The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has officially announced a new recruitment opportunity for graduates seeking a prestigious Odisha Government job. Through Advertisement No. 15 of 2026-27 dated 5 November 2026, the Commission has invited online applications for 340 Assistant Section Officer (ASO) Group-B vacancies in the Odisha Secretariat Service Cadre under the Home Department, Government of Odisha.
This recruitment offers an opportunity for eligible graduates to work in the state secretariat administration. Selected candidates will receive a starting basic pay of ₹35,400 under Level-9, Cell-1 of the ORSP Rules, 2017 Pay Matrix, along with applicable Dearness Allowance and other government allowances.
The online registration and application process will commence on 9 November 2026. Interested candidates can submit their registered online applications up to 30 November 2026, 5:00 PM through the official OPSC website.
The selection process consists of a 400-mark objective written examination followed by a qualifying Computer Skill Test carrying 50 marks. The written examination is tentatively scheduled for 17 January 2027 (Sunday).
Candidates should carefully review the complete eligibility requirements, category-wise vacancies, age relaxation, educational qualifications, examination fee, selection procedure and application instructions before applying.
OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Recruitment Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Odisha Public Service Commission |
| Advertisement Number | 15 of 2026-27 |
| Post Name | Assistant Section Officer (ASO) |
| Group | Group-B |
| Service | Odisha Secretariat Service Cadre |
| Administrative Department | Home Department, Government of Odisha |
| Total Vacancies | 340 |
| Women’s Vacancies | 114 |
| Job Location | Odisha |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Commencement | 09 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 November 2026 |
| Last Date Time | 5:00 PM |
| Written Examination | 17 January 2027 (Tentative) |
| Selection Process | Written Examination and Computer Skill Test |
| Basic Pay | ₹35,400 |
| Pay Level | Level-9, Cell-1 |
| Official Website | https://www.opsc.gov.in |
Important Dates – OPSC ASO 2026
Candidates should keep track of the following recruitment dates to avoid missing the application deadline.
| Event | Important Date |
|---|---|
| Official Advertisement Released | 05 November 2026 |
| Online Registration Begins | 09 November 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | 09 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Registered Online Application | 30 November 2026 |
| Application Closing Time | 05:00 PM |
| Written Examination | 17 January 2027 (Sunday) |
Application deadline: The last date for submission of the registered online application is 30 November 2026, up to 5:00 PM. Candidates should not wait until the final day because technical issues or payment delays may affect submission.
The detailed examination schedule and examination centres will be notified by OPSC separately.
OPSC Assistant Section Officer Vacancy 2026 – 340 Posts
OPSC has announced a total of 340 vacancies, including 114 vacancies reserved for women candidates across the applicable categories.
Category-Wise Vacancy Distribution
| 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 above category-wise vacancy distribution includes the vacancies specified in the advertisement.
Special Reservation
Apart from the social category reservation, the notification provides vacancies for eligible Persons with Disabilities, Ex-Servicemen and Sports Persons.
| Special Category | Total Vacancies | Women Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 25 | 09 |
| Ex-Servicemen | 19 | Not separately specified in the summary |
| Sports Persons | 03 | 01 |
The 25 PwD vacancies include current and backlog vacancies. The notification specifies that candidates selected under PwD, Ex-Servicemen and Sports Persons reservation will be adjusted against their respective social categories.
Important: These special-category vacancies are not additional vacancies over and above the 340 posts. Candidates should refer to the official vacancy tables for the detailed sub-category distribution.
PwD Vacancy Distribution
The advertisement provides PwD reservation for the following disability categories:
- Category I – Blindness or Low Vision.
- Category II – Hearing Impairment.
- Category III – Locomotor Disability, including Cerebral Palsy, Leprosy Cured, Dwarfism, Acid Attack Victims and Muscular Dystrophy.
- Category IV – Autism, Intellectual Disability, Specific Learning Disability, Mental Illness and Multiple Disabilities.
Candidates claiming PwD reservation must possess and upload a valid Permanent Disability Certificate. Temporary disability certificates will not be accepted for claiming this reservation.
OPSC ASO Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before submitting an application, candidates must ensure that they satisfy the educational qualification, age limit, Odia language requirement and other conditions prescribed by OPSC.
1. Educational Qualification
The minimum educational qualification required for the Assistant Section Officer post is:
- Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
- An equivalent qualification recognised by the competent authority is also acceptable.
- Candidates must have adequate knowledge of Computer Applications as specified in the recruitment schedule.
Graduates from Arts, Science, Commerce, Management and other recognised disciplines can apply, provided they satisfy all other eligibility conditions.
2. Knowledge of Odia Language
Knowledge of Odia is a mandatory eligibility condition.
Candidates must be able to speak, read and write Odia and must fulfil at least one of the following requirements:
- 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 equivalent to the Middle English School Standard conducted by the School and Mass Education Department.
Candidates who have not studied Odia in the prescribed manner must submit an acceptable supporting certificate.
The notification recognises the following supporting documents, where applicable:
- Certificate issued by the Headmaster of the concerned recognised High School.
- Certificate issued by the Principal of a recognised school confirming that the candidate studied and passed Odia in Class VII or above.
- Odia Test Pass Certificate issued by the School and Mass Education Department or Board of Secondary Education, Odisha.
The applicable certificate must be issued before the last date of the application.
OPSC ASO Age Limit 2026
The age of applicants will be calculated as on 1 January 2026.
| Age Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 21 Years |
| Maximum Age | 42 Years |
| Date of Birth – Not Earlier Than | 02 January 1984 |
| Date of Birth – Not Later Than | 01 January 2005 |
Candidates must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have crossed 42 years as on the prescribed date.
Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation
The notification provides the following age relaxation:
| Category | Upper Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SEBC | 5 Years |
| SC | 5 Years |
| ST | 5 Years |
| Women | 5 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 5 Years |
| Persons with Disabilities (permanent disability of 40% or more) | 10 Years |
| PwD belonging to SEBC / SC / ST | Cumulative relaxation of 15 Years |
Important age-relaxation conditions:
- Candidates eligible under more than one category will receive only the single most beneficial upper-age relaxation, except where the notification specifically allows cumulative relaxation.
- PwD candidates belonging to SEBC, SC or ST categories are eligible for a cumulative relaxation of 15 years.
- The prescribed age limit cannot be relaxed beyond the provisions mentioned in the advertisement.
- The date of birth recorded in the High School Certificate or equivalent certificate issued by the concerned Board/Council will be accepted by OPSC.
OPSC ASO Application Fee 2026
Candidates other than SC, ST and PwD categories are required to pay an examination fee of ₹700 while submitting the online application.
| Category | Examination Fee |
|---|---|
| General / UR | ₹700 |
| SEBC | ₹700 |
| SC | Exempted |
| ST | Exempted |
| PwD | Exempted |
Is the OPSC ASO Application Fee Refundable?
Yes. The notification specifically states that the examination fee paid by eligible candidates will be refunded only to those who actually appear in the Written Examination.
The refund conditions include:
- Candidates must actually appear in the Written Examination.
- The refund will be processed after completion of the Written Examination.
- Refunds will ordinarily be sent to the original payment method used during the transaction, such as UPI, Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking or Wallet.
- Candidates must also provide correct and active bank account details, including account number, IFSC code, account holder’s name and bank branch, in the application form.
- These bank details may be used if the refund through the original payment mode fails due to technical or other issues.
Applications submitted without payment of the applicable examination fee will be treated as incomplete and rejected.
OPSC ASO Selection Process 2026
The recruitment process consists of two successive stages:
- Written Examination – 400 Marks.
- Skill Test in Computer (Practical) – 50 Marks, Qualifying.
The written examination will determine the candidates shortlisted for the Computer Skill Test. Candidates must qualify in the Computer Skill Test to be considered for the final merit list.
Stage 1: Written Examination
The written examination will consist of three papers carrying a combined total of 400 marks.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Type | Objective Type |
| Question Format | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Number of Papers | 3 |
| Total Marks | 400 |
| Marks per Question | 1 Mark |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 Marks for Each Wrong Answer |
All questions in the objective papers will carry equal marks. A deduction of 0.25 marks will be made for every incorrect answer.
The detailed paper-wise scheme, subjects and syllabus are provided in Appendix-I of the detailed advertisement.
Minimum Qualifying Marks in Written Examination
Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying percentage separately in each of the three written examination papers.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| UR | 35% |
| SEBC | 35% |
| SC | 30% |
| ST | 30% |
| PwD | 28% |
For Ex-Servicemen and Sports Persons, the minimum qualifying marks will be the same as the social category to which they belong.
Important: Securing the minimum qualifying percentage does not automatically guarantee selection for the Computer Skill Test. Candidates will also be shortlisted according to merit and the prescribed category-wise shortlisting ratio.
Shortlisting for Computer Skill Test
Candidates who secure the prescribed minimum qualifying marks in all three written papers will be considered for shortlisting.
The notification provides the following shortlisting criteria:
- For categories where the number of vacancies is five or less, approximately two times the advertised vacancies will be shortlisted, subject to a minimum of five candidates.
- For categories where the number of vacancies is more than five, approximately 1.5 times the advertised vacancies will be shortlisted, rounded up to the higher integer where necessary.
- OPSC may shortlist additional PwD candidates at its discretion because of the provision for filling backlog vacancies.
- If the required number of qualified candidates does not appear for the Computer Skill Test, OPSC may call additional candidates on merit to avoid vacancies remaining unfilled.
Stage 2: Computer Skill Test
Candidates shortlisted from the written examination will be called for the Computer Skill Test (Practical).
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Test Name | Skill Test in Computer |
| Test Type | Practical |
| Total Marks | 50 |
| Minimum Qualifying Percentage | 40% |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 20 Marks |
| Nature of Test | Qualifying |
Candidates must secure at least 40% of the total marks, i.e. 20 out of 50, to qualify.
The Computer Skill Test is qualifying in nature. Its marks will not be added to the written examination marks for preparation of the final merit list.
Final Merit List and Tie-Breaking Rules
The final ranking of candidates who qualify in the Computer Skill Test will be prepared on the basis of their aggregate marks in the Written Examination, which carries 400 marks.
The following tie-breaking rules will apply:
- If two or more candidates secure equal aggregate marks in the written examination, the candidate securing higher marks in General Knowledge (Paper-I) will be ranked higher.
- If the marks in General Knowledge (Paper-I) are also equal, the older candidate will be placed above the younger candidate.
The marks secured by the last selected candidate and individual marks will be published on the OPSC website after declaration of the final result and select list.
OPSC ASO Written Examination Date 2027
According to the notification, the written examination for the Assistant Section Officer recruitment is tentatively scheduled for:
17 January 2027 (Sunday)
The detailed examination schedule and examination centres will be notified by the Commission separately.
Examination Centres
The written examination will be conducted at different centres across 33 examination zones in Odisha. Candidates will be required to select two examination zones in order of preference while submitting the online application.
The final examination centre allocation and detailed instructions will be communicated by OPSC through its official website and subsequent notices.
Provisional Answer Key and Objections
After completion of the written examination, OPSC will upload the provisional answer keys on its official website.
Candidates will be allowed to submit suggestions or objections against the provisional answer key through the prescribed online process within the specified deadline.
Candidates who do not challenge the provisional answer key within the notified period will forfeit their right to raise the matter subsequently through any other forum or manner, as stated in the advertisement.
OPSC ASO Salary 2026 – Pay Scale and Benefits
The Assistant Section Officer post belongs to Group-B of the Odisha Secretariat Service Cadre.
The salary structure is as follows:
| Salary Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Assistant Section Officer |
| Pay Matrix | ORSP Rules, 2017 |
| Pay Level | Level-9 |
| Cell | Cell-1 |
| Basic Pay | ₹35,400 |
| Dearness Allowance | As applicable |
| Other Allowances | As sanctioned by Government of Odisha |
The starting basic pay is ₹35,400. In addition to basic pay, selected candidates will receive Dearness Allowance and other allowances as sanctioned by the Government of Odisha from time to time.
The actual monthly salary will depend on applicable allowances and deductions.
Required Documents for OPSC ASO Application
Candidates should keep their educational certificates, identity documents and applicable reservation certificates ready before starting the online application.
The following documents may be required as applicable to the candidate:
- High School Certificate or equivalent certificate for date-of-birth verification.
- Intermediate / +2 certificate and mark sheet, where applicable.
- Bachelor’s Degree certificate.
- Degree mark sheets.
- Odia language qualification certificate, wherever required.
- Valid SEBC / SC / ST certificate, wherever applicable.
- Non-Creamy Layer certificate for SEBC candidates.
- Permanent Disability Certificate for PwD candidates.
- Sports Identity Card / Certificate issued by the Director of Sports, Odisha, for Sports Persons.
- Valid Ex-Servicemen certificate for eligible applicants.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC), where applicable.
- Identity proof, preferably Aadhaar Card.
- Bank account details for the examination fee refund process.
Candidates should upload documents in the prescribed format and ensure that the details entered in the application match their original certificates.
Important Certificate Conditions
SEBC candidates: The SEBC Non-Creamy Layer certificate must be issued by the competent authority within the prescribed three-year period before the first date of online application. The advertisement specifies that the certificate must be issued on or after 10 November 2023. An OBC certificate cannot be submitted as a substitute for the required SEBC certificate.
PwD candidates: Only a valid Permanent Disability Certificate will be considered for reservation. A temporary disability certificate will not be accepted for claiming PwD reservation.
Sports Persons: Candidates must upload the prescribed Sports Identity Card/Certificate issued by the Director of Sports, Odisha. Participation certificates, prize certificates and other sports credentials will not be accepted as substitutes.
Ex-Servicemen: Candidates must submit a valid Ex-Servicemen certificate. Children of Ex-Servicemen cannot claim reservation under the Ex-Servicemen quota.
How to Apply Online for OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026?
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official website of the Odisha Public Service Commission. The registration and application link will be available from 9 November 2026.
Follow the steps below:
Step 1 – Visit the Official Website
Open the official OPSC website at https://www.opsc.gov.in.
Step 2 – Find the Recruitment Advertisement
Navigate to the recruitment or advertisement section and locate Advertisement No. 15 of 2026-27 for Assistant Section Officer posts.
Step 3 – Complete Registration
Open the online registration link and provide the required basic details to create the candidate’s registration/PPSAN account.
Step 4 – Fill in the Application Form
Log in and enter the required personal information, educational qualifications, category details, communication address and other particulars.
Step 5 – Select Examination Zones
Select two examination zones in order of preference as required by the application form.
Step 6 – Upload Documents
Upload the photograph, signature and other required certificates in the prescribed format and size.
Step 7 – Pay the Examination Fee
Candidates other than SC, ST and PwD categories must pay the applicable ₹700 examination fee through the online payment facility.
Step 8 – Enter Bank Details
Provide the required bank account details accurately for the fee refund process.
Step 9 – Review the Application
Check all information carefully before final submission. Incorrect personal, educational or category details may create problems during document verification.
Step 10 – Submit and Save
Submit the registered online application before 30 November 2026, 5:00 PM. Download or print the submitted application form and keep it safely for future reference.
Important Instructions Before Applying
Candidates should carefully read the following instructions before submitting their applications:
- Apply only through the official OPSC online application system.
- The application window is from 9 November to 30 November 2026, up to 5:00 PM.
- Do not create multiple PPSAN accounts or submit multiple applications. OPSC has specifically cautioned that multiple applications through multiple PPSAN accounts may lead to rejection.
- Ensure that the date of birth matches the High School Certificate or equivalent certificate.
- Verify the validity and issue date of the SEBC certificate before claiming SEBC reservation.
- Upload the prescribed permanent disability certificate if claiming PwD reservation.
- Sports Persons must submit the prescribed certificate issued by the Director of Sports, Odisha.
- Candidates must satisfy the Odia language requirement.
- Keep the bank account active and provide correct bank details for the refund process.
- Do not pay money to intermediaries or persons promising selection. OPSC has warned candidates against recruitment fraud.
- The examination is governed by the Odisha Conduct of Examination Act, 1988 and the Odisha Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. Violations may result in criminal proceedings.
Candidates are advised to read the complete advertisement and its appendices before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026
Q1. How many vacancies are available in OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026?
A total of 340 Assistant Section Officer (Group-B) vacancies have been announced by the Odisha Public Service Commission.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for OPSC ASO 2026?
The last date for submission of the registered online application is 30 November 2026, up to 5:00 PM.
Q3. When will the OPSC ASO online application process begin?
The online registration and application process will begin on 9 November 2026.
Q4. What is the educational qualification for Assistant Section Officer posts?
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification, along with adequate knowledge of Computer Applications.
Q5. Is Odia language knowledge compulsory for OPSC ASO?
Yes. Candidates must be able to speak, read and write Odia and fulfil at least one of the prescribed Odia language qualification conditions.
Q6. What is the age limit for OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026?
The minimum age is 21 years and the maximum age is 42 years as on 1 January 2026, subject to the applicable age relaxation rules.
Q7. What is the salary of an OPSC Assistant Section Officer?
The post carries a starting basic pay of ₹35,400 under Level-9, Cell-1 of the ORSP Rules, 2017 Pay Matrix, along with applicable allowances.
Q8. What is the OPSC ASO application fee?
The examination fee is ₹700 for candidates other than SC, ST and PwD categories. SC, ST and PwD candidates are exempted from the fee.
Q9. Will the OPSC ASO examination fee be refunded?
Yes. The examination fee will be refunded to candidates who actually appear in the Written Examination, subject to the refund process described in the notification.
Q10. What is the selection process for OPSC ASO 2026?
The selection process consists of a 400-mark objective written examination followed by a 50-mark practical Computer Skill Test, which is qualifying in nature.
Q11. Is there negative marking in the OPSC ASO written examination?
Yes. A deduction of 0.25 marks will be made for every incorrect answer.
Q12. What are the minimum qualifying marks for the written examination?
The minimum qualifying marks are 35% for UR and SEBC, 30% for SC and ST, and 28% for PwD candidates. These marks must be secured separately in each written paper.
Q13. What is the minimum qualifying mark for the Computer Skill Test?
Candidates must secure at least 40% of the total 50 marks, i.e. 20 marks, to qualify in the Computer Skill Test.
Q14. When will the OPSC ASO written examination be conducted?
The written examination is tentatively scheduled for 17 January 2027 (Sunday).
Q15. Where can candidates apply for OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026?
Candidates can apply through the official OPSC website: https://www.opsc.gov.in.
Q16. Can candidates from Arts, Science and Commerce backgrounds apply?
Yes. Candidates holding a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognised university can apply, provided they satisfy the other eligibility requirements.
Q17. Can transgender candidates apply for OPSC ASO posts?
Yes. The notification explicitly states that transgender candidates are eligible to apply.
Q18. How many vacancies are reserved for women?
A total of 114 vacancies are indicated for women candidates across the category-wise vacancy distribution.
Q19. Will the Computer Skill Test marks be added to the final merit list?
No. The Computer Skill Test is qualifying in nature. The final ranking of candidates who qualify in the test will be based on their aggregate written examination marks out of 400.
Q20. Where can candidates download the official OPSC ASO notification?
Candidates can visit the official OPSC website at https://www.opsc.gov.in and access Advertisement No. 15 of 2026-27.
OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026 – Important Links
| OPSC ASO Online Application | Apply Online |
| Official Recruitment Notification | Visit OPSC Website for Advertisement No. 15 of 2026-27 |
| OPSC Official Website | Visit Official Website |
| Latest Odisha & Government Jobs | Latest Recruitment Updates |
| Exam Notifications & Answer Keys | Latest Exam Updates |
| Latest Exam Results | Check Results |
| Latest Admission Updates | Admission Notifications |
| Admit Cards & Hall Tickets | Download Admit Cards |
| Telegram Channel | Join Telegram Channel |