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OPSC OAS Syllabus 2026 for Prelims and Mains, Exam Pattern and Books

Apr 13, 2026

OPSC OAS Prelims exam comprises of 2 papers while Mains has a total of 7 papers. It must be noted that the exams are conducted offline with the former in Objective format while the latter is in written and descriptive format. Some of the topics asked are Indian History, Constitution of India, Biodiversity, Language and Literature, Data Interpretation, Decision Making, and Current Affairs. The second paper of OPSC OAS Prelims is qualifying in nature while the first one is considered to select candidates for Mains. These exams are followed by the Personality Test. The final selection is done only on the basis of the scores of Mains and Personality Test.

Table of Contents

OPSC OAS Syllabus for Prelims 2025-26
OPSC Syllabus for Mains 2025-26
OPSC OAS Personality Test 2026
OPSC OAS Exam Pattern 2026
Best Books for OPSC OAS 2025
OPSC OAS Syllabus 2025 FAQs

OPSC OAS Syllabus for Prelims 2025-26

There are two papers in the Prelims exam. The syllabus for each paper of Odisha Administrative Services Prelims exam is given below. You must check the list and prepare accordingly.

Prelims Syllabus for Paper 1

Current events of national and international importance
History of India and Indian National Movement
History of Odisha and Odia Nationalism
Odisha and Indian Geography- Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World
Indian Polity and Governance- Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Polity, Right Issues, etc
Economic and Social Development- Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change- that do not require subject specialization
General Science

Prelims Syllabus for Paper 2

Comprehension
Interpersonal skills including communication skills
Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
Decision Making and Problem Solving
General Mental Ability
Basic Numeracy (Numbers and their relations,Orders of Magnitude, etc. of Class 10 Level) and Data Interpretation (Charts, Graphs, Tables, Data Sufficiency, etc of Class 10)

OPSC Syllabus for Mains 2025-26

There are a total of 7 papers in OPSC OAS Mains. The first five papers are compulsory while the last two are for optional subjects. You must note that the medium of the exam will be English except for the language and literature portions.

Mains Syllabus for Paper 1- Essay

You may be required to write essays on multiple topics. You will be expected to stick to the subject of the essay, to arrange your ideas in orderly fashion and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

Mains Syllabus for Paper 2- General Studies 1

Topics	Sub-Topics
Heritage and Culture	Indian culture covering the salient aspects of Art forms, Literature and Architecture from Ancient to Modern times Temple Architecture of Odisha Bhakti Movement in Odisha and its impact on the Society of Odisha Evolution and Growth of Odia Language and Literature and Development of Odia Literature Regional Tradition of Odisha- Festivals
History	Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues The Freedom Struggle- its various stages and important contributors/ contributions from different parts of the country. Post-Independence consolidation and reorganisation within the country Kalinga War and its significance Dynastic History of Odisha: Mahameghavahan Kharavela, Bhauma Karas and the Somavamsis, the Gangas and Gajapatis Early Resistance Movements in Odisha- Paik Rebellion, Vir Surendra Sai and the Revolt of 1857 Creation of Odisha Province Freedom Movement and Praja Mandal Movements in Odisha;, Social bases of Odia Nationalism; Integration of Princely States in Odisha; Social Reform Movements in Odisha
Geography of India with Special Reference to Odisha	Physical, Economic and Social Geography of India Important Geophysical Phenomena such as Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity, Cyclone, Geographical Features and their location-changes in critical Geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. Odisha’s natural resources: Water, Forests and Minerals Odisha’s Physiography and Riverine System Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India and Odisha Role of Women and women’s organisation, population an associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, Urbanisation, their problems and remedies. Effects of Globalisation on Indian society as a whole and Odisha. Distribution and growth of tribes and tribal population in Odisha; Urbanisation- Growth of Urban Population and Urban Centres in Odisha. Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism.

Mains Syllabus for Paper 3- General Studies 2

Topics	Sub-Topics
Governance, Constitution, Polity and Inter-state relations	Indian Constitution: Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure Functions and responsibilities of the Union and states, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges there in. Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries Parliament and State legislatures- structure, functioning, conduct of business, power and privileges and issues arising out of these Structure, organisation and functioning of the Executive and Judiciary: Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/ informal associations and their role in the Polity. Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act, Odisha Right to Public Services Act and Odisha Lokayukta Act Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional bodies Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance: applications, models, successes, limitations and potential; citizens charters, transparency and accountability, and institutional and other measures. Role of Central and State Civil Services in a democracy Panchayati Raj Institution (PRIs) in Odisha Odisha and its Neighbourhood- Relations
Social Justice	Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation: India and Odisha Development processes and development industry- the role of MSMEs and women SHGs Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the State and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions, and bodies constituted for the protection and the betterment of these vulnerable sections: India and Odisha Issues relating to development and management of social sector/ services relating to Health, Education and Human Resources- India and Odisha Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger- Sustainable Development Goals

Mains Syllabus for Paper 4- General Studies 3

Topics	Sub-Topics
Science and Technology	Science and Technology: Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in Science and Technology; Indigestion of Technology and Developing New Technology Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology, Bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights
Economic Development	Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, Mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it Government Budgeting- India and Odisha Land reforms in India and Odisha Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth Infrastructure: Energy, Posts, Roads, Airports, Railways in the Country and Odisha Industrialisation in Odisha- Issues and prospects
Agriculture	Major cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers in India and Odisha Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System: objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing in India and Odisha: Doubling of Farmer’s Income Food Processing and related industries in India and Odisha- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management
Biodiversity and Environment	Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment Disaster and Disaster Management in the Country and in Odisha- State Institutions and policies on Disaster Management Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism. Left wing extremism in Odisha
Security and Disaster Management	Challenges to internal security though communication networks, role of media and social networks sites internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention- Arts and policies relating to Cyber Security and Money Laundering Security challenges and their management in border areas- linkages of organised crime with terrorism Various security forces and agencies of the country and Odisha and their mandate

Mains Syllabus for Paper 5- General Studies 4

Ethics and Human Interface- Essence, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in Human Actions; Dimension of Ethics; Ethics - in Private and in Public Relationships. Human Values - Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers and Administrators; Role of Family, Society and Educational Institutions in Inculcating Values.
Attitude- Content, Structure, Function; its influence and relation with thought and Behaviour; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence and Persuasion.
Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service, Integrity, Impartiality and Non-partisanship, Objectivity, Dedication to Public Service, Empathy, Tolerance and Compassion towards the weaker-sections.
Emotional Intelligence- Concepts, and their Utilities and Application in Administration and Governance
Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World
Public/ Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration: Status and Problems; Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas in Government and Private Institutions; Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance; Accountability and Ethical Governance; Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance; Ethical Issues in International Relations and Funding; Corporate Governance
Probity in Governance- Concept of Public Service; Philosophical Basis of Governance and Probity; Information Sharing and Transparency in Government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work Culture, Quality of Service Delivery, Utilization of Public Funds, Challenges of Corruption
Case Studies on above issues.

OPSC OAS Mains Optional Subjects

List of Mains Optional Subjects
Agriculture	Home Science
Agriculture Engineering	Law
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science	Management
Anthropology	Mathematics
Botany	Mechanical Engineering
Chemistry	Medical Science
Civil Engineering	Philosophy
Commerce and Accountancy	Physics
Economics	Political Science and International Relations
Education	Psychology
Electrical Engineering	Public Administration
Fishery Science	Sociology
Forestry	Statistics
Geography	Zoology
Geology	Literature of any one of the following languages: English, Hindi, Odia, Persian, Sanskrit and Urdu
History	-

Download OPSC OAS Syllabus PDF for Optional Subjects

OPSC OAS Personality Test 2026

This is the third stage of the selection procedure. Only applicants qualifying the Mains will be able to appear for the Personality Test. The test consists of 250 marks:

The objective of the Personality Test is to judge the below-mentioned aspects of the candidate:

Intellectual qualities
Current Affairs
Intellectual & Moral Integrity
Social Traits

The final merit list is prepared based on the marks scored by the candidates in the Mains and the Personality Test.

OPSC OAS Exam Pattern 2026

There are two rounds of examinations- Prelims (Objective Type) and Mains (Written). These are followed by a round of Interview.

Prelims Exam Pattern

Prelims is a screening round. Its marks are not considered for final selection.
General Studies Paper 2 is qualifying in nature and you need to score 33% to clear it.
There is a negative marking of one-third or 0.33 marks for every incorrect answer.
The questions will be objective and MCQ-type.

Paper	Maximum Marks	Duration
General Studies Paper 1	200	2 Hours
General Studies Paper 2	200	2 Hours
Total	400	4 Hours

Mains Exam Pattern

Mains exam has two parts. Part 1 is qualifying nature while Part 2 will be counted for the merit list. The questions will be essay-type in nature. The detailed exam pattern for the same is given below.

It must be noted that Essay, General Studies and Optional Subject papers will be evaluated along with the Qualifying papers of Odia and English Language in Part 1. However, they will be considered only if the candidates obtain 25% marks in Odia and English language papers of Part 1.

Mains Part 1 Pattern

Part 1- Qualifying Papers	Types of Questions	Marks
Paper 1- Odia Language	Comprehension of given passages Precis Writing Usage and Vocabulary Short Essays Translation from English to the Odia Language and vice-versa	250
Paper 2- English Language	Comprehension of given passages Precis writing Usage and Vocabulary Short Essays	250

Prelims Part 2 Pattern

Part 2- Papers Counted for Merit	Marks
Paper 1- Essay	250
Paper 2- General Studies 1	250
Paper 3- General Studies 2	250
Paper 4- General Studies 3	250
Paper 5- General Studies 4	250
Paper 6- Optional Paper 1	250
Paper 7- Optional Paper 2	250
Total	1750

Best Books for OPSC OAS 2025

Subject	Name of the Book	Author/Publication
General Studies-	General Knowledge Manual General Studies by Disha	Manohar Pandey Disha Experts
Basic Numeracy & Data Interpretation-	Quantitative Aptitude for all competitive Exams Quantitative Aptitude for competitive Exams	Abhijit Guha/Mc Graw Hill Publications R.S. Aggarwal/ S. Chand Publications
English & Odia Language-	Objective General English English & Odia Language	BK Publications BK Publications
Indian History-	Concise History of Modern India Facts of Indian Culture	Sujata Menon Spectrum Publications
Indian Polity-	An introduction to constitution Indian Polity	DD Basu Laxmikanth
Geography-	Old NCERT books School Atlas	NCERT Oxford
Economy-	Indian Economy 11th & 12th Standard Books	Ramesh Singh NCERT

The candidates must research prior to selecting reference books, reading material,and OAS previous year question papers which they intend to refer to during their preparation. For this purpose, they can read up on the interviews of the toppers, discuss with experts, mentors and even other aspirants.

Relevant Links
OPSC OAS Result	OPSC OAS Eligibility
Opsc OAS Exam Pattern	OPSC OAS Previous Year Papers

OPSC OAS Syllabus 2025 FAQs

Ques. Can a candidate select Hindi and Odia together in the optional paper of the Mains exam?

Ans. As per OPSC OAS exam pattern guideline, no, a candidate cannot select any two languages together in the Mains paper.

Ques. How many attempts are there in OPSC OAS 2025-26 Exam?

Ans. Every candidate is allowed 4 attempts, however, candidates belonging to the SC/ST categories have no such limits.

Ques. How much time will it take to complete OPSC OAS Syllabus?

Ans. Candidates are requested to start preparing for OPSC OAS 2025-26 Exam. If a candidate studies regularly they shall be able to complete the syllabus in 2-3 months and then spend a couple of months revising, solving question papers and taking OAS mock tests.

Ques. What should the candidate focus on while preparing for OPSC OAS 2025-26 Exam?

Ans. The candidate should focus on going through all the important and relevant topics, practising previous years’ questions as well as daily revision.

Ques. Are OPSC OAS 2025-26 Prelims and Mains Syllabi the same?

Ans. Some aspects such as Polity, Economy, Current Affairs, and common languages of the two papers might overlap. However, other related sections of the prelims and Mains syllabi are different.

Ques. Will OPSC OAS 2025-26 Exam tough?

Ans. It is a highly competitive exam as a large number of applicants take the same in order to secure limited positions. However, with proper preparation and guidance, it will be possible for candidates to crack the exam.