Odisha GK Questions Set-1
These Odisha General Knowledge (GK) questions have been carefully prepared for candidates appearing in various Odisha state and central government competitive examinations 2026. The question set covers difficult and exam-oriented MCQs that are frequently asked or expected in OSSSC, OSSC, RI (Revenue Inspector), ARI (Assistant Revenue Inspector), AMIN, ICDS Supervisor, CGL, Forest Guard, Forester, and Excise Inspector examinations.
1. The first Odia newspaper Utkala Deepika was published in which year?
A) 1856
B) 1866
C) 1878
D) 1882
2. Which ruler built the famous Konark Sun Temple?
A) Anangabhima Deva III
B) Narasimhadeva I
C) Kapilendra Deva
D) Purushottam Deva
3. The river Indravati is a tributary of which major river system?
A) Mahanadi
B) Brahmani
C) Godavari
D) Baitarani
4. Which district has the maximum forest cover percentage in Odisha?
A) Kandhamal
B) Mayurbhanj
C) Malkangiri
D) Sundargarh
5. Who was the first Odia to become Governor of Odisha?
A) Bishambhar Das
B) Harekrushna Mahatab
C) Rameshwar Thakur
D) Satya Narayan Sinha
6. Which of the following inscriptions mentions the Kalinga War?
A) Hathigumpha Inscription
B) Dhauli Rock Edict
C) Udayagiri Inscription
D) Jaugada Inscription
7. The Hirakud Dam is built across which river?
A) Brahmani
B) Baitarani
C) Mahanadi
D) Tel
8. Which Odia work is considered the first epic poem in Odia literature?
A) Sarala Mahabharata
B) Chandi Purana
C) Vilanka Ramayana
D) Madala Panji
9. Which tribe of Odisha practices Podu (shifting) cultivation extensively?
A) Saora
B) Kondh
C) Juang
D) Bonda
10. The famous Barabati Fort is located on the bank of which river?
A) Kathajodi
B) Mahanadi
C) Kuakhai
D) Birupa
11. Which Odia freedom fighter is known as Utkal Gourav?
A) Fakir Mohan Senapati
B) Gopabandhu Das
C) Madhusudan Das
D) Nilakantha Das
12. The classical dance Odissi was first internationally recognized in which year?
A) 1954
B) 1958
C) 1960
D) 1966
13. Which wildlife sanctuary of Odisha is associated with Blackbuck conservation?
A) Satkosia
B) Bhitarkanika
C) Balukhand-Konark
D) Chilika
14. Which Odia month has no Sankranti?
A) Margasira
B) Pausa
C) Ashadha
D) Phalguna
15. The ancient name of Odisha during Mauryan period was
A) Tosali
B) Utkala
C) Kalinga
D) Odra
16. Which port of Odisha is declared as a Major Port?
A) Gopalpur
B) Dhamra
C) Paradeep
D) Astaranga
17. Which Odia author wrote Chha Mana Atha Guntha?
A) Gopinath Mohanty
B) Fakir Mohan Senapati
C) Kalindi Charan Panigrahi
D) Surendra Mohanty
18. Which soil type is dominant in western Odisha?
A) Alluvial soil
B) Red lateritic soil
C) Black cotton soil
D) Peaty soil
19. Which district is known as the Aluminium Hub of Odisha?
A) Angul
B) Jharsuguda
C) Koraput
D) Rayagada
20. The Madala Panji is associated with which temple?
A) Konark Sun Temple
B) Lingaraj Temple
C) Jagannath Temple
D) Mukteswar Temple
21. Which river forms the boundary between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh?
A) Vansadhara
B) Nagavali
C) Bahuda
D) Rushikulya
22. Who was the first Prime Minister (Chief Minister) of independent Odisha?
A) Harekrushna Mahatab
B) Nabakrushna Choudhury
C) Bishwanath Das
D) Sadashiva Tripathy
23. The Bali Jatra festival is celebrated on the banks of which river?
A) Mahanadi
B) Kathajodi
C) Brahmani
D) Baitarani
24. Which district has the highest tribal population in Odisha?
A) Kandhamal
B) Koraput
C) Mayurbhanj
D) Sundargarh
25. Which Odia poet is known as Byasa Kabi?
A) Upendra Bhanja
B) Sarala Das
C) Dinakrushna Das
D) Kavisurya Baladeba Rath
26. Which National Park of Odisha lies in the Eastern Ghats region?
A) Bhitarkanika
B) Similipal
C) Satkosia
D) Debrigarh
27. Which movement led to the formation of a separate Odisha province?
A) Non-Cooperation Movement
B) Odisha Unification Movement
C) Praja Mandal Movement
D) Quit India Movement
28. Which river is known as the Sorrow of Odisha?
A) Mahanadi
B) Brahmani
C) Baitarani
D) Subarnarekha
29. Which traditional painting style belongs to Odisha?
A) Warli
B) Pattachitra
C) Madhubani
D) Kalamkari
30. Odisha was the first Indian state formed on which basis?
A) Religion
B) Geography
C) Language
D) Culture