The Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM), functioning under the Department of Mission Shakti, Government of Odisha, has advertised contractual posts at State, District and Block levels. Selection starts with a single Computer Based Test (CBT), so knowing the OLM syllabus and exam pattern together helps you plan what to study and how to manage your time. This page covers the CBT structure, marking scheme, selection process and preparation tips, based on the official recruitment advertisement.
OLM Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 -Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) |
| Department | Department of Mission Shakti, Government of Odisha |
| Type of Posts | Contractual |
| Post Levels | State, District and Block |
| Selection Stages | CBT, Provisional Merit List, Document Verification, Final Merit List |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Papers | 1 |
| Total Questions | 100 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Duration | 90 minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwD candidates) |
| Negative Marking | 0.33 mark per wrong answer |
| Exam Language | English only |
| Official Website | missionshakti.odisha.gov.in |
OLM Selection Process 2026
According to the recruitment advertisement, candidates move through four stages:
- Computer Based Test (CBT): One objective paper of 100 questions for 100 marks.
- Provisional Merit List: OLM publishes this after evaluating the CBT, using the applicable normalisation rules.
- Document Verification: Candidates are shortlisted on merit. Roughly three times the number of vacancies in each post are called for verification.
- Final Merit List: Prepared from the normalised CBT marks and document verification, as prescribed in the advertisement.
Also Read: OLM Recruitment 2026
OLM Exam Pattern 2026
CBT Exam Pattern
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Type | Computer Based Test |
| Number of Papers | 1 |
| Sections | Domain-Specific Syllabus and Common Syllabus |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Marks per Question | 1 |
| Options per Question | 4 (one correct answer) |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Language | English only |
Marking Scheme and Negative Marking
| Response | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct answer | +1 |
| Wrong answer | -0.33 |
| Unattempted question | 0 |
With 0.33 marks lost for every wrong answer, blind guessing can lower your score. Skipping a question costs nothing.
Time and Language Rules
- The paper is available in English only.
- The standard duration is 90 minutes.
- PwD candidates eligible for compensatory time get an extra 30 minutes, making the total 120 minutes.
Qualifying Marks by Category
Category-wise minimum qualifying marks (UR/EWS/OBC/SC/ST) are not specified in the official notification. Candidates should check the OLM website for updates.
OLM Syllabus 2026
The CBT has two syllabus sections: Domain-Specific and Common. The recruitment advertisement does not publish a chapter-wise or topic-wise breakdown for either, so no unofficial topic list is given here. Rely only on a syllabus confirmed by OLM.
1. Domain-Specific Syllabus
This section tests knowledge related to the post you applied for. The advertisement covers posts across these functional areas:
- Human Resources and Training
- Farm and Non-Farm Livelihoods
- Rural Development
- Agriculture and Agribusiness
- Value Chain Development and Market Linkage
- Institutional Building and Capacity Building
- Financial Inclusion and Accounts
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
- Social and Community Development
Note: These are the functional areas of the advertised posts. They are not a confirmed list of exam topics. The detailed topic list for this section is not specified in the official notification.
2. Common Syllabus
The notification mentions a Common Syllabus section in the CBT. Its subjects, topics and marks distribution are not specified in the official notification. Watch the official website for any syllabus appendix, corrigendum or clarification.
Information on syllabus and exam pattern may be revised. Candidates should verify against the latest OLM notification once any update is released.
How to Prepare for the OLM CBT 2026
- Start with your post. Identify the functional area of the post you applied for, since the Domain-Specific section is tied to it.
- Track official updates. Check the OLM website regularly for a detailed syllabus, so you do not spend time on unconfirmed topics.
- Practise the official mock test. OLM has stated that a mock test link simulating the CBT interface will be provided before the exam. Use it to get used to the screen and navigation.
- Train for 100 questions in 90 minutes. That is under a minute per question, so take timed MCQ practice sets.
- Attempt selectively. Because of the 0.33 deduction, answer only when you can eliminate options with reasonable confidence.
- Revise weak areas in your domain. Review your post-specific subject notes after each practice test and focus on topics where you lose marks.
How to Download the OLM Syllabus 2026
- Visit missionshakti.odisha.gov.in.
- Open the recruitment or notification section.
- Find the OLM Recruitment 2026 advertisement.
- Read the examination plan and any syllabus instructions in it.
- Check for a separate syllabus document or later clarification, and save what is available.
