OPSC OAS 2025 previous year paper practice · PYQ-pattern set

OPSC OAS 2025 PYQ-pattern questions

Showing 10 of the 110 PYQ-pattern questions in this set — freshly worded in that year's pattern, not the original questions. Answers and solutions open under each question.

1. Q1 · Dynastic history of Odisha

   Which dynasty of Odisha is credited with the construction of the famous Konark Sun Temple in the 13th century?

   • A. Somavamsi dynasty
   • B. Bhauma-Kara dynasty
   • C. Ganga dynasty
   • D. Gajapati dynasty
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   The Konark Sun Temple was built around 1250 CE by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, making it one of the finest examples of medieval Odishan temple architecture.

2. Q2 · Paika Rebellion (1817)

   The Paika Rebellion of 1817 was led by which of the following leaders?

   • A. Jayee Rajguru
   • B. Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar
   • C. Chakara Bisoi
   • D. Veer Surendra Sai
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The Paika Rebellion of 1817 was led by Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar, the commander of the forces of the King of Khurda. Jayee Rajguru led the 1804 revolt, Chakara Bisoi led the Khond Revolt, and Surendra Sai led the Sambalpur Uprising.

3. Q3 · Kalinga and ancient Odisha

   The Hathigumpha Inscription provides information about which ancient ruler of Kalinga?

   • A. Ashoka
   • B. Kharavela
   • C. Samudragupta
   • D. Pulakeshin II
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The Hathigumpha Inscription, located in the Udayagiri caves near Bhubaneswar, records the achievements and military conquests of King Kharavela of the Mahameghavahana dynasty who ruled Kalinga in the 1st century BC.

4. Q4 · Indian Constitution

   Which Article of the Indian Constitution empowers the Parliament to form a new State by separation of territory from any existing State?

   • A. Article 2
   • B. Article 3
   • C. Article 4
   • D. Article 5
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Article 3 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Parliament to form a new State by separation of territory from any existing State, or by uniting two or more States. Article 2 deals with admission of new States, while Article 4 deals with consequential amendments.

5. Q5 · Economic and social development

   The Human Development Index (HDI) is published by which organization?

   • A. World Bank
   • B. International Monetary Fund
   • C. United Nations Development Programme
   • D. World Trade Organization
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   The Human Development Index (HDI) is published annually by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in its Human Development Report. It measures average achievement in key dimensions of human development.

6. Q6 · Environmental ecology and biodiversity

   Consider the following statements regarding coral reefs: 1. They are found exclusively in tropical waters between 30°N and 30°S latitudes. 2. Zooxanthellae are symbiotic algae that provide corals with nutrients through photosynthesis. 3. Rising ocean temperatures lead to coral bleaching. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   • A. 1 and 2 only
   • B. 2 and 3 only
   • C. 1 and 3 only
   • D. 1, 2 and 3
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Zooxanthellae are symbiotic algae living within coral tissues providing nutrients, and rising temperatures cause coral bleaching. Statement 1 is incorrect as coral reefs are mainly found in tropical waters but some cold-water corals exist beyond these latitudes.

7. Q7 · Veer Surendra Sai and 1857

   In which year did Veer Surendra Sai finally surrender to the British?

   • A. 1857
   • B. 1860
   • C. 1862
   • D. 1866
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   Veer Surendra Sai, who led the Sambalpur Uprising from 1857 to 1864, surrendered to Major Imphey in 1862. He was a prominent freedom fighter from Odisha who fought against British colonial rule.

8. Q8 · Physical geography of India and World

   The Western Ghats are also known by which of the following names?

   • A. Sahyadri
   • B. Nilgiri
   • C. Vindhya
   • D. Aravalli
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   The Western Ghats are also called Sahyadri. They run parallel to the western coast of India from the Tapi River in the north to Kanyakumari in the south, forming a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

9. Q9 · Logical reasoning and analytical ability

   In a certain code language, 'RIVER' is coded as 'SJWFS'. How will 'WATER' be coded in the same language?

   • A. XBUFS
   • B. XBSFS
   • C. WBUFS
   • D. XBUFT
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   In this code, each letter is replaced by the next letter in the alphabet (R→S, I→J, V→W, E→F, R→S). Applying the same rule to WATER: W→X, A→B, T→U, E→F, R→S, giving XBUFS.

10. Q10 · Indian National Movement

    Who among the following is known as 'Utkal Gourav' (Pride of Odisha) for his contribution to the Indian National Movement?

    • A. Madhusudan Das
    • B. Gopabandhu Das
    • C. Fakir Mohan Senapati
    • D. Biswanath Kar
    Answer and solution

    Answer: A

    Madhusudan Das, a prominent lawyer, social reformer, and freedom fighter from Odisha, is famously honored with the title 'Utkal Gourav' (Pride of Odisha). Gopabandhu Das is known as 'Utkalmani', Fakir Mohan Senapati as 'Vyasakabi', and Biswanath Kar was a literary figure.