Prelims Syllabus of opsc oas Exam 2024

Prelims Syllabus of OPSC OAS Exam 2024

General Studies (Paper-I)

1. History of Odisha

• Ancient Period:
  • Indus Valley Civilization and its influence on Odisha.
  • Vedic Period and the emergence of Aryan culture in Odisha.
  • Mahajanapadas and the rise of Kalinga.
  • Ashoka’s conquest of Kalinga and its impact on Odisha.
  • The Satavahana and the Kushana periods in Odisha.
  • The rise of the Ganga Dynasty and the Sailodbhava Dynasty.
• Medieval Period:
  • The Somavamsi and the Bhaumakara dynasties.
  • The rise of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty and their contribution to art and architecture.
  • The rule of the Suryavamsi Gajapati Kings and their expansionist policies.
  • The Mughal and Maratha influence in Odisha.
• Modern Period:
  • The British conquest of Odisha and the establishment of the British East India Company.
  • The Paika Rebellion and its significance.
  • The socio-religious reform movements in Odisha.
  • The struggle for independence and the role of prominent leaders from Odisha.
  • The integration of Odisha into the Indian Union.

2. Geography of Odisha

• Physical Geography:
  • Physiography of Odisha: Coastal plains, Eastern Ghats, and the Central Plateau.
  • Major rivers and their tributaries: Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani, and others.
  • Climate and rainfall patterns.
  • Natural vegetation and wildlife.
  • Soil types and their distribution.
• Human Geography:
  • Population distribution and density.
  • Major cities and towns.
  • Agriculture and its importance in the economy.
  • Industries and their location.
  • Transportation and communication infrastructure.
• Environmental Issues:
  • Deforestation and its impact.
  • Pollution (air, water, and soil).
  • Climate change and its effects on Odisha.
  • Disaster management and preparedness.

3. Indian Polity and Governance

• Constitution of India:
  • Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy.
  • Union, State, and Local Governments.
  • Parliament and State Legislatures.
  • Judiciary and its role.
  • Constitutional bodies and their functions.
• Political System:
  • Party system and its evolution.
  • Electoral process and reforms.
  • Pressure groups and their influence.
  • Public opinion and its impact on policymaking.
• Governance and Administration:
  • Administrative structure and its functioning.
  • Panchayati Raj Institutions and their role.
  • Urban local bodies and their functions.
  • Public policy and its implementation.
  • Good governance and transparency.

4. Indian Economy

• Basic Concepts:
  • National Income and its measurement.
  • Inflation and its causes.
  • Poverty and inequality.
  • Unemployment and its types.
• Economic Development:
  • Planning and its role in economic development.
  • Industrialization and its impact.
  • Agriculture and its contribution to the economy.
  • Infrastructure development and its importance.
  • Foreign trade and its role in economic growth.
• Current Economic Issues:
  • Fiscal deficit and public debt.
  • Monetary policy and its impact.
  • Globalization and its effects on the Indian economy.
  • Sustainable development and environmental concerns.

5. General Science

• Physics:
  • Basic concepts of motion, force, and energy.
  • Heat, light, and sound.
  • Electricity and magnetism.
  • Modern physics: Atomic structure, nuclear physics, and relativity.
• Chemistry:
  • Matter and its properties.
  • Chemical reactions and stoichiometry.
  • Acids, bases, and salts.
  • Organic chemistry: Basic concepts and functional groups.
• Biology:
  • Cell structure and function.
  • Human physiology and health.
  • Plant physiology and reproduction.
  • Evolution and biodiversity.
  • Environmental science and its importance.

6. Current Events of National and International Importance

• National Events:
  • Major political, economic, and social developments in India.
  • Important government policies and schemes.
  • National security and defense issues.
  • Science and technology advancements in India.
• International Events:
  • Global political and economic trends.
  • Major international organizations and their role.
  • International relations and diplomacy.
  • Conflicts and peace initiatives.
  • Environmental issues and global warming.

General Studies (Paper-II)

1. Odisha Economy

• Agriculture:
  • Major crops and their production.
  • Irrigation facilities and their impact.
  • Agricultural marketing and price fluctuations.
  • Government policies and schemes for agricultural development.
• Industry:
  • Major industries in Odisha: Steel, mining, power, and others.
  • Industrial policy and its impact.
  • Infrastructure development and its role in industrial growth.
  • Employment generation and industrial disputes.
• Services Sector:
  • Growth of the services sector in Odisha.
  • Tourism and its potential.
  • Information technology and its impact.
  • Financial services and their role in the economy.
• Economic Issues:
  • Poverty and inequality in Odisha.
  • Unemployment and its causes.
  • Regional disparities in economic development.
  • Sustainable development and environmental concerns.

2. Odisha Society and Culture

• Social Structure:
  • Caste system and its impact on Odisha society.
  • Tribal communities and their culture.
  • Gender issues and women’s empowerment.
  • Social reform movements and their influence.
• Culture and Heritage:
  • Art, literature, music, and dance forms of Odisha.
  • Temples, monuments, and historical sites.
  • Festivals and traditions.
  • Language and its evolution.
• Education and Health:
  • Educational institutions and their role.
  • Literacy rates and challenges.
  • Health infrastructure and its development.
  • Public health issues and their solutions.

3. Odisha History and Geography

• History:
  • The rise and fall of various dynasties in Odisha.
  • The impact of foreign invasions on Odisha.
  • The socio-religious movements in Odisha.
  • The struggle for independence and the role of Odisha leaders.
  • The integration of Odisha into the Indian Union.
• Geography:
  • Physical features of Odisha: Coastal plains, Eastern Ghats, and the Central Plateau.
  • Major rivers and their tributaries.
  • Climate and rainfall patterns.
  • Natural vegetation and wildlife.
  • Soil types and their distribution.
  • Environmental issues and their impact.

4. Odisha Administration and Governance

• Administrative Structure:
  • The Governor, Chief Minister, and the Council of Ministers.
  • The Odisha Legislative Assembly and its functions.
  • The Judiciary and its role.
  • The Panchayati Raj Institutions and their role.
  • Urban local bodies and their functions.
• Governance and Public Policy:
  • Important government policies and schemes.
  • Public service delivery and its challenges.
  • Corruption and its impact on governance.
  • Good governance and transparency.
  • Disaster management and preparedness.

5. Odisha Development and Planning

• Five-Year Plans:
  • The role of planning in Odisha’s development.
  • Major achievements and challenges of the Five-Year Plans.
  • The focus of recent plans on infrastructure, industry, and social development.
• Development Programmes:
  • Government schemes for poverty alleviation, education, health, and other sectors.
  • The impact of these programmes on Odisha’s development.
  • Challenges in implementing development programmes.
• Sustainable Development:
  • Environmental concerns and their impact on Odisha’s development.
  • The need for sustainable development practices.
  • Government initiatives for sustainable development.

6. Odisha Current Affairs

• Political Developments:
  • Major political events and their impact on Odisha.
  • The role of political parties and leaders.
  • Elections and their outcomes.
• Economic Developments:
  • Major economic trends and their impact on Odisha.
  • Government policies and schemes for economic development.
  • Industrial growth and its challenges.
  • Agriculture and its contribution to the economy.
• Social Developments:
  • Social issues and their impact on Odisha society.
  • Government initiatives for social development.
  • Education, health, and other social sectors.
• Environmental Issues:
  • Environmental concerns and their impact on Odisha.
  • Government initiatives for environmental protection.
  • Disaster management and preparedness.

Table 1: Odisha’s Major Industries

Industry	Location	Products	Significance
Steel	Rourkela, Bhilai, Jajpur	Steel, iron ore	Major contributor to Odisha’s economy, provides employment, and contributes to infrastructure development.
Mining	Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj	Iron ore, bauxite, coal, manganese	Provides raw materials for various industries, generates revenue for the state, and supports employment.
Power	Hirakud, Talcher, Jharsuguda	Electricity	Provides power to industries and households, supports economic growth, and contributes to infrastructure development.
Aluminium	Angul, Sambalpur	Aluminium, alumina	Contributes to the metal industry, provides employment, and supports infrastructure development.
Textiles	Cuttack, Balasore, Berhampur	Cotton textiles, silk textiles	Provides employment, contributes to the economy, and supports traditional crafts.

Table 2: Odisha’s Major Tourist Destinations

Destination	Location	Significance
Puri	Coastal Odisha	Famous for the Jagannath Temple, the Golden Beach, and the Konark Sun Temple.
Bhubaneswar	Capital of Odisha	Known as the “Temple City,” with numerous ancient temples and historical sites.
Konark	Coastal Odisha	Home to the Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its intricate carvings and architectural brilliance.
Cuttack	Central Odisha	Known for its historical significance, the Barabati Fort, and the Bali Yatra festival.
Chilika Lake	Coastal Odisha	Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, a bird sanctuary, and a popular tourist destination.
Simlipal National Park	Mayurbhanj district	A biodiversity hotspot, home to various wildlife species, including tigers, elephants, and leopards.
Dhauli	Near Bhubaneswar	A historical site, known for the Ashoka’s Rock Edict, and the Shanti Stupa.
Hirakud Dam	Sambalpur	The world’s largest earthen dam, a popular tourist destination, and a source of irrigation and power.
Nandankanan Zoological Park	Near Bhubaneswar	A popular zoo, home to a wide variety of animals, including lions, tigers, elephants, and birds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers for OPSC OAS Exam 2024 Prelims Syllabus

History of Odisha:

• Q: What was the significance of Ashoka’s conquest of Kalinga?
  • A: It marked a turning point in Ashoka’s life, leading him to embrace Buddhism and promote peace and non-violence. It also led to the spread of Buddhism in Odisha.
• Q: Who were the Ganga Dynasty and what were their major contributions?
  • A: The Ganga Dynasty ruled Odisha for over 700 years, known for their patronage of art and architecture, particularly the construction of temples like the Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar.
• Q: What was the Paika Rebellion and its significance?
  • A: It was a major uprising against the British East India Company in 1817, led by the Paikas, a warrior class in Odisha. It demonstrated the resistance against British rule and highlighted the importance of local traditions.

Geography of Odisha:

• Q: What are the major rivers of Odisha and their significance?
  • A: The Mahanadi, Brahmani, and Baitarani are the major rivers, vital for irrigation, transportation, and the economy of Odisha.
• Q: What are the major soil types found in Odisha?
  • A: Odisha has diverse soil types, including alluvial, laterite, red, and black soils, each suitable for different agricultural practices.
• Q: What are the major environmental challenges facing Odisha?
  • A: Deforestation, pollution, and climate change are major concerns, impacting biodiversity, water resources, and the overall environment.

Indian Polity and Governance:

• Q: What are the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy?
  • A: Fundamental Rights are basic freedoms guaranteed to citizens, while Directive Principles guide the state in formulating policies for social and economic justice.
• Q: What is the role of the Judiciary in India?
  • A: The Judiciary acts as the guardian of the Constitution, ensuring that laws are consistent with its provisions and protecting fundamental rights.
• Q: What are the functions of the Panchayati Raj Institutions?
  • A: They are local self-governing bodies, responsible for rural development, infrastructure, and social welfare in their respective areas.

Indian Economy:

• Q: What is the difference between inflation and deflation?
  • A: Inflation is a rise in prices, while deflation is a fall in prices, both impacting the purchasing power of consumers.
• Q: What are the major challenges facing the Indian economy?
  • A: Poverty, inequality, unemployment, and fiscal deficit are some of the major challenges, requiring effective policies and strategies for sustainable growth.
• Q: What is the role of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in the Indian economy?
  • A: The RBI acts as the central bank, responsible for monetary policy, regulating banks, and managing the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

General Science:

• Q: What is the difference between heat and temperature?
  • A: Heat is the total energy of the molecules in a substance, while temperature is the average kinetic energy of the molecules.
• Q: What is the difference between a conductor and an insulator?
  • A: Conductors allow electricity to flow easily, while insulators resist the flow of electricity.
• Q: What is the role of photosynthesis in the ecosystem?
  • A: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy, forming the basis of the food chain and providing oxygen for all living organisms.

Current Events of National and International Importance:

• Q: What are the major political developments in India?
  • A: This question requires knowledge of current events, including elections, government policies, and major political issues.
• Q: What are the major international organizations and their roles?
  • A: This question requires knowledge of organizations like the United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund, and their respective functions.
• Q: What are the major environmental issues facing the world?
  • A: This question requires knowledge of global warming, climate change, pollution, and other environmental challenges.

Odisha Economy:

• Q: What are the major industries in Odisha and their significance?
  • A: Steel, mining, power, and aluminium are major industries, contributing significantly to the state’s economy and employment.
• Q: What are the challenges facing the agricultural sector in Odisha?
  • A: Low productivity, lack of irrigation facilities, and fluctuating market prices are some of the challenges.
• Q: What are the government policies for promoting tourism in Odisha?
  • A: This question requires knowledge of government initiatives to develop tourism infrastructure, promote cultural heritage, and attract tourists.

Odisha Society and Culture:

• Q: What are the major tribal communities in Odisha and their cultural practices?
  • A: Odisha has diverse tribal communities, each with unique traditions, languages, and cultural practices.
• Q: What are the major art forms of Odisha?
  • A: Odisha is known for its rich art forms, including Odissi dance, Patachitra painting, and traditional music.
• Q: What are the major challenges facing education and healthcare in Odisha?
  • A: This question requires knowledge of issues like low literacy rates, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of access to quality healthcare.

Odisha History and Geography:

• Q: What were the major dynasties that ruled Odisha?
  • A: This question requires knowledge of dynasties like the Ganga Dynasty, the Somavamsi Dynasty, and the Gajapati Dynasty.
• Q: What are the major physical features of Odisha?
  • A: This question requires knowledge of the coastal plains, Eastern Ghats, and the Central Plateau.
• Q: What are the major environmental issues facing Odisha?
  • A: Deforestation, pollution, and climate change are major concerns, impacting biodiversity, water resources, and the overall environment.

Odisha Administration and Governance:

• Q: What is the structure of the Odisha government?
  • A: This question requires knowledge of the Governor, Chief Minister, Council of Ministers, Legislative Assembly, and Judiciary.
• Q: What are the functions of the Panchayati Raj Institutions in Odisha?
  • A: They are responsible for rural development, infrastructure, and social welfare in their respective areas.
• Q: What are the major challenges facing governance in Odisha?
  • A: This question requires knowledge of issues like corruption, lack of transparency, and inefficient public service delivery.

Odisha Development and Planning:

• Q: What is the role of planning in Odisha’s development?
  • A: Planning helps in setting priorities, allocating resources, and monitoring progress towards development goals.
• Q: What are the major government schemes for poverty alleviation in Odisha?
  • A: This question requires knowledge of schemes like the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) and other poverty reduction programs.
• Q: What are the challenges in implementing development programmes in Odisha?
  • A: This question requires knowledge of issues like corruption, lack of coordination, and inadequate infrastructure.

Odisha Current Affairs:

• Q: What are the major political events in Odisha?
  • A: This question requires knowledge of current events, including elections, government policies, and major political issues.
• Q: What are the major economic developments in Odisha?
  • A: This question requires knowledge of current economic trends, including industrial growth, agricultural performance, and government policies.
• Q: What are the major environmental issues facing Odisha?
  • A: This question requires knowledge of current environmental concerns, including pollution, deforestation, and climate change.

These are just a few examples of frequently asked questions and short answers. It is important to note that the actual questions and answers may vary depending on the specific exam paper and the current events. It is recommended to refer to reliable sources and study materials to prepare for the OPSC OAS Exam 2024.