OPSC ASO Complete Syllabus 2026: Exam Pattern, Subject-Wise Topics and Computer Skill Test

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) conducts the Assistant Section Officer (ASO) recruitment examination to select eligible candidates for the Odisha Secretariat Service. Candidates preparing for the OPSC ASO Examination should understand the complete syllabus, examination pattern, marks distribution and computer skill test before starting their preparation.

As per the syllabus provided, the examination consists of three written papers carrying 400 marks, followed by a Computer Application Skill Test carrying 50 marks. The written examination covers General Awareness, Reasoning and Mental Ability, Mathematics, English and Odia.

OPSC ASO Syllabus 2026 – Overview

Particulars	Details
Recruiting Authority	Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC)
Post Name	Assistant Section Officer (ASO)
Examination	OPSC ASO Written Examination
Written Papers	3
Total Written Marks	400
Computer Skill Test	50 Marks
Examination Type	Objective (MCQ), except practical skill test
Negative Marking	0.25 marks for each wrong answer
Mathematics Standard	10th Standard Level
Official Website	https://www.opsc.gov.in/

OPSC ASO Exam Pattern 2026

The examination scheme consists of four papers. The first three papers are written examinations, while Paper IV is a practical computer application test.

Paper	Subject	Marks	Questions	Duration
Paper I	General Awareness	100	100	1½ Hours
Paper II (A)	Reasoning & Mental Ability	50	50	1½ Hours*
Paper II (B)	Mathematics (10th Standard Level)	50	50	Included above
Paper III (A)	English	100	100	2 Hours*
Paper III (B)	Odia	100	100	Included above
Paper IV	Computer Application (Practical)	50	5	1 Hour

Paper II duration is for Reasoning and Mathematics together. Paper III duration is for English and Odia together.

Important Examination Instructions

• All questions in the written examination are of Multiple-Choice Type (MCQ).
• Each written question carries 1 mark.
• A deduction of 0.25 marks applies for every incorrect answer.
• No negative marking is specified for unattempted questions.
• Candidates must answer in English except for the Odia language paper or where otherwise specified.
• Only candidates shortlisted after the written examination will be called for the Computer Skill Test.
• The Computer Skill Test is qualifying in nature.

Paper I – General Awareness (100 Marks)

Paper I tests candidates’ knowledge of national and international events, Indian history, geography, the Constitution, governance, economy, science and other important general awareness topics.

The detailed syllabus includes the following subjects:

1. Current National Events

• Important national events and developments.
• Recent developments in India.
• Major government initiatives and programmes.
• Important national-level announcements and developments.

2. Current International Events

• Important international events.
• Major global developments.
• International relations and important developments across countries.

3. History of British Rule in India and Freedom Struggle

• History of British rule in India.
• Important events during British rule.
• Indian freedom struggle.
• Major developments associated with India’s independence movement.

4. Indian Constitution

• Indian Constitution.
• Important constitutional provisions and features.
• Constitutional framework of India.

5. World Physical Geography

• Salient features of world physical geography.
• Important physical features of the world.

6. Physical Geography of India and Odisha

• Physical geography of India.
• Physical geography of Odisha.
• Important geographical features of the country and state.

7. Governance, Economy and Public Administration

• Governance.
• Transparency and accountability.
• E-governance.
• Role of civil services in democracy.
• Indian economy.
• Planning, growth and development.
• Employment-related issues.
• Poverty alleviation.
• Resource mobilisation.
• Inflation.

8. Defence and Indian Armed Forces

• Defence-related topics.
• Indian Armed Forces.
• Important aspects of India’s defence system.

9. Science and Environment

• Scientific inventions.
• Use of science in everyday life.
• Environmental issues.
• Ecology.
• Biodiversity.
• Climate change.

10. National and International Institutions

• Important national institutions.
• Important international institutions.
• Organisations and international forums.
• Structure and mandate of important institutions and organisations.

Paper II – Reasoning, Mental Ability and Mathematics (100 Marks)

Paper II consists of two sections:

• Section A: Test of Reasoning and Mental Ability – 50 marks.
• Section B: Mathematics (10th Standard Level) – 50 marks.

Both sections are conducted within a combined duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes.

A. Test of Reasoning and Mental Ability (50 Marks)

The syllabus covers both verbal and non-verbal reasoning.

Verbal Reasoning

1. Number Series
2. Alphabet Series
3. Test of Direction Sense
4. Coding-Decoding
5. Number Ranking
6. Arithmetic Reasoning
7. Problems of Age Calculation

Non-Verbal Reasoning

1. Non-Verbal Series
2. Mirror Images
3. Cubes and Dice
4. Grouping Identical Figures
5. Embedded Figures, etc.

Candidates should practise both numerical and visual reasoning questions to improve accuracy and speed.

B. Mathematics (50 Marks)

The Mathematics section is based on the 10th Standard level. The syllabus specifically mentions the following areas:

1. Arithmetic

• Arithmetic-based problems.

2. Algebra

• Algebraic problems and calculations.

3. Mensuration (2D and 3D)

• Two-dimensional mensuration.
• Three-dimensional mensuration.

4. Statistics and Probability

• Statistics.
• Probability.

The syllabus lists these broad topics but does not specify a separate marks distribution for each individual topic.

Paper III – Language (200 Marks)

Paper III consists of two language sections:

• English – 100 Marks.
• Odia – 100 Marks.

The combined duration of Paper III is 2 hours.

A. English (100 Marks)

The English section is designed to test grammar, vocabulary, comprehension and sentence arrangement.

1. Grammar

• Verb.
• Preposition.
• Adverb.
• Subject-Verb Agreement.
• Error Correction / Recognition.
• Tenses.
• Fill in the Blanks with Articles, etc.

2. Vocabulary

• Synonyms.
• Antonyms.
• Vocabulary-based questions.

3. Comprehension

• Reading comprehension.
• Understanding passages.
• Questions based on the given passage.

4. Sentence Rearrangement

• Rearrangement of sentences.
• Correct sentence sequence.
• Logical arrangement of sentences.

B. Odia (100 Marks)

The Odia language syllabus includes grammar, language knowledge, comprehension and sentence rearrangement.

1. Grammar (ବ୍ୟାକରଣ)

• କ୍ରିୟା
• ବାକ୍ୟ ସଂଶୋଧନ / ଚିହ୍ନଟ
• କାଳ – ଅତୀତ, ବର୍ତ୍ତମାନ ଓ ଭବିଷ୍ୟତ

2. Language Knowledge (ଭାଷାଜ୍ଞାନ ପରୀକ୍ଷା)

• ପ୍ରତିଶବ୍ଦ
• ବିପରୀତ ଅର୍ଥବୋଧକ ଶବ୍ଦ
• କ୍ରିୟା ବିଶେଷଣ
• କର୍ତ୍ତା-କ୍ରିୟା ସମ୍ବନ୍ଧ

3. Comprehension (ଅନୁଚ୍ଛେଦ)

• Passage-based questions.
• Understanding and interpreting the given passage.

4. Sentence Rearrangement (ବାକ୍ୟ ପୁନର୍ବିନ୍ୟାସ)

• Rearrangement of sentences.
• Correct arrangement of sentences.

Candidates should practise Odia grammar, vocabulary and passage-based questions regularly.

Paper IV – Skill Test in Computer Application (Practical)

The Computer Application Skill Test is the final examination component for candidates shortlisted after the written examination.

Particulars	Details
Test Name	Skill Test in Computer Application
Test Type	Practical
Maximum Marks	50
Number of Tasks / Questions	5
Duration	1 Hour
Nature	Qualifying

Complete Computer Skill Test Syllabus

The syllabus specifically mentions:

1. Windows

• Windows operating system.
• Basic Windows operations and usage.

2. MS Office

The following applications are included:

• MS Word
• MS Excel
• MS PowerPoint

3. MS Access

• Microsoft Access.
• Basic database application usage.

4. Usage of Internet Services

• Use of internet services.
• Basic internet-related operations.

Candidates should gain practical experience in using Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Access and internet services.

Important: The Computer Skill Test is qualifying in nature. Only candidates shortlisted after the written examination are called for this test.

OPSC ASO Syllabus 2026 – Subject-Wise Marks Distribution

Subject	Marks
General Awareness	100
Reasoning and Mental Ability	50
Mathematics	50
English	100
Odia	100
Total Written Examination	400
Computer Skill Test	50

Preparation Tips for OPSC ASO Examination

Candidates should prepare according to the official subject-wise syllabus and give appropriate attention to all examination papers.

1. General Awareness: Read national and international current affairs and revise Indian history, the Constitution, geography, governance, economy and Odisha-related geography.
2. Reasoning: Practise number series, alphabet series, coding-decoding, direction sense, age problems and non-verbal reasoning regularly.
3. Mathematics: Revise fundamental concepts of arithmetic, algebra, mensuration, statistics and probability at the 10th Standard level.
4. English: Focus on grammar, vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms, comprehension and sentence rearrangement.
5. Odia: Practise Odia grammar, vocabulary, comprehension and sentence rearrangement.
6. Computer: Practise MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Windows and internet services on a computer.
7. Mock Tests: Attempt timed practice tests to improve speed, accuracy and time management.

Important Points to Remember

• The written examination carries 400 marks.
• The Computer Skill Test carries 50 marks and is qualifying in nature.
• Paper I consists of 100 General Awareness questions.
• Paper II combines 50 Reasoning questions and 50 Mathematics questions.
• Paper III combines 100 English questions and 100 Odia questions.
• The written examination has negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
• Mathematics is based on the 10th Standard level.
• The Computer Skill Test includes Windows, MS Office, MS Access and Internet Services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many papers are there in the OPSC ASO examination?

There are three written examination papers and one practical Computer Application Skill Test.

2. What is the total mark of the OPSC ASO written examination?

The written examination carries a total of 400 marks.

3. How many marks are allotted for General Awareness?

General Awareness carries 100 marks.

4. What is the Mathematics syllabus for OPSC ASO?

Mathematics includes Arithmetic, Algebra, Mensuration (2D and 3D), Statistics and Probability. The standard is Class 10.

5. What is the Reasoning syllabus for OPSC ASO?

It includes Number Series, Alphabet Series, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, Number Ranking, Arithmetic Reasoning, Age Calculation, Non-Verbal Series, Mirror Images, Cubes and Dice, Grouping Identical Figures and Embedded Figures.

6. What topics are included in the English syllabus?

English includes Grammar, Verb, Preposition, Adverb, Subject-Verb Agreement, Error Correction, Tenses, Articles, Vocabulary, Synonyms, Antonyms, Comprehension and Sentence Rearrangement.

7. Is Odia included in the OPSC ASO written examination?

Yes. Odia is included in Paper III and carries 100 marks.

8. What is the syllabus for the OPSC ASO Computer Skill Test?

The practical test covers Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Access and Internet Services.

9. Is the OPSC ASO Computer Skill Test qualifying in nature?

Yes. The Computer Skill Test is qualifying in nature, and only candidates shortlisted after the written examination are called for it.

10. Is there negative marking in the OPSC ASO written examination?

Yes. 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.

Important Links