OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026: 340 Vacancies Announced, Apply Online from November 9.For graduates looking for a government job in Odisha, the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has announced an opportunity worth checking. The Commission has invited applications for 340 Assistant Section Officer (ASO) posts under Group-B of the Odisha Secretariat Service Cadre.
The recruitment will be conducted under Advertisement No. 15 of 2026-27. Selected candidates will work in the Odisha Secretariat Service Cadre under the Home Department of the Government of Odisha. The post carries a basic pay of ₹35,400 under Level 9, Cell 1 of the ORSP Rules, 2017, along with applicable allowances.
The online application process is scheduled to begin on 9 November 2026. Eligible candidates can submit their forms through the official OPSC website until 30 November 2026, 5:00 PM. The Commission has also announced that the written examination will take place on 17 January 2027.
A bachelor’s degree is the basic educational requirement, but candidates must also meet the prescribed computer knowledge and Odia language conditions. The selection process includes a 400-mark written examination followed by a practical computer skill test. Understanding these requirements before applying will help candidates avoid mistakes during registration.
OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) |
| Post | Assistant Section Officer |
| Group | Group-B |
| Advertisement Number | 15 of 2026-27 |
| Total Vacancies | 340 |
| Department | Home Department, Government of Odisha |
| Service Cadre | Odisha Secretariat Service |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Begins | 9 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 November 2026 |
| Closing Time | 5:00 PM |
| Written Exam Date | 17 January 2027 |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Age Limit | 21 to 42 Years |
| Basic Pay | ₹35,400 |
| Pay Level | Level 9, Cell 1 |
| Application Fee | ₹700, except exempted categories |
| Selection Process | Written Examination and Computer Skill Test |
| Official Website | opsc.gov.in |
OPSC ASO Vacancy 2026: How Many Posts Are Available?
OPSC has announced a total of 340 Assistant Section Officer vacancies. The category-wise distribution includes 114 posts reserved for women.
| Category | Total Vacancies | Women Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 144 | 48 |
| SEBC | 38 | 13 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 81 | 27 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 77 | 26 |
| Total | 340 | 114 |
The notification also provides reservation for candidates belonging to special categories. These vacancies are adjusted against the social category to which the selected candidates belong, as specified in the recruitment rules.
| Special Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 25 |
| Ex-Servicemen | 19 |
| Sports Persons | 3 |
For PwD reservation, the notification specifies permanent disability of 40% or more. Candidates claiming these benefits must upload the relevant certificates in the prescribed manner.
Sports Persons must submit the Sports Identity Card or certificate issued by the Director of Sports, Odisha. Other participation certificates or sports credentials are not accepted as a substitute for the prescribed document.
Transgender candidates are also eligible to apply, subject to the recruitment conditions.
OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
Candidates should keep the application and examination dates in mind so they do not miss any stage of the recruitment.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 5 November 2026 |
| Online Registration Begins | 9 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 30 November 2026 |
| Application Closing Time | 5:00 PM |
| Written Examination | 17 January 2027 |
| Computer Skill Test | To be announced |
| Admit Card | To be announced |
| Result | To be announced |
The written examination is scheduled for 17 January 2027. OPSC will announce the detailed examination schedule and examination centres separately.
Who Can Apply for OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026?
Before filling out the application form, candidates should check all the eligibility conditions. A degree alone does not fulfil every requirement: computer knowledge and proficiency in Odia are also important.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognised university. An equivalent qualification accepted by the Commission is also eligible.
Candidates must additionally have adequate knowledge of Computer Applications as specified in the schedule of the notification.
The recruitment does not specify one particular graduation subject as compulsory in the basic qualification details. Graduates from different disciplines can therefore apply if they meet the remaining conditions.
Odia Language Requirement
Knowledge of Odia is a compulsory condition. Candidates must be able to speak, read and write the language and must satisfy at least one of the qualifications prescribed by OPSC.
Any one of the following conditions is accepted:
- Passed the Middle School examination with Odia as a language subject.
- Passed Matriculation or an equivalent examination with Odia as the medium of examination in a non-language subject.
- Passed Odia as a language subject in the final examination of Class VII or above.
- Passed an Odia language test at Middle English School standard conducted by the School and Mass Education Department.
Candidates should check their school certificates and other educational records before applying. If Odia was not included in the Class 10 examination, they should confirm that they meet one of the other accepted conditions.
OPSC ASO Age Limit 2026
The minimum age for the Assistant Section Officer post is 21 years, while the maximum age is 42 years.
OPSC will calculate the age as on 1 January 2026. The notification specifies that candidates must have been born between 2 January 1984 and 1 January 2005.
| Age Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 21 Years |
| Maximum Age | 42 Years |
| Age Calculation Date | 1 January 2026 |
| Date of Birth Not Before | 2 January 1984 |
| Date of Birth Not After | 1 January 2005 |
Age Relaxation
The Commission has provided upper-age relaxation for eligible categories.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SEBC | 5 Years |
| SC | 5 Years |
| ST | 5 Years |
| Women | 5 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 5 Years |
| PwD with permanent disability of 40% or more | 10 Years |
| PwD belonging to SEBC/SC/ST | 15 Years |
The applicable relaxation depends on the candidate’s category and the conditions in the notification. Applicants should provide valid supporting documents when claiming age relaxation.
OPSC ASO Application Fee 2026
The examination fee for candidates other than SC, ST and PwD applicants is ₹700. Candidates belonging to the exempted categories do not have to pay the examination fee.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / UR | ₹700 |
| SEBC | ₹700 |
| SC | Exempted |
| ST | Exempted |
| PwD | Exempted |
The fee must be paid online while submitting the application form. Applications from candidates who are required to pay but do not complete the payment will be treated as incomplete and rejected.
Will OPSC Refund the Application Fee?
The notification provides for a refund of the examination fee to candidates who actually appear in the written examination. The refund will be processed after completion of the examination through the original payment method used during registration.
This means that paying the fee alone does not make a candidate eligible for a refund. The candidate must appear in the written examination.
OPSC ASO Selection Process 2026
The selection process has two stages: a written examination and a practical Computer Skill Test.
The written examination carries 400 marks. Candidates shortlisted on the basis of their written examination performance will be called for the computer test, which carries 50 marks and is qualifying in nature.
The selection stages are:
- Written Examination – 400 marks
- Computer Skill Test – 50 marks, qualifying
Written Examination Pattern
The written examination covers General Awareness, Reasoning and Mental Ability, Mathematics, English and Odia.
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Awareness | 100 |
| Paper II | Reasoning and Mental Ability | 50 |
| Paper II | Mathematics (10th Standard Level) | 50 |
| Paper III | English | 100 |
| Paper III | Odia | 100 |
| Total | 400 |
The examination is objective and uses multiple-choice questions. Each question carries equal marks, while 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.
The paper-wise duration specified in the supporting examination details is 1.5 hours for Paper I, 1.5 hours for Paper II and 2 hours for Paper III.
Candidates should give attention to all three papers during preparation. The two language subjects together account for 200 marks, making English and Odia important parts of the examination.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
OPSC has prescribed minimum qualifying marks for each of the three written examination papers.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| UR | 35% |
| SEBC | 35% |
| SC | 30% |
| ST | 30% |
| PwD | 30% |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per respective category |
Candidates must meet the required minimum in each paper. Preparing only to achieve a combined score may not be enough if the minimum qualifying requirement in an individual paper is not met.
Computer Skill Test
Candidates shortlisted after the written examination will have to appear for a practical Computer Skill Test.
The test carries 50 marks and is qualifying in nature. Candidates must secure at least 40% marks to qualify.
Since this is a practical test, candidates should familiarise themselves with the computer application skills specified in the official schedule. The Commission will notify the details of the test separately.
How Will the Final Merit List Be Prepared?
The final ranking will be based on the aggregate marks obtained in the written examination out of 400. The Computer Skill Test is qualifying, and its marks are not added to the written examination score for merit ranking.
If two candidates secure equal marks, the marks obtained in Paper I (General Knowledge) will be considered first for resolving the tie. If the tie continues, preference will be given to the older candidate, as stated in the recruitment details.
OPSC ASO Syllabus 2026
The syllabus is divided into three written papers covering five subject areas. Candidates should use the detailed syllabus to organise their preparation rather than relying only on broad subject names.
Paper I: General Awareness
Paper I carries 100 marks. The topics listed include:
- Indian Economy
- Defence
- Science and Technology
- Environmental Issues
- National and International Institutions
- National and International Events
- Indian History
- Indian Constitution
- World Geography
- Indian Geography
- Governance
Paper II: Reasoning, Mental Ability and Mathematics
Paper II carries 100 marks, divided equally between Reasoning and Mental Ability and Mathematics.
The Mathematics section is based on the 10th standard level. Candidates should prepare both sections according to the detailed syllabus provided by OPSC.
Paper III: English and Odia
Paper III carries 200 marks, with 100 marks assigned to English and 100 marks to Odia.
This paper tests candidates’ language proficiency. Regular practice in reading, grammar and comprehension can help candidates prepare for both sections.
OPSC ASO Salary 2026
The Assistant Section Officer post is placed in Level 9, Cell 1 of the pay matrix under the Odisha Revised Scales of Pay Rules, 2017.
The basic pay is ₹35,400 per month. Employees will also receive Dearness Allowance and other allowances sanctioned by the Government of Odisha.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Assistant Section Officer |
| Group | Group-B |
| Pay Level | Level 9 |
| Pay Cell | Cell 1 |
| Basic Pay | ₹35,400 |
| Additional Benefits | Dearness Allowance and other applicable allowances |
The actual gross and in-hand salary will depend on the allowances and deductions applicable at the time of appointment.
Documents Required for OPSC ASO Application
Candidates should arrange their educational and category documents before beginning the online application. The exact documents required will depend on the information and reservation benefits claimed.
Important documents include:
- Bachelor’s Degree certificate or equivalent qualification proof.
- Educational mark sheets.
- High School Certificate or equivalent date-of-birth proof.
- Computer qualification documents, wherever applicable.
- Odia language qualification certificate, if required.
- Valid SEBC certificate, where applicable.
- Permanent Disability Certificate for PwD candidates.
- Sports Identity Card or certificate issued by the Director of Sports, Odisha.
- Ex-Servicemen certificate, where applicable.
- Recent photograph and scanned signature.
- Bank account number, IFSC code, account holder name and bank branch details.
- Other certificates required under the notification.
Important Certificate Instructions
SEBC candidates must submit a certificate issued by the competent authority within the period specified in the advertisement. The notification states that the certificate must be issued on or after 10 November 2023. An OBC certificate cannot be used in place of the required Odisha SEBC certificate.
PwD candidates claiming reservation must upload a valid certificate of permanent disability. Temporary disability certificates will not be accepted for this reservation.
Similarly, Sports Persons must provide the prescribed certificate issued by the Director of Sports, Odisha. Participation certificates and other sports credentials will not be accepted as substitutes.
How to Apply for OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026
Applications will be accepted online through the official website of the Odisha Public Service Commission. Candidates should read the advertisement before starting registration.
Follow these steps to complete the application:
- Visit the official website: https://www.opsc.gov.in/.
- Find the notification for Assistant Section Officer Recruitment under Advertisement No. 15 of 2026-27.
- Read the detailed advertisement and check the eligibility conditions.
- Open the online registration and application link.
- Register using the required personal details, mobile number and email address.
- Log in to the application portal.
- Enter your personal information, educational qualifications and category details.
- Upload the photograph, signature and relevant certificates.
- Pay the ₹700 examination fee if you do not belong to an exempted category.
- Review the information entered in the application form.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Download or print the submitted application for future reference.
One point deserves special attention: OPSC has warned candidates not to submit more than one application through multiple PPSAN accounts. Multiple applications may lead to rejection.
The online application facility will remain available until 30 November 2026 at 5:00 PM. Candidates should avoid waiting until the final hours to complete registration and payment.
Important Instructions Before Applying
A few details in the notification deserve particular attention:
- Check the age limit using 1 January 2026 as the reference date.
- Make sure your bachelor’s degree is from a recognised university.
- Confirm that you meet the prescribed computer knowledge requirement.
- Check whether your educational records satisfy the Odia language condition.
- Use the correct SEBC certificate if claiming SEBC reservation.
- Upload a permanent disability certificate when claiming PwD reservation.
- Sports Persons must submit the certificate issued by the Director of Sports, Odisha.
- Submit only one application through the prescribed account.
- Complete fee payment, if applicable, before 30 November 2026 at 5:00 PM.
- Keep the application and payment confirmation for future use.
The recruitment examination is also covered by the Odisha Conduct of Examination Act, 1988 and the Odisha Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. Candidates must follow the examination rules and instructions issued by the Commission.
Important Links
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Online Application | Apply Here |
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | https://www.opsc.gov.in/ |
Candidates should rely on the official OPSC website for the application form, notification and subsequent examination updates.
OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many vacancies have been announced under OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026?
A total of 340 Assistant Section Officer (Group-B) vacancies have been announced.
2. When will the OPSC ASO application process begin?
Online registration is scheduled to begin on 9 November 2026.
3. What is the last date to apply for OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026?
The last date is 30 November 2026 at 5:00 PM.
4. When will the OPSC ASO written examination be held?
The written examination is scheduled for 17 January 2027.
5. What qualification is required for the Assistant Section Officer post?
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification. Adequate computer knowledge is also required.
6. Is knowledge of Odia compulsory for OPSC ASO?
Yes. Candidates must be able to speak, read and write Odia and satisfy at least one of the prescribed language qualification conditions.
7. What is the age limit for OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026?
The prescribed age limit is 21 to 42 years as on 1 January 2026, with relaxation for eligible categories.
8. How much is the OPSC ASO application fee?
Candidates other than SC, ST and PwD applicants must pay ₹700. These three categories are exempted from the examination fee.
9. What is the selection process for OPSC ASO posts?
Selection consists of a written examination carrying 400 marks, followed by a practical Computer Skill Test carrying 50 marks. The computer test is qualifying in nature.
10. What is the basic salary of an OPSC Assistant Section Officer?
The post carries a basic pay of ₹35,400 under Level 9, Cell 1, along with applicable allowances.
11. What is the qualifying mark for the Computer Skill Test?
Candidates must obtain at least 40% marks in the practical Computer Skill Test.
12. Where can candidates apply for OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026?
Candidates can apply online through the official OPSC website at opsc.gov.in.
