The Odisha government has decided to remove the cap on how many times candidates can attempt the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) exam.
This is a major relief for aspirants who prepare for the state's civil services.
The state Cabinet approved the decision on Monday. The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Key points
- Candidates can now appear for the OCS exam any number of times.
- They must still meet the prescribed upper age limit and other eligibility conditions.
- Earlier, candidates were generally allowed a maximum of six attempts.
- The Cabinet cleared an amendment to the 1991 recruitment rules.
So what were the old rules?
Under the earlier Odisha Civil Services Rules, candidates were generally allowed six attempts.
Age relaxations were already given to some groups.
These groups include Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC), women and Persons with Disabilities (PwD).
What is changing now?
The Cabinet cleared a proposal from the General Administration Department.
It seeks to amend the 1991 rules, which govern this combined competitive recruitment exam.
With the change, the attempt limit goes away.
Candidates who could not clear the exam earlier will get more chances, as long as they meet the age criteria.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
So why does this matter for aspirants?
Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the move aims to give aspirants wider and fairer opportunities.
It also aims to keep recruitment based on merit.
The OCS exam is one of Odisha's most sought-after competitive exams.
The removal of the cap gives candidates more time and flexibility to prepare.
The amendment to the 1991 rules will provide the legal basis for the decision.
Candidates should check the age and eligibility rules before applying.
Explainer
What happened before
- Under the Odisha Civil Services Rules, candidates were generally allowed a maximum of six attempts at the OCS exam.
- Age relaxations already applied to reserved categories, including SC, ST, SEBC, women and Persons with Disabilities.
Why it matters
The change lets many more candidates keep trying for one of Odisha's most sought-after exams.
What to watch next
- The Cabinet has cleared an amendment to the Odisha Civil Services (Combined Competitive Recruitment Examination) Rules, 1991, which will give the legal basis for the decision.
