The Odisha government has given a major relief to the candidates appearing for the Odisha Civil Service (OCS) examination. The state cabinet has approved the proposal to abolish the prescribed attempt limit for appearing in the examination. Under the new rule, candidates from all categories including general category and socially and educationally backward class (SEBC) can now take the exam as many times as they want up to the maximum age limit. This decision of the government will also give an opportunity to the candidates who have completed the earlier scheduled attempts to continue their preparation.
The Odisha government has revised the OCS exam rules and removed the requirement of maximum number of attempts. Earlier, general category candidates were allowed to take the exam a maximum of 6 times. At the same time, Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC) candidates can make 9 attempts. There was already no limit on attempts for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates. Now after the new change, eligible candidates from all categories including General, SEBC, SC and ST will be able to appear for the exam without worrying about attempts. However, this will require fulfilling the prescribed age limit and other eligibility conditions.
Up to the age of 42 years will get an opportunity to take the exam
The state government has set a maximum age limit of 42 years for civil services examination. In such a situation, candidates can appear in the exam up to this age. For example, if a candidate starts taking the exam at the age of 21, he can take the exam every year up to the maximum age limit. In this way he will get many opportunities to achieve success.
The Chief Minister announced on Independence Day
The decision was announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Mazi on the occasion of Independence Day on 15 August 2026. After this, the state cabinet approved the proposal in the presence of Chief Secretary Anu Garg. The government believes that by removing the limit on attempts, eligible candidates will get more opportunities to prove their mettle. This will also provide relief to the youth who have given up preparing for the exam due to limited efforts.
