Odisha Civil Services main examination will proceed as scheduled, says government
The state government will provide transport for candidates from flood-affected districts to ensure they reach examination centres safely.
The Odisha government announced on Friday that the Odisha Civil Services main examination 2025 will be held according to the existing schedule. According to The New Indian Express, the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) will conduct the exams despite demands for postponement due to floods in south Odisha.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari told mediapersons that postponing the exam would cause a six-month delay and affect candidates in other regions. He stated the government will take responsibility for transporting candidates from affected areas to their centres.
Minister Pujari noted that approximately 325 candidates from Ganjam district and 100 from Gajapati will appear for the exams. He said block development officers have been instructed to ensure these candidates reach their respective centres.
The demand for postponement followed the rescheduling of the Odia and English papers to October 31, and the essay paper to the morning session on November 5. Berhampur MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy had also urged the government to postpone the October 31 exam due to the situation.
Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) president Ipsita Sahoo criticised the decision, noting that around 5,500 students are appearing for the exams. She questioned how aspirants would attend given the cancellation of bus and train services in flood-affected regions of south Odisha.
Sahoo also asked whether block development officers would focus on making exam arrangements or on rescue and relief measures in their areas.