I don;t believe it I have just done a select on session_privs and the privileges SYSDBA and SYSOPER have been listed.

Sorry if i have confused others as I have confused myself a little as well I think. I realise what i did wrong. I originally signed in as SYS/password but not as SYSDBA (and puzzled over why on earth SYSDBA/OPER privs were not listed) and just now as the same user but as sysdba and those privileges were indeed listed. It all makes sense. Less haste .... and all that and Oh yes but in hindsight etc, etc. So used to SYS being a power user.

Still glad i posted the question though!

So abhaysk and nagarjuna (but in particular i'd like to know what you were on about nagarjuna?!?, next time pls would you mind just answering the Q, your post was unhelpful and condescending, if the Q bugs you don't get involved) SYSDBA/OPER privileges should be listed in session_privs but only if you have signed in as SYSDBA, and yes i know it all seems rather obvious now, always does. Thanks for contributing abhaysk.

Thanks
Gus