OSSC CGL Specialist Exam Pattern 2026, Prelims & Mains Marking Scheme
OSSC CGL Specialist Exam Pattern 2025 has been designed by the Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC) to select deserving candidates for various specialist posts under the Odisha Government. Candidates have to clear the Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Computer Skill Test before moving to the final document verification stage. The prelims serve as a screening test with objective-type questions, while the mains carry subject-specific papers to assess in-depth knowledge. The computer skill test checks basic IT skills, which are essential for government jobs today.
OSSC CGL Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
Prelims Examination is the first stage of the OSSC CGL Specialist Recruitment 2025. It acts as a screening test to shortlist candidates for the Mains Examination. The prelims exam is qualifying in nature, meaning the marks scored here are not counted for the final merit list but are used only to filter eligible candidates for the Mains stage.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test |
| Type of Questions | Objective, Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Marks | 150 marks |
| Subjects Covered | General Awareness, Current Affairs, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, Basic Computer Awareness |
| Exam Duration | 150 minutes (2 hours 30 minutes) |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer |
| Nature of Exam | Qualifying (marks not counted for final merit list) |
OSSC CGL Mains Exam Pattern 2025
Mains Examination is the most important stage of the OSSC CGL Specialist Recruitment 2025. It tests the candidate’s knowledge in their specialist subject area along with other essential skills. The marks obtained in the Mains are counted for the final merit list.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Type of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Language (English & Odia), General Studies, Computer Awareness | 100 marks | 2 hours | Objective/MCQs |
| Paper II | Subject-Specific Paper (as per the post applied) | 200 marks | 3 hours | Descriptive/Objective (varies by subject) |
Note:
- Total Marks: 300
- Nature of Exam: Marks are counted for merit ranking
- Negative Marking: Applicable for MCQs (0.25 mark deduction for each wrong answer)
OSSC CGL Specialist Computer Skill Test 2025
After clearing the Mains Examination, candidates must appear for the Computer Skill Test (CST). This stage is conducted to check whether candidates have the basic computer knowledge required for government service. It is a qualifying test, meaning the marks are not added to the final merit list but clearing it is compulsory.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Practical Computer Test |
| Total Marks | 50 marks |
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Nature of Exam | Qualifying only (marks not counted in merit list) |
| Skills Tested | MS Word, MS Excel, Internet, Email, Basic Computer Functions |
Candidates must score the minimum qualifying marks set by OSSC to pass this test. Those who fail will not be considered for final selection, even if they performed well in Mains.
OSSC CGL Preparation Books:
The following list includes some of the important OSSC CGL books that candidates may refer for study:
- General Awareness: Manorama Yearbook, NewsPaper, and General Knowledge Lucent Publications
- Arithmetic Ability: Advanced Mathematics by Rakesh Yadav, Elementary & Advanced Mathematics by Kiran Prakashan
- Computer Awareness: Computer Awareness by BK publication
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey and Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal
- Odia: Odia Grammar for All Odisha Competitive Exam (Subjective with Objective With 10 Practice Sets) by P.K. Swain
- English: From Plinth to Paramount (Volume 1) by Neetu Singh/KD Publications and Objective General English by SP Bakshi/Arihant are two books on English for General Competitions.
OSSC CGL Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs
Ques: What is the exam pattern of OSSC CGL Specialist 2025?
Ans: OSSC CGL Specialist 2025 exam has three stages – Prelims, Mains, and Computer Skill Test. Candidates who qualify in all stages will be called for document verification.
Ques: How many marks are there in OSSC CGL Specialist Prelims Exam 2025?
Ans: OSSC CGL Specialist Prelims is of 150 marks with objective-type questions. It is qualifying in nature and used only for shortlisting candidates.
Ques: What is the duration of OSSC CGL Specialist Prelims Exam 2025?
Ans: OSSC CGL Specialist Prelims Exam is held for 150 minutes (2 hours 30 minutes). The paper consists of General Awareness, Aptitude, Reasoning, and Computer Awareness.
Ques: Is there negative marking in OSSC CGL Specialist Exam 2025?
Ans: Yes, there is negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in both Prelims and Mains objective papers. Candidates should answer carefully.
Ques: What is OSSC CGL Specialist Computer Skill Test 2025?
Ans: Computer Skill Test is of 50 marks and lasts for 1 hour. It checks candidates’ practical knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, Internet, and basic IT skills.
Ques: What is the language of OSSC CGL Specialist question paper 2025?
Ans: OSSC CGL Specialist question paper is available in English and Odia, except for the language section which must be answered in the respective language.
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