The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has published Advertisement No. 15 of 2026-27 for the recruitment of 340 Assistant Section Officers (Group B) in the Odisha Secretariat Service Cadre under the Home Department, Government of Odisha.
Eligible candidates can submit their online applications from 9 November 2026 to 30 November 2026 (5:00 PM) through the official OPSC website.
Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, have adequate knowledge of computer applications and meet the prescribed Odia language requirements.
The written examination is tentatively scheduled for 17 January 2027. Candidates should read the official recruitment advertisement carefully before submitting their applications.
OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organisation | Odisha Public Service Commission |
| Post Name | Assistant Section Officer |
| Group | Group B |
| Cadre | Odisha Secretariat Service |
| Department | Home Department, Government of Odisha |
| Advertisement Number | 15 of 2026-27 |
| Total Vacancies | 340 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 9 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 November 2026 |
| Last Time | 5:00 PM |
| Examination Date | 17 January 2027 (Tentative) |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Age Limit | 21–42 Years |
| Pay Scale | Level 9, Cell 1 |
| Official Website | https://www.opsc.gov.in |
OPSC ASO Vacancy 2026: Category-Wise Details
OPSC has announced 340 vacancies under Advertisement No. 15 of 2026-27.
| Category | Total Posts | Women Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 144 | 48 |
| SEBC | 38 | 13 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 81 | 27 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 77 | 26 |
| Total | 340 | 114 |
In addition to the above category distribution, the advertisement reports horizontal reservation provisions for persons with benchmark disabilities, ex-servicemen and sportspersons.
Candidates should refer to the original notification for the applicable reservation rules and adjustments.
OPSC ASO Important Dates 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Published | 5 November 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | 9 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 November 2026 |
| Application Closing Time | 5:00 PM |
| Written Examination | 17 January 2027 (Tentative) |
| Admit Card | Not Announced |
The written examination date is reported as tentative. Candidates should check the official OPSC website for any revised examination schedule.
OPSC ASO Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must satisfy the educational qualification, computer knowledge, language and age requirements prescribed by OPSC.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must have:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification.
- Adequate knowledge of computer applications as prescribed in the recruitment advertisement.
- The ability to speak, read and write Odia.
Odia Language Qualification
Candidates must satisfy one of the prescribed Odia language qualification conditions mentioned in the advertisement.
These include the applicable qualifications relating to:
- Passing the Middle School examination with Odia as a language subject.
- Passing the Matriculation examination with Odia as the medium of examination in a non-language subject.
- Passing an equivalent prescribed Odia language qualification or test.
Candidates should read the complete notification to determine which qualification applies to their educational background.
OPSC ASO Age Limit 2026
The reported age limit is:
| Particulars | Age |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 21 Years |
| Maximum Age | 42 Years |
| Age Calculation Date | 1 January 2026 |
Age Relaxation
| Category | Reported Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC | 5 Years |
| ST | 5 Years |
| SEBC | 5 Years |
| Women | 5 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 5 Years |
| PwD (40% or more disability) | 10 Years |
| Eligible PwD candidates belonging to SC/ST/SEBC | Up to 15 Years cumulatively |
The applicable age relaxation and eligibility conditions must be checked in the official advertisement.
OPSC ASO Application Fee 2026
The reported examination fee is:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / UR | ₹700 |
| SEBC | ₹700 |
| SC | Exempted |
| ST | Exempted |
| PwD | Exempted |
Is the OPSC ASO Application Fee Refundable?
The reported fee rules provide for a refund to eligible candidates who actually appear in the written examination.
Candidates should check the notification for the exact refund conditions, payment details and procedure.
OPSC ASO Salary 2026
Selected candidates will receive pay under Level 9, Cell 1 of the Odisha Revised Scales of Pay Rules, 2017.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level 9 |
| Cell | 1 |
| Starting Basic Pay | ₹35,400 |
| Additional Benefits | Applicable allowances |
The actual monthly salary will depend on applicable allowances and deductions.
OPSC ASO Selection Process 2026
The reported selection process consists of two stages:
- Written Examination – 400 Marks.
- Computer Skill Test – 50 Marks (Qualifying).
Candidates must qualify in the computer skill test according to the prescribed rules.
The final selection and merit preparation will follow the official examination and recruitment rules.
OPSC ASO Exam Pattern 2026
The written examination carries a total of 400 marks.
The reported subject-wise distribution is:
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| General Awareness | 100 |
| Reasoning and Mental Ability | 50 |
| Mathematics | 50 |
| English | 100 |
| Odia | 100 |
| Total | 400 |
The examination is reported to include objective-type questions.
Negative Marking
A deduction of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer is reported.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Category | Reported Minimum Marks |
|---|---|
| UR / SEBC | 35% |
| SC / ST | 30% |
| PwD | 28% |
Candidates should verify whether the qualifying requirement applies separately to each paper and check the official advertisement for the complete marking scheme.
OPSC ASO Syllabus 2026
The following are broad subject areas reported for preparation. Candidates should use the official syllabus as the final reference.
General Awareness
- Current Affairs
- Indian History
- Indian Geography
- Indian Polity
- Indian Economy
- General Science
- Odisha General Knowledge
Reasoning and Mental Ability
- Logical Reasoning
- Analytical Ability
- Series
- Coding and Decoding
- Classification
- Problem Solving
Mathematics
- Number System
- Percentage
- Ratio and Proportion
- Average
- Profit and Loss
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Time and Work
English
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Sentence Correction
- Synonyms and Antonyms
Odia
- Odia Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Language Usage
Computer Skill Test
Reported preparation areas include:
- Windows Operating System
- MS Word
- MS Excel
- MS PowerPoint
- MS Access
- Internet and Basic Computer Operations
Check the official syllabus for the prescribed topics and practical test requirements.
How to Apply Online for OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can apply through the official OPSC application portal.
Follow these steps:
- Visit https://www.opsc.gov.in.
- Open the Apply Online section.
- Complete the registration process.
- Find Assistant Section Officer Recruitment 2026.
- Read the instructions carefully.
- Fill in personal and educational details.
- Upload the required photograph, signature and documents.
- Pay the applicable examination fee, if required.
- Review all information before submission.
- Submit the application and save the confirmation page.
The application link is expected to become available from 9 November 2026.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep the following documents ready, as applicable:
- Educational certificates
- Graduation mark sheets
- Matriculation certificate
- Odia language qualification proof
- Computer qualification details, if applicable
- Category certificate
- PwD certificate, if applicable
- Recent photograph
- Signature
- Valid email address
- Active mobile number
Check the official advertisement for the exact document requirements and upload specifications.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Before submitting the application:
- Verify your date of birth and age eligibility.
- Check your Odia language qualification.
- Ensure that your graduation qualification is recognised.
- Review category and reservation details.
- Check the application fee and refund conditions.
- Keep a copy of your submitted application.
- Follow official OPSC announcements for examination updates.
OPSC Assistant Section Officer (Group-B) Recruitment 2026 – Important Links
| Link Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Download OPSC notification PDF |
| Apply Online | Apply online for OPSC Recruitment 2026 |
| Official Website | Visit OPSC official website |
.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many vacancies are available in OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026?
A total of 340 Assistant Section Officer vacancies have been announced.
2. When will OPSC ASO applications begin?
The online application process is scheduled to begin on 9 November 2026.
3. What is the last date to apply?
The reported last date is 30 November 2026 at 5:00 PM.
4. What is the educational qualification?
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognised university and satisfy the prescribed computer and Odia language requirements.
5. What is the age limit?
The reported age limit is 21 to 42 years as on 1 January 2026, subject to applicable relaxation rules.
6. Is there a written examination?
Yes. The selection process includes a written examination carrying 400 marks and a qualifying computer skill test carrying 50 marks.
7. What is the OPSC ASO examination date?
The written examination is tentatively scheduled for 17 January 2027. Candidates should follow official announcements for confirmation.
8. Is the application fee refundable?
The reported rules provide a refund to eligible candidates who appear in the written examination. Refer to the official notification for the exact conditions.
9. Where can I apply for OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026?
Applications must be submitted through the official OPSC website at https://www.opsc.gov.in.