Major change in Odisha OCS examination: limit on number of attempts removed; candidates now eligible up to age 42..

The Odisha government has provided significant relief to candidates appearing for the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) examination. The state cabinet has approved a proposal to remove the cap on the number of attempts permitted for the examination. Under the new rules, candidates from all categories—including the General category and the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC)—will now be able to appear for the examination as many times as they wish, up to the prescribed upper age limit. This government decision will allow candidates—whose previously allotted number of attempts had been exhausted—to continue their preparations.

In amending the OCS examination rules, the Odisha government has abolished the restriction on the maximum number of attempts. Previously, candidates from the General category were permitted a maximum of 6 attempts, while those from the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) were allowed 9 attempts. For candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), there was already no limit on the number of attempts. Following these changes, eligible candidates from all categories—General, SEBC, SC, and ST—can now appear for the examination without worrying about a limit on the number of attempts. However, candidates must still meet the prescribed upper age limit and other eligibility criteria.

Opportunity to appear for the exam up to the age of 42
The state government has set the upper age limit for the civil services examination at 42 years. Consequently, candidates will be eligible to appear for the examination until they reach this age. For instance, if a candidate begins taking the examination at the age of 21, they can appear for it every year until they reach the upper age limit, providing them with multiple opportunities to achieve success.

Announcement made by the Chief Minister on Independence Day
This decision was announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on August 15, 2024, on the occasion of Independence Day. Subsequently, the state cabinet approved the proposal in the presence of Chief Secretary Anu Garg. The government believes that removing the limit on the number of attempts will provide eligible candidates with more opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities. This will also offer relief to young aspirants who might have otherwise abandoned their exam preparations due to the restriction on the number of attempts.

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