Arun Shadangi, a 1990-batch IPS officer, has taken over as the Chairman of the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) today at Lokseva Bhavan. He replaced Dr. Sarita Supkar, who had been serving as Acting Chairman since Satyajit Mohanty retired from the position in August 2023.
After assuming the role, Shadangi stressed his commitment to transparency and fairness in the OPSC examinations. “I will carry out this responsibility as directed. The OPSC will focus on conducting exams with complete transparency, accurate grading, and without any doubts. Aspirants hoping to secure jobs through unfair means are only deceiving themselves,” Shadangi stated.
Reflecting on his 33-and-a-half-year police career, he said, “I served in the police department and retired 10 months before my tenure ended. The badge was my identity, and it saddens me to think I won’t wear it again. I received immense support and good wishes throughout my service.”
Shadangi was appointed Director General of Police (DGP) by the previous BJP government on December 31, 2023. Despite speculation about his permanent appointment, the new government, which took office in June 2024, chose his batchmate Y.B. Khurania as DGP. Following this, Shadangi was appointed Chairman of OPSC on September 27, and he applied for voluntary retirement from police service on September 30. His request to retire from October 7 was approved, concluding his police career 10 months before his scheduled retirement in July 2025.