Where to Start for Preparing OPSC OAS Examination? A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Strategy Description

Where to Start for Preparing OPSC OAS Examination? A Complete Beginner’s Guide

“Every expert was once a beginner.” If you’ve just decided to prepare for the OPSC OAS Examination, welcome to a journey that is as transformative as it is challenging. But with the right direction, smart strategy, and a sprinkle of consistency, clearing Odisha’s most prestigious civil services exam is well within your reach.

What is OPSC OAS?

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) conducts the Odisha Civil Services Exam (popularly known as OPSC OAS) to recruit Group A and B officers like SDM, DSP, BDO,Addl. Tehesildar and more.
It is conducted in three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination (Objective)
2. Mains Examination (Descriptive)
3. Personality Test / Interview

Knowing this structure helps you visualise the long-term game.

Step 1: Understand the Syllabus — Your Map to Success

Don’t start studying randomly. Start with the syllabus. Download and print the official OPSC syllabus for both Prelims and Mains. Stick it on your wall. It is your Bible.

Prelims Syllabus (Two Papers)

• General Studies Paper 1: History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science, Environment, Current Affairs
• General Studies Paper 2 (CSAT): Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Mental Ability, Basic Math

Mains Syllabus (9 Papers)

• Odia Language
• English Language
• English Essay
• General Studies I (History, Geography, Society)
• General Studies II (Polity, Governance, Social Justice)
• General Studies III (Economy, Environment, Disaster Mgmt)
• General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity)
• Optional Paper I & II (Choose wisely based on your interest or graduation background)

Pro Tip: Start building your preparation with previous Year Questions and analysis of it. And choose GS Paper 1 of Prelims and Mains simultaneously. Many topics overlap.

Step 2: Choose the Right Study Materials and Books

Don’t fall into the trap of hoarding too many books. Stick to limited, high-quality resources.

Standard Books for Beginners:

• History: Spectrum for Modern India + Odisha Specific History
• Polity: M. Laxmikanth – Indian Polity
• Geography: NCERTs (Class 6–12) + Odisha-specific geography
• Economy: Ramesh Singh/ Sanjeev Verma or NCERT + daily economic news + Odisha Budget and Economic Suvey Summary
• Environment: Shankar IAS Environment
• Science & Tech: Basic NCERTs + current affairs
• Current Affairs: The Hindu (The Hindu daily Gist provided in our Telegram Channel), Odisha-specific newspapers + monthly compilations (like Study OAS Current Affairs)

Step 3: Create a Realistic Timetable

Don't copy IAS toppers’ 10-hour routines. Start small.

• Weekdays: 3–4 hours/day
• Weekends: 6–8 hours/day
• Mix static + current + revision daily

Follow a 3-tier approach:

1. Foundation Reading (first 2 months)
2. Concept Building (next 3–4 months)
3. Revision & Practice (final 2 months)

How much time is required for preparing OAS Exam. Read detailed Artcle on it.

Step 4: Make Notes — But the Smart Way

• Use digital or handwritten notes based on your style.
• Focus on point-wise notes, keywords, and diagrams.
• For Mains, maintain answer writing formats (Intro-Body-Conclusion).

On the Topic, How to make Notes for OPSC OAS Exam, do read the detailed article.

Pro Tip: For Odisha-specific topics, prepare crisp, value-added content like facts, schemes, and quotes. That’s where Study OAS can help! You can check our Subject wise Notes and Paid Section.

Step 5: Current Affairs = Daily Dose of Relevance

• Read The Hindu Newspaper and Odisha’s Samaja / Sambad
• Make weekly notes in your own language
• Focus on Odisha + National + International affairs
• Monthly compilations like “Study OAS CA Magazine” can save you hours
• You can join Our Telegram Channel where daily Current Affairs PDF, Mindmaps and gist has been provided in free.

Don’t just read — relate current affairs to the syllabus.

Step 6: Start Answer Writing Early

• Start with 1 questions/day from GS
• Join a Mains Test Series (will be available)
• Learn how to structure, stick to word limits, and quote relevant data

Fun Fact: OPSC checks for clarity, simplicity, and relevance. You don’t need Shakespearean English! Very simple language is suffice for the said Examination.

Step 7: Practice Prelims MCQs Daily

• Begin with 10 MCQs/day. We upload daily free Test on our App.
• Gradually increase to 50+ as the exam approaches. You can check our Test Section for Exam oriented Test Series.
• Focus on elimination techniques and revision

Mock Test + PYQ = Your best friend.

Step 8: Choose Optional Wisely

• Most OPSC toppers choose Odia Literature, Home Science, or Public Administration
• Choose based on:
  • Graduation subject
  • Interest
  • Material availability
  • Past question papers

Step 9: Prepare for Interview from Day 1

Even if you’re in Prelims phase, start building your:

• Personality
• Odisha GK
• Current debates (women, tribals, development)
• Hobbies and DAF-based awareness

Like you feel that you are already an Offficer and try to know important issues from depth. Just improve your personality.

Bonus: Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t follow 10 coaching channels at once
• Don’t skip Odisha-specific topics
• Don’t keep changing sources
• Don’t ignore revision — it’s 50% of success

Conclusion: Your Journey Starts Today!

Preparing for OPSC OAS is a marathon, not a sprint. You don’t have to be the smartest — just the most consistent. Start small. Be regular. Use the right resources. And most importantly, believe in yourself.

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe

If you're serious about cracking OPSC OAS, let Study OAS be your companion with daily updates, structured guidance, answer writing, and test series support.

 

 

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