ques: What are the topics included in the language papers of OPSC OAS 2026?

Ans: The language papers of OPSC OAS Mains exam consist of the topics, comprehension, précis writing, translation, short essays, etc. Candidates should compulsorily attend the language papers on English and Odia.

Anshika

Apr 13, 2026

OPSC OAS 2026 exam pattern is divided into the stages of prelims, mains and personality test. The Prelims exam acts as a screening test and comprises two objective-type papers carrying a total of 400 marks. Candidates who qualify the Prelims are eligible to appear for the Mains Exam, which includes nine descriptive papers, divided into 2 parts, in which part 1 is qualifying in nature. Candidates are supposed to select 2 optional subjects for OPSC OAS Mains exam (part 2). Those shortlisted from the mains are called for the Interview round, which assesses the candidate’s personality, decision-making skills, communication abilities, etc.

Table of Contents

OPSC OAS Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
OPSC OAS Mains Exam Pattern 2026
OPSC OAS Interview 2026
OPSC OAS Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs

OPSC OAS Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

OPSC OAS Prelims 2026 consists of objective-type questions, divided into 2 papers. Candidates can check the table below for a detailed OPSC OAS exam pattern 2026:

Subject	Total Marks	Duration	Negative Marking
General Studies Paper 1	200	2 Hrs	⅓ marks deducted for wrong answers
General Studies Paper 2 (Qualifying)	200	2 Hrs	⅓ marks deducted for wrong answers

Note: OPSC OAS Prelims Paper 2 is qualifying in nature. Candidates must score atleast 33% marks to qualify for the mains.

OPSC OAS Mains Exam Pattern 2026

OPSC OAS Mains exam is descriptive in nature and consists of 9 papers, divided into 2 parts. Part 1 of OPSC OAS 2026 is qualifying in nature. Candidates can check the table below for OPSC OAS Mains exam pattern 2026:

Part	Paper	Subject	Marks	Duration
Part 1 (Qualifying)	Paper 1	Odia Language	250	3 Hours
Part 1 (Qualifying)	Paper 2	English	250	3 Hours
Part 2 (counted for merit list)	Paper 1	English Essay	250	3 Hours
	Paper 2	General Studies 1	250	3 Hours
	Paper 3	General Studies 2	250	3 Hours
	Paper 4	General Studies 3	250	3 Hours
	Paper 5	General Studies 4	250	3 Hours
	Paper 6	Optional Subject 1	250	3 Hours
	Paper 7	Optional Subject 2	250	3 Hours

OPSC OAS Interview 2026

OPSC OAS Interview round is attended by candidates who qualify the mains exam. The interview round is calculated on a total of 250 marks. It will assess the candidate’s general awareness, communication skills, decision-making ability, etc.

OPSC OAS interview marks are added in the final mark list along with the mains score (part 2 scores only). Candidats who qualify the interview will proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which is document verification.

Relevant Links
OPSC OAS Result	OPSC OAS Eligibility
OPSC OAS Syllabus	OPSC OAS Previous Year Papers

OPSC OAS Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs

Ques: How much should candidates score to qualify OPSC OAS Prelims?

Ans: OPSC OAS Preims exam has 2 parts in which paper 2 is qualifying in nature. Candidates must score atleast 33% marks to qualify this round.

Ques: Can candidates choose between Odia and English in OPSC OAS Mains part 1?

Ans: No, candidates cannot choose between Odia and English in Part 1 of OPSC OAS Mains Exam. Both the Odia Language and English papers are compulsory qualifying papers that all candidates must attempt.

Ques: Is there negative marking in OPSC OAS mains?

Ans: No, OPSC OAS mains does not have negative marking as it is descriptive in nature. Prelims on the other hand, reduces ⅓ marks for every wrong answer.

Ques: Is OPSC OAS Prelims marks included in the final merit list?

Ans: No, OPSC OAS prelims marks is not included in the final merit list. The final merit list includes the marks scored in the mains and the interview round.

Ques: What are the topics included in the language papers of OPSC OAS 2026?

Ans: The language papers of OPSC OAS Mains exam consist of the topics, comprehension, précis writing, translation, short essays, etc. Candidates should compulsorily attend the language papers on English and Odia.