Odisha RI Exam: Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Cutoff, and Free PDF Details
The Odisha Revenue Inspector (RI) exam, conducted by the Odisha Sub-ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC), is a key recruitment examination for various posts including Revenue Inspector (RI), Assistant Revenue Inspector (ARI), AMIN, Supervisor, and Statistical Field Surveyor. This comprehensive guide details the syllabus, exam pattern, expected cutoffs, and provides guidance on finding free PDF study materials.

OSSSC Combined Recruitment Examination (CRE) for RI and Other Posts
It’s important to note that the OSSSC often conducts a “Combined Recruitment Examination (CRE)” for multiple Group B and C posts, including RI, ARI, AMIN, and SFS. The exam pattern and syllabus are largely common across these posts, with some minor variations in the skill test depending on the specific role. The information below is based on the recent CRE notifications and trends.
1. Odisha RI Exam Pattern
The OSSSC RI selection process typically involves three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Prelims): A screening test, qualifying in nature. Marks from Prelims are generally not counted for the final merit list.
- Main Written Examination (Mains): The main exam, where marks obtained are counted for the final merit list.
- Practical Skill Test in Basic Computer Skills: A qualifying test for certain posts, including RI.
A. Prelims Exam Pattern
Subjects | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
Mathematics | 20 | 20 | 1.5 hours |
General Studies | 20 | 20 | |
English | 20 | 20 | |
Odia | 20 | 20 | |
Logical Reasoning | 20 | 20 | |
Total | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes |
- Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Negative Marking: 0.33 marks for each incorrect answer.
- Mode: OMR/CBRT (Computer Based Recruitment Test).
B. Mains Exam Pattern
The Mains exam is typically of a higher difficulty level than the Prelims.
Subjects | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
General Studies | 40 | 40 | 3 hours |
English | 40 | 40 | |
Odia | 20 | 20 | |
Computer | 40 | 40 | |
Mathematics | 40 | 40 | |
Total | 180 | 180 | 180 minutes |
- Type of Questions: Primarily MCQs.
- Negative Marking: 0.33 marks for each incorrect answer.
- Mode: OMR/CBRT.
C. Practical Skill Test in Basic Computer Skills
- Nature: Qualifying.
- Marks: 50
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Minimum Qualifying Marks: 40%
2. Odisha RI Syllabus
The syllabus for both Prelims and Mains is largely the same in terms of subjects, but the difficulty level of questions in Mains is higher.
A. Mathematics
- Arithmetic: Number Systems, HCF & LCM, Simplification/Approximation, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Time & Work, Time & Speed (including Trains, Boats & Streams), Pipes & Cisterns, Partnership, Problems on Ages, Mensuration (2D & 3D – Triangle, Square, Rectangle, Circle, Sphere, Cone, Cylinder).
- Algebra: Basic Algebra, Polynomials, Linear Equations.
- Geometry: Basic Geometrical concepts.
- Trigonometry: Basic Trigonometric Ratios and Identities.
- Data Interpretation: Bar Graph, Pictorial Graph, Pie Chart.
- Probability & Permutation and Combination (basic concepts).
B. General Studies
- Current Events: National and International importance (Awards, Sports, Books & Authors, Summits, Government Schemes, Science & Technology, Defence, etc.).
- Static GK: Indian History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern), Indian Geography, Indian Polity (Constitution, Parliament, Judiciary), Indian Economy, General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology – basic concepts).
- Odisha Specific GK: Odisha History, Odisha Geography, Odisha Economy, Odisha Heritage & Culture (Dances, Festivals, Literature, Prominent Personalities).
C. English
- Grammar: Active & Passive Voice, Direct & Indirect Speech, Prepositions, Articles, Tenses, Parts of Speech.
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases, Spelling Test, One-word Substitution.
- Reading Comprehension: Passage-based questions.
- Sentence Structure: Sentence Improvement, Error Spotting, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Arrangement, Sentence Completion, Phrase Replacement.
D. Odia
- Grammar (ବ୍ୟାକରଣ): Shabda (ଶବ୍ଦ), Barna (ବର୍ଣ୍ଣ), Bachana (ବଚନ), Karaka (କାରକ), Bibhakti (ବିଭକ୍ତି), Biseshan (ବିଶେଷଣ), Biseshya (ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ), Sandhi (ସନ୍ଧି), Samasa (ସମାସ), Taddhita (ତଦ୍ଧିତ), Krudanta (କୃଦନ୍ତ), Rudhi (ରୁଢ଼ି), Pratisabda (ପ୍ରତିଶବ୍ଦ), Biparita Sabda (ବିପରୀତ ଶବ୍ଦ).
- Composition: Essay Writing (ପ୍ରବନ୍ଧ ରଚନା), Letter Writing (ଚିଠି ଲେଖିବା).
- Translation: English to Odia & Odia to English.
- Comprehension: Unseen Passage.
E. Logical Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning: Analogies, Similarities & Differences, Space Visualization, Problem Solving, Analysis, Judgment, Decision Making, Visual Memory, Discrimination, Observation, Relationship Concepts, Arithmetical Reasoning, Verbal & Figure Classification, Arithmetical Number1 Series, Non-verbal series.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: Series, Mirror Images, Water Images, Cube and Dice, Paper Folding and Cutting, Embedded Figures, Figure Completion.
- Analytical Reasoning: Syllogism, Inequality, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction & Distance, Order & Ranking, Data Sufficiency (for Mains).
F. Computer Knowledge (for Mains & Skill Test)
- Fundamentals of Computer: Hardware, Software, Operating Systems (especially MS Windows).
- MS Office: MS Word (Editing and formatting text and paragraph, Page and Paragraph Setup), MS Excel (Formulas, Functions, Data Management), MS PowerPoint (Creating and editing presentations).
- Internet: Basic concepts, browsers, email.
- Computer Networks: LAN, WAN (basic understanding).
- Cyber Security: Basic concepts, anti-virus.
- Shortcut Keys.
3. Odisha RI Cutoff
The cutoff marks for the OSSSC RI exam (part of CRE) are highly dynamic and depend on factors like:
- Number of vacancies
- Overall difficulty level of the exam
- Number of candidates who appeared
- Performance of the candidates
- Category of the candidate (General, SC, ST, SEBC, EWS, PwD)
- Specific post applied for (though CRE aims for some commonality)
General Trends for OSSSC CRE (including RI) – Illustrative Expected Cutoffs (Out of 100 for Prelims, 180 for Mains):
Prelims Expected Cutoff (Out of 100)
- General: 70-75
- OBC/SEBC: 65-70
- SC: 60-65
- ST: 55-60
- Female Candidates: 55-60 (often slightly lower than male counterparts in respective categories)
- PwD: 50-55
Mains Expected Cutoff (Out of 180)
- Specific cutoffs for Mains are generally higher as these determine the merit list. These are not always released by category directly by the commission but are derived from merit lists. Candidates should aim for a score well above 70% to be competitive.
- For example, previous Mains cutoffs have shown varying ranges, but generally, a strong performance (e.g., 130+ out of 180 for General category) is crucial.
Important Note: These are expected/illustrative cutoffs based on previous trends. The actual cutoffs are released by OSSSC after the result declaration. Always refer to the official OSSSC website for the exact cutoffs.
4. Free PDF Details and Reference Material
Accessing free PDF study materials can significantly enhance your preparation.
A. Where to Find Free PDFs:
- OSSSC Official Website (osssc.gov.in):
- Official Notifications: Always download the latest official notification for the CRE exam, as it contains the definitive syllabus, exam pattern, and eligibility criteria.
- Previous Year Question Papers: OSSSC often uploads previous year’s question papers for various exams (including RI/ARI/Amin) in PDF format on its “Old Question Papers” section. This is an invaluable resource.
- Syllabus PDF: While not always a separate download, the detailed syllabus is usually outlined in the official recruitment advertisement PDF.
- Educational Websites and Portals:
- Many popular educational websites like Adda247, Testbook, Career Power, Free Job Alert, and others dedicated to competitive exams provide free PDF notes, daily current affairs, quizzes, and compiled study materials. Search specifically for “Odisha RI Syllabus PDF,” “OSSSC CRE Previous Year Papers PDF,” “Odisha GK PDF,” or “Odia Grammar for OSSSC exams PDF.”
- These sites often have dedicated sections for Odisha government exams.
- Telegram Channels & Groups:
- Numerous Telegram channels and groups dedicated to Odisha competitive exams frequently share free PDFs for current affairs, static GK, practice questions, and notes. Joining these can provide a wealth of readily available resources.
- Scribd/SlideShare:
- You might find user-uploaded notes, compiled GK facts, or question banks on platforms like Scribd or SlideShare. (Verify the authenticity and accuracy of such content).
B. Types of PDFs to Look For:
- Official Notification & Syllabus PDF: Essential for clarity.
- Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions: Critical for understanding exam trends and practicing.
- Subject-wise Notes:
- Mathematics: Formula sheets, topic-wise solved examples.
- General Studies: Concise notes on Indian History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Odisha GK, and daily/monthly current affairs compilations.
- English & Odia: Grammar rules, vocabulary lists (synonyms, antonyms, idioms), practice exercises.
- Computer: Basic computer fundamentals, MS Office shortcut keys and functionalities.
- Practice Sets & Mock Test PDFs: To practice under timed conditions.
By systematically going through the syllabus, practicing with the exam pattern, analyzing previous year’s cutoffs, and leveraging the available free PDF resources, you can effectively prepare for the Odisha RI examination. Always cross-reference information with the official OSSSC website for the most accurate and up-to-date details.