Orissa High Court Considers Special Exam for Candidates Affected by Cyclone

Court's Directive to Odisha Government and OPSC

Bhubaneswar: The Orissa High Court has instructed the Odisha government and the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) to investigate the possibility of conducting a special examination for candidates who were unable to attend the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Main Examination, 2025, due to the cyclone and subsequent flooding in southern Odisha. This consideration is for those who were willing and eligible to participate in the exam.

A Division Bench comprising Justice S.K. Panigrahi and Justice Murahari Raman reviewed a petition from Rashmi Narayan Patnaik and requested comprehensive reports from both the State and OPSC to determine the extent of disruption and the number of candidates impacted by the natural disaster.

The Bench noted that candidates who missed the examination due to an extraordinary natural disaster should not be treated the same as those who were absent for personal reasons or lack of preparation. It emphasized the need to establish the complete factual situation before any relief can be granted.

The court has ordered the Chief Secretary to submit an affidavit outlining the districts affected by the cyclone and floods, the duration of the disruption, the impact on transportation services, and whether any areas were officially designated as calamity-affected. Reports from district Collectors regarding public movement disruptions have also been requested.

Additionally, the OPSC Secretary is required to provide details on the total number of candidates who received admit cards, attendance figures by examination center and date, and the number of candidates from the impacted districts, especially those who chose examination centers in Brahmapur and Jayapur but could not attend.

The Commission must also report on any representations received from candidates regarding the natural disaster, the actions taken in response, and whether rescheduling the examination or any specific paper was considered. Information about the recruitment schedule, including evaluation, result declaration, and personality tests, has also been requested.

Furthermore, the Bench has asked the authorities to clarify how candidates genuinely affected by the calamity could be identified and verified, the implications of a special examination for those who have already taken the test, the potential need for normalization, and the impact on the recruitment timeline.

Affidavits are to be submitted by November 6, when the case will be reviewed again.