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GS Paper II — Q.4
88%
Introduction9.2/10
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Tip: Cite a recent SC judgement in the introduction to strengthen your opening.
OPSC Exam Pattern and Syllabus (Odisha) | AnswerWriting
OPSC Exam Pattern and Syllabus (Odisha)
The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) conducts the Odisha Administrative Services Examination for recruitment to various administrative positions in Odisha. The recruitment process includes 3 stages:
Preliminary Examination
Mains Examination
Interview / Personality Test
Stage I: Preliminary Examination
The OPSC Prelims Exam is a screening test used to shortlist candidates for the Mains. It includes two objective-type papers.
Feature
Paper I
Paper II
Subject
General Studies
General Studies (CSAT)
Total Marks
200
200
Duration
2 hours
2 hours
Nature
Merit-based (Screening)
Qualifying
Important Notes:
Note I: Paper II of the Preliminary Examination will be qualifying with minimum qualifying marks.
Note II: The questions will be of multiple choice objective type.
Note III: It is mandatory for the candidate to appear in both papers of the Civil Services (Prelim) Examination for the purpose of evaluation. Therefore, a candidate will be disqualified in case he/she does not appear in both papers.
Prelims Syllabus
General Studies Paper I
Current Events of National and International Importance
History of India and Indian National Movement
History of Odisha and Odia Nationalism
Odisha and Indian Geography – Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and the World
Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Public Policy, Rights Issues, Political System, and Panchayati Raj
Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Demographics, Inclusion, and Social Sector Initiatives
General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Climate Change, and Biodiversity that do not require any subject specialisation
General Science
General Studies Paper II (CSAT / Aptitude)
(Qualifying – minimum marks as fixed by the Commission)
Stage II: Mains Examination
The Mains Exam consists of 9 descriptive papers with a Total of 1750 marks, divided into two parts – Qualifying Papers and Merit Papers.
Part I – Qualifying Papers
Paper
Subject
Marks
Nature
Paper I
Odia Language
250
Qualifying
Paper II
English Language
250
Qualifying
Part II – Merit Papers
Paper
Subject
Marks
Duration
Paper III
Essay
250
3 hours
Paper IV
General Studies I
250
3 hours
Paper V
General Studies II
250
3 hours
Paper VI
General Studies III
250
3 hours
Paper VII
General Studies IV
250
3 hours
Paper VIII
Optional Subject – Paper I
250
3 hours
Paper IX
Optional Subject – Paper II
250
3 hours
Total (Merit Papers)
1750
Mains Syllabus
Qualifying Papers
Paper I: Odia Language
Comprehension of given passages
Précis Writing
Usage and Vocabulary
Short Essays
Translation from English to Odia and vice versa
Paper II: English Language
Comprehension of given passages
Précis Writing
Usage and Vocabulary
Short Essays
Paper III: Essay
Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay, arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion, and write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.
Paper IV: General Studies I – Indian Heritage & Culture, Odisha Heritage & Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society
Culture and Heritage
Indian culture covering the salient aspects of Art forms, Literature, and Architecture from Ancient to Modern times
Temple Architecture of Odisha
Socio-cultural development in Odisha
Bhakti Movement in Odisha and its impact on the Society of Odisha
Evolution and Growth of Odia Language and Literature, and development of Odia Literature
Regional Tradition of Odisha – Festivals
History
Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present – significant events, personalities, and issues
The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country
Post-independence consolidation and reorganisation within the country
Early Resistance Movements in Odisha – Paik Rebellion, Veer Surendra Sai and the Revolt of 1857
Creation of Odisha Province
Freedom Movement and Praja Mandal Movements in Odisha; Social bases of Odia Nationalism; Integration of Princely States in Odisha; Social reform movements in Odisha
Geography of India with Special Reference to Odisha
Physical, economic and social geography of India
Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclones; geographical features and their location; changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna, and the effects of such changes
Odisha’s natural resources: water, forests, and minerals
Odisha’s Physiography and Riverine system
Society
Salient features of Indian society, Diversity of India and Odisha
Role of women and women’s organisations; population and associated issues; poverty and developmental issues; urbanisation, their problems and remedies
Effects of globalisation on Indian society as a whole and Odisha
Distribution and growth of tribes and tribal population in Odisha; Urbanisation – Growth of urban population and urban centres in Odisha
Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism and secularism
Paper V: General Studies II – Governance, Constitution, Polity and Inter-State Relations
Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States; issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure; devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein
Separation of powers between various organs; dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions
Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries
Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers and privileges, and issues arising out of these
Structure, organisation and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary; Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity
Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act, Odisha Right to Public Services Act and Odisha Lokayukta Act
Appointment to various Constitutional posts; powers, functions, and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies
Statutory, regulatory, and various quasi-judicial bodies
Important aspects of governance – transparency and accountability; e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens’ charters; institutional and other measures
Role of Central and State Civil Services in a democracy
Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in Odisha
Odisha and its neighbourhood relations
Social Justice and Development
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation India and Odisha
Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States, and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions, and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, and Human Resources
Issues relating to poverty and hunger
International Relations
India and its neighbourhood relations
Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests; Indian diaspora
Important international institutions, agencies, and fora – their structure and mandate
Paper VI: General Studies III -Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
Economic Development
Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development, and employment
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it
Government Budgeting – India and Odisha
Land reforms in India and Odisha
Effects of liberalisation on the economy; changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth
Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc.
Industrialisation in Odisha
Investment models
Agriculture
Major cropping patterns in various parts of the country; different types of irrigation and irrigation systems; storage, transport, and marketing of agricultural produce and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers in India and Odisha
Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing in India and Odisha Doubling of Farmers’ Income
Food processing and related industries in India and Odisha — scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management
Science and Technology
Science and Technology developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
Achievements of Indians in science and technology; indigenisation of technology and developing new technology
Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, and issues relating to intellectual property rights
Biodiversity and Environment
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Disaster and Disaster Management in the Country and in Odisha – State institutions and policies on Disaster Management
Security
Linkages between development and spread of extremism
Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security
Challenges to internal security through communication networks; role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges; basics of cyber security; money laundering and its prevention
Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organised crime with terrorism
Various Security forces and agencies of the Country and Odisha and their mandate
Paper VII: General Studies IV – Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
This paper includes questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life, and their problem-solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced in dealing with society. Questions may utilize the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad areas are covered:
Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants, and Consequences of Ethics in Human Actions; Dimension of Ethics; Ethics in Private and Public Relationships; Human Values – Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers, and Administrators; Role of Family, Society, and Educational Institutions in Inculcating Values
Attitude: Content, Structure, Function; its Influence and Relation with Thought and Behaviour; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence and Persuasion
Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service: Integrity, Impartiality and Non-partisanship, Objectivity, Dedication to Public Service, Empathy, Tolerance, and Compassion towards the weaker sections
Emotional Intelligence: Concepts, and their Utilities and Application in Administration and Governance
Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World
Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration: Status and Problems; Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas in Government and Private Institutions; Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance; Accountability and Ethical Governance; Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance; Ethical Issues in International Relations and Funding; Corporate Governance
Probity in Governance: Concept of Public Service; Philosophical Basis of Governance and Probity; Information Sharing and Transparency in Government; Right to Information; Codes of Ethics; Codes of Conduct; Citizen’s Charters; Work Culture; Quality of Service Delivery; Utilisation of Public Funds; Challenges of Corruption
Papers VIII & IX: Optional Subject (Paper I and Paper II)
Each question paper for optional subjects will contain eight questions, all carrying equal marks. Each paper will be divided into two parts – Part A and Part B, each containing four questions. Candidates are required to answer any five questions, taking at least two questions from each part.
One optional subject is to be chosen from the following list:
Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Anthropology, Botany, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Commerce and Accountancy, Economics, Electrical Engineering, English, Garo, Geography, Geology, Hindi, History, Khasi, Law, Management, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Science, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science and International Affairs, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, Statistics, Zoology, Odia, Persian, Sanskrit, and Urdu.
Stage III: Interview / Personality Test
The Interview/Personality Test is the final stage of the OPSC recruitment process.
Feature
Details
Total Marks
250
Purpose
Assess mental calibre, personality, communication, general awareness
Candidates’ overall personality, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and general awareness are evaluated. The test is intended to judge the mental calibre of the candidate – not only intellectual qualities but also social traits and interest in current affairs, including knowledge of customs, manners, and dialects of Odisha.
Some of the qualities to be judged are: mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, logical exposition, balance of judgements, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, and intellectual and moral integrity.
The marks obtained in the interview (out of 250) are added to the Mains marks (out of 1750) for the final merit ranking (out of 2000).