Bhubaneswar, 20 February (H.S.): In a move towards inclusive recruitment, the Odisha government has introduced a ‘Third Gender’ category in the application form for the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Examination–2025. This follows directions issued by the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) to ensure equitable opportunities for all candidates.

The revised notification for the OCS-2025 examination, conducted by the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC), now incorporates the third gender category, allowing candidates to apply under the updated format. In view of this change, authorities have extended the registration and application deadlines to facilitate participation from eligible candidates.

Officials have clarified that applicants whose names have changed following official recognition as a third gender must submit relevant supporting documents during the application process.

The development comes in the wake of a petition filed by Soni Sil, a third gender aspirant, who highlighted discrimination due to the absence of an appropriate gender option in the original OCS application form.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda