Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) examination will not be postponed despite concerns over the ongoing flood situation in parts of the state. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has clarified that the examination will proceed as scheduled, while the government has made special arrangements to help candidates from cyclone- and flood-affected areas reach their examination centres safely.
Addressing concerns raised by candidates seeking postponement, the minister explained that delaying the examination again could create significant scheduling difficulties. He said that if the examination were postponed at this stage, conducting it again could take nearly six months.
Suresh Pujari Explains Why the OPSC Examination Will Not Be Postponed
According to the minister, postponing the examination would affect the overall examination schedule and create further delays for candidates who have been preparing for the recruitment process.
The government has therefore decided to proceed with the examination while taking steps to support candidates facing difficulties because of the recent cyclone and flooding.
The clarification comes amid demands from several OPSC aspirants who have expressed concerns about travelling to examination centres from affected areas.
Special Arrangements for 425 Candidates From Affected Areas
The state government has identified candidates from cyclone- and flood-affected regions who may face difficulties reaching their examination centres.
According to Suresh Pujari, around 325 candidates from Ganjam district and nearly 100 candidates from other affected areas are expected to appear for the examination.
To ensure that these candidates do not miss the examination because of transportation difficulties, the government has assigned special responsibilities to local administrative officials.
The arrangements are intended to ensure that candidates from affected locations receive the necessary assistance to reach their respective examination centres.
BDOs Assigned Responsibility for Candidates’ Safe Travel
The government has assigned the responsibility of ensuring candidates’ safe transportation to their examination centres to the respective Block Development Officers (BDOs).
The BDOs have been instructed to coordinate the arrangements and help candidates reach their designated examination locations safely.
This step is particularly important for candidates from areas where flooding, waterlogging and transportation disruptions may create difficulties.
By involving the local administration, the government aims to ensure that candidates from affected regions get an opportunity to appear for the examination without being prevented by travel-related challenges.
Revised OPSC OCS Mains Examination Schedule
The OPSC Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Main Written Examination 2025 has already undergone changes to some of its examination dates due to Cyclone Arnab.
According to the revised schedule announced by OPSC, the examination papers will be conducted on the following dates:
| Examination Date | Papers |
|---|---|
| October 31, 2026 | Odia Language and English Language |
| November 2, 2026 | General Studies Paper I and II |
| November 4, 2026 | General Studies Paper III and IV |
| November 5, 2026 | Essay Paper |
| November 7, 2026 | Optional Subject Paper I and II |
The Odia and English language papers were shifted from October 29 to October 31, while the Essay paper was moved from October 30 to November 5. The remaining examination dates were retained. Odisha+1
What Candidates Should Know
Candidates appearing for the OPSC examination should take note of the minister’s clarification and follow the revised examination schedule.
Those coming from cyclone- and flood-affected areas should coordinate with their respective local administrative authorities regarding transportation assistance and travel arrangements.
Candidates should also regularly check the official OPSC website for examination-related notifications, instructions and other updates.
The government’s decision to conduct the OPSC examination without further postponement comes with a focus on helping affected candidates reach their examination centres safely. With around 425 candidates identified from Ganjam and other affected areas, the involvement of BDOs is expected to support the arrangements for their safe travel.
