The Odisha government has ordered the closure of schools and Anganwadi centres in several districts as a precaution against the possible impact of Cyclone Arnab. The district administration has also announced school closures in Khordha for October 27 and 28, 2026.Schools and Anganwadi centres in Rayagada, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Ganjam and Puri have been ordered to remain closed from October 27. In Khordha, all government, government-aided and private schools from kindergarten to Class 12 will remain closed from 1 pm on October 27 and throughout October 28.The decision has been taken as the state prepares for the possible impact of the cyclone. Authorities have also issued instructions to schools and government departments to ensure that necessary arrangements are in place.
Khordha school holiday 2026: Instructions for teachers and staff
According to the district administration’s announcement, teachers and other school staff in Khordha must remain present on school premises despite the closure of classes.Headmasters and principals have been directed to arrange roster-based duties to ensure that school buildings remain accessible around the clock. Schools have also been asked to make the necessary arrangements to deal with the possible impact of the cyclone.The district administration has further cancelled the holidays of government employees until October 31, 2026, according to the announcement.
OPSC reschedules Odisha Civil Services Mains 2025 papers
The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has revised the dates of two days of the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Main Written Examination 2025 in view of the approaching cyclonic storm.
OPSC reschedules Odisha Civil Services Mains 2025 papers
As per the revised schedule, the Odia Language and English Language papers, earlier scheduled for October 29, will now be held on October 31, 2026. The Essay paper, which was scheduled for October 30, has been postponed to November 5, 2026.The dates of the remaining three examination days have not changed. These papers will be held on November 2, November 4 and November 7, 2026.Candidates should check the official OPSC website for the revised schedule and any further instructions related to the examination.OCS Mains 2025 revised exam dates:
| Examination paper | Revised date |
|---|---|
| Odia Language and English Language | October 31, 2026 |
| Essay | November 5, 2026 |
| Other scheduled papers | November 2, 4 and 7, 2026, unchanged |
IMD issues heavy rainfall and wind alerts for Odisha
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red, orange and yellow alerts for different parts of Odisha in view of the expected weather conditions.A red alert has been issued for October 28 and 29, with extremely heavy rainfall likely at isolated places in Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri. Thunderstorms and gusty winds of 60 to 70 kmph, with gusts reaching 80 kmph, are also expected in the affected areas.An orange alert has been issued for Puri, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri. Heavy rainfall, including extremely heavy showers at isolated places, is likely, along with winds of 40 to 50 kmph and gusts reaching 60 kmph.A yellow alert has also been issued for 16 other districts.Residents are advised to follow official weather updates and instructions issued by the local administration.
