Odisha scraps limit on civil services exam attempts; 601 colleges to get free Wi-Fi

Candidates for the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) examination will no longer be limited in how many times they can sit it. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s Cabinet approved the change on 9 November, Orissa Post and The Times of India reported.

The Cabinet cleared 13 proposals from 10 departments at the meeting.

Other decisions

• Free Wi-Fi for 601 colleges and universities run or aided by the State, under a scheme called Odisha Shikshanet. It will cost about ₹394 crore and be carried out over three years from 2026–27, The Times of India reported.
• More chances of promotion for panchayat executive officers.
• The 600 MW Upper Indravati pumped storage power project at Ranibahal in Kalahandi district, at a cost of about ₹4,709 crore, due to be commissioned by 2030–31.
• A Bill to set up an Odisha Bovine Breeding Regulatory Authority, to register and certify breeding and check its quality.

What it means for candidates

The OCS exam, held by the Odisha Public Service Commission, recruits officers for the State’s administrative and allied services. Removing the cap lets candidates keep trying as long as they meet the age limit. The new rule’s start date and any change to the age limits were not given in the reports.