OCS exam Update / Odisha Govt Introduces 'Third Gender' Category In OCS Exam Application Form
·4 months ago·2 min read
Key Points
- Odisha government has introduced a 'Third Gender' category in the application form for OCS-2025 following OHRC directives.
- Registration deadlines extended to accommodate candidates under the revised format; supporting documents required for name changes post-recognition.
- OHRC has ordered all government departments to incorporate third gender option in recruitment procedures; compliance report sought within 60 days.
Cuttack, Feb 20: In a significant step towards inclusive recruitment, the Odisha government has introduced a ‘Third Gender’ category in the application form for the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Examination–2025. The move comes following directions issued by the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC).
The provision has been incorporated in the revised notification for the OCS-2025 examination conducted by the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC), ensuring equal opportunity for candidates belonging to the third gender.
Registration Deadlines Extended
In view of the inclusion of the new category, authorities have extended the registration and application deadlines to enable eligible candidates to apply under the updated format.
Officials clarified that candidates whose names have changed after obtaining official recognition as a third gender person must submit relevant supporting documents during the application process. The revised system aims to streamline documentation while safeguarding applicants’ rights.
Also Read: Odisha Matric Exams 2026 Begin; Over 5.6 Lakh Students Under AI Watch
Petition by Aspirant Led to OHRC Intervention
The development follows a petition filed by Soni Sil, a third gender civil services aspirant, who alleged discrimination due to the absence of an appropriate gender option in the OCS examination form.
Acting on the complaint, the OHRC directed the General Administration and Public Grievance Department to amend the application process and ensure non-discriminatory access to state recruitment examinations.
Wider Rollout Across Departments Ordered
Beyond the OCS examination, the Commission has instructed the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities to ensure that all government departments and state-run corporations incorporate a third gender option in their recruitment procedures.
The OHRC has sought a compliance report from the state government within 60 days regarding implementation of its directives.
The decision is being viewed as a progressive step toward promoting equal access, dignity and non-discrimination in public employment in Odisha, aligning recruitment practices with constitutional principles and human rights standards.
The provision has been incorporated in the revised notification for the OCS-2025 examination conducted by the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC), ensuring equal opportunity for candidates belonging to the third gender.
Registration Deadlines Extended
In view of the inclusion of the new category, authorities have extended the registration and application deadlines to enable eligible candidates to apply under the updated format.
Officials clarified that candidates whose names have changed after obtaining official recognition as a third gender person must submit relevant supporting documents during the application process. The revised system aims to streamline documentation while safeguarding applicants’ rights.
Also Read: Odisha Matric Exams 2026 Begin; Over 5.6 Lakh Students Under AI Watch
Petition by Aspirant Led to OHRC Intervention
The development follows a petition filed by Soni Sil, a third gender civil services aspirant, who alleged discrimination due to the absence of an appropriate gender option in the OCS examination form.
Acting on the complaint, the OHRC directed the General Administration and Public Grievance Department to amend the application process and ensure non-discriminatory access to state recruitment examinations.
Wider Rollout Across Departments Ordered
Beyond the OCS examination, the Commission has instructed the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities to ensure that all government departments and state-run corporations incorporate a third gender option in their recruitment procedures.
The OHRC has sought a compliance report from the state government within 60 days regarding implementation of its directives.
The decision is being viewed as a progressive step toward promoting equal access, dignity and non-discrimination in public employment in Odisha, aligning recruitment practices with constitutional principles and human rights standards.
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