OCS Exam / OCS Main Examination 2025 begins across Odisha amid Cyclone Arnab disruptions

Bhubaneswar, Oct 31: The Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Main Examination 2025, conducted by the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC), commenced on Saturday as scheduled despite calls from several quarters for its postponement amid transport disruptions caused by heavy rain and flooding triggered by Cyclone Arnab in parts of southern Odisha.

The examination began with Paper I (Odia Language) from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, followed by Paper II (English Language) from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Under the revised examination schedule, the essay paper, originally slated for October 30, has been rescheduled to the morning session on November 5. Both optional subject papers will be conducted on November 7, with Paper VI in the forenoon session and Paper VII in the afternoon.

Calls for Postponement

Several candidates had sought postponement of the examination, citing severe disruptions in transportation due to heavy rainfall and flooding in the aftermath of Cyclone Arnab. Berhampur MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy had also urged the State government to defer the October 31 examination in view of the prevailing situation in the affected districts.

The demand for postponement gained momentum after OPSC rescheduled the Odia and English language papers from October 29 to October 31.

Govt Rejects Delay

Rejecting the demand, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said postponing the examination would significantly delay the recruitment process and adversely affect candidates who had already completed their preparations.

“If the OCS examination conducted by OPSC is postponed, at least six months will be needed to reconduct the test. The candidates who have already prepared for the exam will be disappointed,” he said.

The Minister said around 325 candidates from Ganjam district and nearly 100 candidates from Gajapati district were expected to appear for the examination.

Special Arrangements

To ensure smooth conduct of the examination, the State government directed Block Development Officers (BDOs) in flood- and rain-affected districts to facilitate the movement of candidates to and from examination centres.

The Ganjam district administration also announced free food, accommodation and transportation facilities for candidates appearing for the OCS Main Written Examination at centres in the Berhampur zone who were facing travel difficulties due to Cyclone Arnab.
Also Read: Cyclone Arnab aftermath: Landslide in Ganjam leaves over 10 feared missing

Officials said the arrangements were intended to ensure that candidates from affected areas could appear for the examination without difficulty despite ongoing relief and restoration work in several districts.

With transportation and logistical support in place, the State government remained firm on conducting the examination as scheduled while ensuring that candidates affected by the cyclone received the necessary assistance to reach their centres safely.