OCS, OJS results 2022: A sneak peek into the delay and allegations

A few days back, it came to the fore that the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) and the Odisha Judicial Services (OJS) results are getting delayed due to unavailability of examiners to evaluate descriptive papers of the exams. 

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC), in a letter to the State Higher Education Department, said that it is unable to find suitable professors and associate professors for the evaluation of the papers. The Commission also urged the department to submit the list of serving faculties of government colleges and universities whose services can be spared for evaluation.

Now, the question arises as to why Odisha has to face such a situation where lakhs of judicial and civil services aspirants face such a problem amid their struggle to crack the top examinations.

First, it is believed that exams like OCS and OJS are not being conducted seriously. 

"UPSC conducts the civil services exam every year and also publishes the result in time. But, in Odisha, it seems enough importance is not being given to OCS and OJS exams even though the future of lakhs of students are associated with it," said Professor Ajit Mohanty.

How can this ‘examiner’ issue be resolved?

A proper database of examiners can be the best one to address the problem. "UPSC has a proper database of the examiners. I don't think Odisha has one. So, we also need to have a similar database of examiners including their address of stay and contact numbers. And, this database should be revised at regular intervals," said Mohanty.

Besides, it is not that only those in service can check exam papers. The State should also have details of the retired professors and those outside the State (who can check papers in Odia language) so that they can also be roped in, in case of necessity.

Is corruption a stumbling block in the recruitment process in Odisha?

On several occasions, it is believed that the exam conducting agencies like the OPSC are getting marred with corruption. "When an exam like the OCS is conducted, I think it is pre-decided as to who all will evaluate the papers. It is a normal process which is adopted even in evaluation of academic papers at colleges and universities. 

But, the OPSC seems unable to even carry out its primary function of conducting and announcing exams on time. The head of the commission and its members should be questioned about the actual problem,” said an educationist alleging corruption in the commission.

The OCS Mains result, which is in question, is of 2020. Prelims of the same was conducted in 2021 and the Mains in January 2022. But the result, which was to be declared in August, is yet to be declared and after eight months, the OPSC is now searching for examiners.