OSSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Exam Syllabus
The Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination is a significant recruitment drive for various Group B and Group C posts under the Government of Odisha. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the OSSC CGL syllabus, exam pattern, eligibility criteria, previous year cutoffs, and tips for finding free PDF study materials.
OSSC CGL Recruitment Process
The OSSC CGL selection process typically involves the following stages:
- Preliminary Examination: An objective type online/offline test.
- Main Written Examination: A more comprehensive objective test.
- Computer Skill Test (for certain posts): A qualifying test to assess computer proficiency.
- Certificate Verification: Verification of educational and other relevant documents.
Important Dates (Tentative for 2025, based on recent trends)
While the official notification for OSSC CGL 2025 will be released by the Commission, here are some tentative dates based on recent patterns:
- OSSC CGL Notification Release: Dates vary, but often in the first half of the year.
- Online Application Start & End Dates: To be announced with the notification.
- Prelims Exam Date: Typically a few months after the application window closes. (e.g., April 13, 2025, though it was postponed for the previous cycle).
- Mains Exam Date: To be announced after Prelims results.
OSSC CGL Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the OSSC CGL exam:
- Nationality: Indian Citizen.
- Age Limit:
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 38 years (as of a specified cut-off date, usually January 1 of the notification year).
- Age relaxations are applicable for reserved categories (SC, ST, SEBC, Women, PwD, Ex-servicemen) as per Odisha government rules.
- Educational Qualification:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized University or any equivalent qualification recognized by the Central/State Government.
- Proficiency in Odia Language: Candidates must have passed the M.E. School Examination with Odia as a language subject or have completed the HSC exam from an Odia medium school, or passed a test in Odia of M.E. School standard conducted by the School & Mass Education Department, Government of Odisha.
- Computer Proficiency: Aspirants should have proficiency in computer skills (e.g., MS Office, Internet, email, data analysis & presentation) or a certification in computer basics from PGDCA.
OSSC CGL Exam Pattern
The OSSC CGL exam is conducted in two main stages: Prelims and Mains.
1. OSSC CGL Prelims Exam Pattern
The Preliminary Examination is a qualifying test. Its marks are generally not counted for the final merit list, but candidates must clear it to appear for the Mains.
| Subjects | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic & Data Interpretation | 150 | 150 | 150 Minutes |
| Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability, General Mental Ability | |||
| Current Events of National & International Importance | |||
| Computer / Internet Awareness | |||
| Odisha Economy, Odisha History, Odisha Geography, Odisha Heritage & Culture |
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- Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ).
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
- Standard: The difficulty level of the questions is generally of 10th Standard.
2. OSSC CGL Mains Exam Pattern
The Main Written Examination is crucial as the marks obtained in this phase determine the final merit list.
| Paper | Subject | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Language (English and Odia) | 100 | 2.5 Hours |
| Paper II | General Knowledge, Arithmetic Ability, Computer Awareness, Data Interpretation, and Reasoning | 100 | 2.5 Hours |
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- Type of Questions: Mostly MCQ-based, with some descriptive parts in Paper I (English and Odia).
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd or 1/4th of the marks for wrong answers (details specified in the official notification, usually 0.25 marks).
- Standard: The difficulty level is generally of 12th Standard or Graduation level for respective subjects.
- Computer Skill Test: A practical skill test in Computer Application (qualifying nature, marks not added to the final merit) is conducted for certain posts like Auditor, Inspector of Supplies, Junior Assistant/Junior Clerk.
OSSC CGL Syllabus
A detailed understanding of the syllabus for both Prelims and Mains is vital for effective preparation.
OSSC CGL Prelims Syllabus
- Arithmetic & Data Interpretation (10th Standard):
- Simplification, Decimals & Fractions, HCF & LCM
- Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Profit & Loss, Discount
- Simple & Compound Interest, Mensuration, Time & Work, Time & Distance
- Data Interpretation (Graphs, Charts, Tables, Data Sufficiency)
- Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability, General Mental Ability:
- Verbal & Non-verbal reasoning, Analogies, Similarities & Differences
- Space Visualization, Problem Solving, Decision Making, Visual Memory
- Observation & Judgment, Relationship Concepts, Number Series, Arithmetical Reasoning
- Coding-Decoding, Syllogism, Inequality, Direction & Distance, Blood Relations.
- Current Events of National & International Importance:
- National and International News, Major Government Schemes, Awards, Sports, Books & Authors.
- Defence, Science & Technology, Important Days, Summits & Conferences.
- Computer / Internet Awareness:
- Computer Fundamentals, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
- Internet & Browsers, Networking (LAN/WAN), Windows Operating System
- Cyber Security & Anti-virus, Email and Communication Technology, Basic Programming Concepts.
- Odisha Economy, Odisha History, Odisha Geography, Odisha Heritage & Culture (10th Standard):
- Physical Geography of Odisha (Rivers, Coastal, Central Zones), Flora & Fauna.
- Ancient & Modern History of Odisha, Cultural Diversity, Famous Festivals.
- Tribal Communities, Art & Handicrafts, Linguistic Diversity.
- Economy of Odisha (Agriculture, Industries, Budget, etc.).
OSSC CGL Mains Syllabus
Paper I: Language (English and Odia)
- English Language:
- Sentence Arrangement, Fill in the Blanks, Spotting Errors, Antonyms & Synonyms
- Prepositions, Transformation of Sentences, Direct & Indirect Speech, Active & Passive Voice
- Idioms & Phrases, Reading Comprehension, Passage Completion, Joining Sentences, Punctuation.
- Odia Language:
- Grammar (Sabda, Barna, Bachana, Karaka, Bivakti, Biseshan, Biseshya, Karma, Abaya, Sandhi, Samasa, Taddhita, Krudrata)
- Vocabulary (Rudi, Pratisabda, Biparita Sabda), Comprehension of Unseen Passage
- Essay Writing (within 250 words), Letter Writing (Formal & Informal), English to Odia Translation (approx. 100 words).
Paper II: General Knowledge, Arithmetic Ability, Computer Awareness, Data Interpretation, and Reasoning
- General Knowledge:
- Indian Constitution (Basic Rights, Duties, Provisions)
- Indian Economy (National Income, Agriculture, Money & Banking, Budget)
- History of India (Ancient, Medieval, Modern), History of Odisha.
- Geography of India & the World (Climate, Vegetation, Resources, Rivers, Lakes, Industries, Transport)
- General Environmental Issues, Climate Change Initiatives.
- General Science and Technology, Socio-Economic Developments.
- Current Events of State and National Importance.
- Arithmetic Ability: (Higher level than Prelims)
- All Prelims topics with more complex problems.
- Probability, Permutation & Combination (basic concepts may be included).
- Computer Awareness: (More in-depth than Prelims)
- Advanced concepts of MS Office, Networking (LAN/WAN, network security), Operating Systems.
- Basic knowledge of programming concepts, Web Servers, Cyber Security.
- Data Interpretation: (More complex sets, caselets, data sufficiency)
- Reasoning: (Advanced level of logical reasoning)
- Machine Input-Output, Data Sufficiency (with multiple statements)
- Critical Reasoning (Statement & Assumptions, Conclusion, Course of Action, Cause & Effect).
OSSC CGL Cutoff
The cutoff marks for the OSSC CGL exam depend on various factors:
- Number of vacancies
- Difficulty level of the examination
- Number of candidates appeared
- Category of the candidate
- Specific post applied for (as some posts might have different cutoffs due to additional skill tests)
Cutoffs are released separately for the Prelims and Mains stages, and also category-wise.
OSSC CGL Prelims Cutoff (Illustrative – Previous Years General Category)
- Typical Range: The Prelims cutoff can vary significantly but often falls in the range of 50-70 out of 150 marks for the general category. For example, for some posts in previous years, cutoffs were around 114 (Computer Programmer), 116 (Market Intelligence Inspector), 112.75 (Statistical Assistant). These vary greatly by post.
- Factors to Note: For the 2023 exam cycle, the Prelims exam was 150 marks. For example, some general category cutoffs for specific posts were 77.25 (Ex-Servicemen), 58.75 (PwD Category-I Male) for the 2024 Prelims (as per one source).
OSSC CGL Mains Cutoff (Illustrative – Previous Years General Category)
- Typical Range: The Mains exam is out of 200 marks. Previous year Mains cutoffs for General category have often been in the range of 75-95 depending on the specific post and year.
- Expected Cutoff for 2025 (as per some sources, based on past trends):
- UR: 70-75 (out of 100 for a paper, or generally high for the overall 200 marks).
- OBC: 65-70
- SC: 60-65
- ST: 55-60
(Note: These are illustrative figures and subject to change based on actual exam conditions. Always refer to the official OSSC website for the exact cutoffs once released.)
Free PDF Study Material for OSSC CGL
Finding free PDF study materials can significantly aid your OSSC CGL preparation. Here’s what to look for and where:
- Official OSSC Website: Always check the official website (ossc.gov.in) for the latest notification, syllabus PDF, and sometimes even previous year’s question papers. The revised Prelims syllabus PDF is usually available here.
- Educational Websites/Blogs: Many competitive exam preparation platforms like Study.IQ, Physics Wallah, Adda247, Testbook, Prepp, JagranJosh, etc., provide free articles, daily current affairs, and often direct download links for topic-wise notes, practice questions, and previous year’s papers in PDF format. Search for “OSSC CGL Syllabus PDF,” “OSSC CGL Previous Year Papers PDF,” or “OSSC CGL Study Material PDF.”
- Telegram Channels/Facebook Groups: Numerous dedicated Telegram channels and Facebook groups for OSSC exams share free study materials, daily quizzes, and current affairs updates in PDF format.
- Government Publications: For General Knowledge and Odia-specific topics, you might find relevant government publications or school textbooks for Odisha history, geography, and culture.
- Current Affairs Compilations: Look for monthly or yearly current affairs PDFs from various educational portals.
Types of PDFs to prioritize:
- Official Syllabus PDF: Essential for understanding the exact topics.
- Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions: Crucial for understanding the exam pattern and difficulty.
- Topic-wise Notes: For areas where you need to strengthen your fundamentals.
- Practice Sets/Quizzes: For regular practice and self-assessment.
- Current Affairs Digests: To stay updated on national, international, and Odisha-specific events.
