In a significant administrative blunder, the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has announced the cancellation of the written examination for the Anthropology Optional Papers I and II of the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) examination-2023. This decision comes after a series of protests from civil service aspirants who highlighted serious errors in the examination held on April 27, 2025.
The OPSC, in an official notice issued on April 30, 2025, stated that the Anthropology Optional Paper-I and II would be re-conducted on May 14, 2025, in two separate sittings. The decision to reconduct the tests was made in light of the significant backlash from candidates who discovered that questions intended for Paper-I were mistakenly included in Paper-II and vice-versa.
“Keeping in view the dislocation arising because of the interchange of questions of Anthropology Optional Paper-I and II in the Odisha Civil Services Main (Written) Examination-2023 held on April 27, 2025, and considering the grievances of candidates received by OPSC, the commission has decided that the written examination shall be re-conducted,” the commission stated in its notice.
The rescheduled examinations will follow the original timing pattern, with Paper-I scheduled from 9 AM to 12 PM and Paper-II from 2 PM to 5 PM on May 14, 2025. Moreover, candidates with disabilities will be granted an additional hour for each exam, ensuring fair access during the testing process.
All answer scripts from the cancelled April 27 examination will not be evaluated, as confirmed by the OPSC. The commission has emphasized the importance of fairness and equal opportunity for all candidates participating in the examination.
“The written examination in respect of Anthropology Optional Paper-I and II held on April 27, 2025, shall be treated as cancelled, and the answer scripts of the said examination shall not be evaluated,” the notice clarified.
Candidates are advised to download their admission certificates and instructions for the rescheduled examination from the OPSC website starting May 8, 2025. This announcement has been met with a mix of relief and frustration among aspirants, many of whom had expressed concern over the integrity of the examination process.
The OCS Main Examination is a crucial gateway for aspiring candidates aiming for top administrative roles in the state. The recent errors have raised questions about the effectiveness of the examination process and the need for improved oversight by the OPSC.
In the wake of these developments, candidates have been vocal about their experiences, with many taking to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the handling of the examination. The OPSC's decision to reconduct the tests has been welcomed by those who felt that the integrity of the examination was compromised due to the significant errors.
As the new examination date approaches, candidates are urged to prepare diligently and ensure they are ready for the rescheduled tests. The OPSC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent examination process.
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by examination bodies in maintaining the integrity and reliability of the testing process. As the OPSC moves forward, it will need to address the concerns raised by candidates and implement measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
In conclusion, the cancellation and rescheduling of the Anthropology Optional Papers I and II reflect the OPSC's recognition of the need for fairness in the examination process. The upcoming tests on May 14, 2025, will be closely watched by candidates and observers alike, as the commission aims to restore confidence in its examination processes.
