Odisha Civil Services Main Exam 2026 Will Not Be Postponed Due to Floods, Says Govt
The government will arrange transport for the candidates in the flood-hit areas, says Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari
BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha Civil Service main examination will not be postponed due to the floods caused by heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Arnab, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has said, adding that the government will arrange transport for the candidates in the flood-hit areas.
The Congress had demanded the postponement of the examination, scheduled from October 31 to November 7, in the southern districts which have borne the brunt of the heavy rain triggered by the cyclone.
“If the OCS examination conducted by the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) is postponed, at least six months will be needed to reconduct the test. The candidates who have already prepared for the exam will be disappointed,” A PTI report quoted Pujari saying.
“We found that 325 candidates from Ganjam district and nearly 100 candidates from Gajapati are expected to appear for the test. So, we have asked all block development officers (BDOs) in the rain-affected districts to ensure free movement of the candidates from home to examination centres and back,” the Minister said.
Meanwhile, opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) termed the decision as “unjust” and “inhumane”.
Due to flooding in the Rushikulya River in Ganjam district, large areas across Ganjam and Gajapati districts have been inundated, leaving hundreds of candidates, along with lakhs of other people, stranded.
Meanwhile, OCS Mains exam began on October 31 at two centres in Berhampur. The Ganjam administration has arranged free food, accommodation and transport for candidates facing travel difficulties.