Candidates Demand Re-Exams After Major Irregularities in OPSC, OSSC Tests

Candidates Demand Re-Exams After Major Irregularities in OPSC, OSSC Tests

Following reports of irregularities in the OPSC and OSSC examinations, candidates on Monday staged protests and demanded that both tests be cancelled and conducted afresh. The state government has responded by assuring a detailed investigation into the matter.

Candidates expressed frustration over the recurring nature of such incidents in government recruitment processes, despite the enforcement of the Odisha Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. Passed by the Assembly last year, the legislation imposes strict penalties—including imprisonment of up to 10 years—for malpractice in recruitment and entrance examinations.

Candidates who appeared for the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) 2023 Main Examination conducted by the OPSC on Sunday have demanded the cancellation and re-examination of the Anthropology optional subject. The test, held in two sittings for Paper-I and Paper-II, reportedly saw a major mix-up, with candidates claiming that the question papers were swapped. 

"By the time candidates realized the mix-up, they had already lost nearly an hour, causing them to miss questions worth at least 50 to 60 marks. The exam should be conducted again,” demanded a candidate. 

Similarly, candidates who appeared for the Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC) examination for the posts of Excise Sub-Inspector and Traffic Sub-Inspector reported discrepancies in the question paper. They alleged that the questions were taken from the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination, which includes arithmetic, a subject not part of their prescribed syllabus. “If there has been a change in syllabus for examination to posts of excise sub-inspector and traffic sub-inspector, the candidates should have been informed before the examination. As many of the questions were out of syllabus, we demand re-examination,” said Prakash Swain, an examinee.  According to the official syllabus, the exams for these posts should have included Odia, English, and General Knowledge.

The commission had also admitted to the out of syllabus questions and assured of remedial measures. Officials said a meeting will be held on May 4 and the issue will be taken up.

Meanwhile, Higher Education minister Suryabanshi Suraj said the government will thoroughly investigate the discrepancies and those responsible for it, will face strict action as per the Odisha Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. “It is a matter of grave concern and also raises serious questions on the integrity and preparedness for conducting recruitment examinations by government bodies like OPSC and OSSC. Those found responsible will be held accountable after departmental probes,” the minister added.