OPSC adds 3rd gender category to OCSE application

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) added a third gender or transgender category in the online application form for the Odisha Civil Services Examination (OCSE)-2025. The commission also extended the deadline for registration and fee payment to Feb 27 up to 5 pm. Candidates who complete registration will be able to submit their final online application by March 7.

In a notice issued on Feb 19, OPSC said the required change was made in the gender selection column. It also clarified that applicants choosing the third gender or transgender option must upload an identity certificate or card issued by the competent authority. They must also provide supporting documents for any name change after obtaining third gender or transgender status.


The move followed recent directions from the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC), which urged the state govt to introduce a third gender or transgender option in recruitment application forms and to extend the OCSE application timeline. The OHRC’s intervention came after a petition filed by a transgender person from Cuttack, who alleged that the absence of a third gender category in the OCSE form effectively blocked transgender candidates from applying. The petitioner argued that this exclusion amounted to discrimination and violated constitutional guarantees of equality and non-discrimination.

On Jan 22, after hearing the matter, the OHRC recommended that the state ensure 1% reservation for transgender candidates in recruitment examinations, including OCSE. It also advised the general administration and social security departments to take steps to include the third gender or transgender option across govt recruitment forms. The commission further recommended that all recruiting agencies and boards, including OPSC, be instructed to implement the change. Additionally, the OHRC asked the govt to extend the application deadline by at least 15 days to allow affected candidates adequate time to apply.