Odisha CM ends 6-attempt cap for civil services exams; general candidates can appear till 42

Odisha removes the six-attempt cap for OCS exams, allowing general category candidates to appear until they reach the upper age limit of 42 years.

Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced the removal of the six-attempt cap for the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) examination, allowing candidates from unreserved categories to appear for the state civil services test until they reach the upper age limit of 42 years.

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi removes the six-attempt limit for civil services exams, allowing general candidates to appear until age 42. (PTI)

The decision is aimed at widening opportunities for candidates preparing for one of the state’s most sought-after competitive examinations, the chief minister said while delivering his Independence Day speech in Bhubaneswar.

Previously, candidates from the general category were allowed a maximum of six attempts, while those from the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) were permitted nine attempts. Candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes were not subject to an attempt limit.

Under the revised system, eligible candidates can now continue to appear for the OCS examination until they reach the prescribed upper age limit of 42 years.

Majhi also announced an expansion of the state’s free textbook programme, saying students in Classes IX and X would now receive textbooks free of cost. The benefit was previously available only to students up to Class VIII.

“Earlier, free textbooks were provided in schools up to Class VIII. Today, on this auspicious occasion, I am announcing that free textbooks will also be provided to Class IX and X students,” Majhi said, adding that the state will establish 2,200 Godabarish Mishra Model Primary Schools and appoint 45,000 more teachers.