FAQs on Optional Subjects of Odisha
How many optional subjects do I need to choose for the OCS Mains exam?
You need to choose two optional subjects for the OCS Mains exam. Each optional subject consists of two papers, and each paper carries 250 marks.
What are the available optional subjects for the OCS Mains exam?
The OPSC offers a wide range of optional subjects, including:
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
- Anthropology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Commerce and Accountancy
- Economics
- Education
- Electrical Engineering
- Geography
- Geology
- History
- Law
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Science
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science and International Relations
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Zoology
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Anthropology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Commerce & Accountancy
- Economics
- Education
- Electrical Engineering
- Geography
- Geology
- History
- Law
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science & International Relations
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Zoology
- Agriculture Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Forestry
- Home Science
- Mining Engineering
- Odia Literature
- English Literature
- Hindi Literature
- Sanskrit Literature
- Urdu Literature
Can I choose an optional subject different from my graduation subject?
Yes, you can choose an optional subject different from your graduation subject. There are no restrictions on the choice of optional subjects based on your academic background.
Are there any restrictions on choosing optional subject combinations?
Yes, there are certain combinations of optional subjects that are not allowed. For example, you cannot choose both Public Administration and Political Science & International Relations. Similarly, you cannot choose both Mathematics and Statistics. You can find the complete list of prohibited combinations on the official OPSC website or in the notification for the OCS exam.
How do I choose the right optional subjects for me?
Consider the following factors while choosing your optional subjects:
- Interest and Aptitude: Choose subjects that genuinely interest you and align with your strengths and aptitude.
- Scoring Potential: Analyze the past year’s question papers and success rates of different optional subjects to gauge their scoring potential.
- Syllabus Overlap: If possible, choose subjects that have some overlap with the General Studies syllabus to save time and effort during preparation.
- Availability of Study Material: Ensure that ample study material is available for your chosen subjects, including textbooks, reference books, coaching notes, and online resources.
- Guidance and Mentorship: Seek guidance from experienced mentors or teachers who can provide valuable insights and support.
Can I change my optional subjects after filling out the application form?
No, you cannot change your optional subjects after submitting the application form. Therefore, it is crucial to make a well-informed decision before filling out the application.