Odisha Closes Schools and Reschedules Civil Services Exams Due to Cyclone Arnab

School Closures and Administrative Measures

The Odisha government has ordered the closure of schools and Anganwadi centres across several districts as a precautionary measure against the approaching Cyclone Arnab. Educational institutions in Rayagada, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Ganjam, and Puri are scheduled to remain closed starting October 27, 2026.

In Khordha district, all government, government-aided, and private schools—ranging from kindergarten to Class 12—will shut down from 1 PM on October 27 and remain closed throughout October 28. Despite the suspension of classes, the district administration has instructed teachers and school staff in Khordha to report to their premises. Headmasters and principals must organize roster-based duties to maintain around-the-clock access to school buildings. Additionally, holidays for all government employees have been cancelled until October 31, 2026.

OCS Mains Examination Rescheduled

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has altered the timeline for the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Main Written Examination 2025 to accommodate the severe weather disruption.

• Odia Language and English Language Papers: Originally set for October 29, these papers are now rescheduled to October 31, 2026.
• Essay Paper: Moved from October 30 to November 5, 2026.

Dates for the remaining examination days on November 2, November 4, and November 7, 2026, remain unchanged.

Weather Alerts and Official Warnings

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heavy rainfall and wind warnings across multiple districts:

• Red Alert: Active for October 28 and 29, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places in Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri, alongside thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching 60 to 70 kmph (with gusts up to 80 kmph).
• Orange Alert: Issued for Puri, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri, warning of heavy to extremely heavy showers and winds of 40 to 50 kmph with gusts up to 60 kmph.
• Yellow Alert: Encompasses 16 additional districts.

Practical Implications and Verification

Students, parents, and candidates affected by these disruptions should monitor official government channels for timely updates.

• Confirmed Details: School shutdowns in specific districts, staff presence requirements in Khordha, government leave cancellations through October 31, and specific OPSC exam date shifts.
• What Remains Unknown: Potential further extensions of school closures or weather-related transit disruptions beyond the currently announced dates.
• How to Verify: Readers can review official announcements and check the complete, updated examination schedule directly on the [Times of India Source Report](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/cyclone-arnab-odisha-closes-schools-in-several-districts-ocs-mains-exam-dates-revised/articleshow/135228466.cms) and the official OPSC website.