FAQs on OPSC OAS Preparation – Everything You Need to Know!

What is the OPSC OAS Exam?

The OPSC Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) exam is conducted by the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) to recruit officers for various administrative posts in Odisha. The exam consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.

What Is the Latest OAS Syllabus?

The detailed OPSC OAS syllabus for Prelims & Mains is already uploaded on our website. Click here to check the complete OAS syllabus.

OAS Prelims Syllabus:

• Paper I (General Studies 1): History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science, Current Affairs and Odisha-Specific Topics.

• Paper II (General Studies 2 – CSAT): Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Mental Ability, Decision-Making.

OAS Mains Syllabus:

• Odia & English Language Papers (Qualifying)

• General Studies I , II, III & IV (Odisha-Specific Questions Included)

• Essay Writing

• Optional Subject (Choose 1 from 20+ available options)

• For a detailed breakdown of subjects and topics, check our full OAS syllabus page.

How to Start OPSC OAS Preparation from Zero?

• Understand the OAS syllabus for Prelims & Mains.

• Read NCERTs, standard reference books, and Odisha-specific materials.

• Solve OAS PYQ (Previous Year Questions) to understand the exam pattern.

• Follow OAS current affairs regularly through newspapers and Study OAS magazines.

• Join a structured OAS test series to improve answer writing skills.

Is Coaching Necessary for OAS Preparation?

No, coaching is not mandatory. Many aspirants crack the OAS exam without coaching by following a disciplined study plan. However, joining the best OAS coaching center or opting for OAS online coaching can provide structured guidance, test series, and expert mentorship.

Which Are the Best Books for OAS Preparation?

Some recommended OAS books include:

• Polity: M. Laxmikanth

• History: Spectrum (Modern), NCERT (Ancient & Medieval)

• Geography: G.C. Leong, Atlas by Oxford Publication

• Economy: Ramesh Singh, Economic Survey (For conceptual understanding can refer Sanjiv Verma)

• OAS Current Affairs: The Hindu, monthly Study OAS magazine/ Daily Current Affairs

What Are the Best Study Materials for OAS?

• OAS notes from reputed sources like coaching institutes and toppers.

• Odisha-specific OAS study materials covering polity, geography, Security, Disaster Management and economy. (You can follow Odisha Manthan Notes for covering this aspect)

• Daily current affairs updates by Study OAS which includes Odisha specific Current Affairs.

• OPSC OAS test series to practice Prelims and Mains questions.

What Is the Best Strategy for OAS Prelims?

• Focus on static General Studies + Odisha-specific topics.

• Revise OAS PYQ to understand the type of questions asked.

• Take multiple OAS test series to improve accuracy.

• Revise current affairs, government schemes. You can join Study OAS Telegram Channel for regular updates in this regard.

 How to Prepare for OAS Mains?

• Focus on answer writing practice with a structured OAS notes bank.

• Use OAS PYQ to analyze the pattern of questions.

• Join a Mains-oriented OAS test series for time-bound practice.

• Cover Odisha’s Polity, Geography, Economy, culture, governance, and rural development topics.

What Are the Most Important Topics for OAS?

• Indian and Odisha History, Geography, and Polity

• Indian Constitution & Governance

• Economy (Odisha & India)

• General Science & Environment

• Odisha Current Affairs & Government Schemes

• Odisha-specific topics 

What Are the Age Limits for OAS?

• General Category: 21 to 38 years

• OBC: 3-year relaxation (up to 41 years)

• SC/ST: 5-year relaxation (up to 43 years)

What Is the Cut-off for OAS Prelims & Mains?

The OAS cut-off varies each year based on vacancies and difficulty level.

• OAS Prelims Cut-off (General): 85-95 marks (out of 200)

• OAS Mains Cut-off (General): 750+ marks (out of 1400)

• Final Selection Cut-off: 870-900+ marks (Mains + Interview)

How to Choose the Best Optional Subject for OAS?

Choose an OAS optional subject based on:

• Interest in the subject

• Availability of study materials

• Past performance of the subject in OAS exams

• Time required for preparation

Popular OAS optional subjects:

• Home Science

• History

• Geography

• Political Science & IR

• Public Administration

• Sociology

Which Test Series Is Best for OAS?

Join a quality OAS test series that includes:

• OAS Prelims test series for MCQ practice on Daily Basis

• OAS Mains test series for answer writing improvement

• Detailed explanations, personalized feedback, and doubt resolution

• OAS Previous year Questions

What Is the Best Coaching for OAS Preparation?

The best OAS coaching should offer:

• Experienced faculty & structured syllabus coverage

• Comprehensive OAS notes and study materials

• Regular OAS test series with performance analysis

• Odisha-specific focus on history, geography, polity, and current affairs

Can I Prepare for OAS Without Coaching?

Yes! Here’s how:

• Make a self-study plan covering Prelims & Mains syllabus.

• Read standard OAS books & Odisha-specific study materials.

• Follow daily OAS current affairs & government Schemes.

• Solve OAS PYQ to understand the question pattern.

• Take OAS online test series for practice.

How to Stay Motivated During OAS Preparation?

• Set daily, weekly, and monthly targets.

• Track progress through OAS test series & self-evaluation.

• Read OAS toppers’ interviews for inspiration.

• Stay updated with OAS magazines & Odisha current affairs.

• Enroll in the best OAS coaching center for guidance and discuss for query.

Conclusion

Preparing for the OPSC OAS exam requires the right strategy, materials, and practice. Whether you opt for OAS online coaching, self-study, or the best OAS coaching center, consistency is key.

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