OPSC Introduces Third Gender Option in OCS Examination 2025 Application Form

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has introduced a third gender/transgender option in the online application form for the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Examination-2025. A notification in this regard was issued by the Commission on Thursday.

As per the notification, third gender or transgender candidates are required to upload their identity certificate or card issued by the competent authority, along with relevant documents supporting the change of name upon obtaining third gender/transgender status.

The move comes following directions from the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC), which had asked the state government to ensure the inclusion of the third gender category in recruitment examinations conducted by the OPSC.

The OHRC’s directive followed a petition filed by a third gender candidate, Sony Sil, who alleged discrimination due to the absence of a third gender option in the online application forms for upcoming OPSC examinations.

In its order, the Commission recommended that the General Administration and Public Grievance Department instruct the OPSC to incorporate a third gender or transgender option in the online forms.

The OHRC has also directed the state government to submit a compliance report within 60 days. Additionally, it asked the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department to ensure that all government departments and corporations include a third gender option in their online recruitment applications.