The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has released the Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026 Notification under Advertisement No. 14 of 2026–27 for recruitment to 89 Scientific Officer (Group-B) vacancies in the State Forensic Science Service Organisation under the Home Department, Government of Odisha.
Eligible candidates possessing the required postgraduate or master’s degree qualifications can apply online through the official OPSC website. The recruitment covers 10 specialised divisions, including Physics, Ballistics, Chemistry, Toxicology, Biology, Serology, DNA, Forensic Psychology, Cyber Forensic and Document.
The online registration and examination fee payment process will begin on 6 November 2026. The last date for submission of the online application is 26 November 2026 (5:00 PM).
Candidates will be selected through a written examination followed by a Personality Test/Viva Voce. The written examination is scheduled to be held on 17 January 2027.
OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) |
| Department | Home Department, Government of Odisha |
| Organisation | State Forensic Science Service Organisation |
| Advertisement Number | 14 of 2026–27 |
| Post Name | Scientific Officer |
| Group | Group-B |
| Total Vacancies | 89 |
| Divisions | 10 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 6 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 26 November 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Written Examination Date | 17 January 2027 |
| Selection Process | Written Examination and Personality Test |
| Pay Scale | ₹44,900 (Level 10, Cell-1) |
| Job Location | Odisha |
| Official Website | opsc.gov.in |
Important Dates for OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026
Candidates should note the following important dates mentioned in the official advertisement.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 28 October 2026 |
| Online Registration Begins | 6 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Registration and Fee Payment | 26 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 26 November 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Written Examination | 17 January 2027 (Sunday) |
| Examination Centre | Cuttack / Bhubaneswar |
| Admit Card | To be notified |
Candidates are advised to complete the application process well before the closing date. The detailed examination schedule and examination centres will be notified separately by OPSC.
OPSC Scientific Officer Vacancy 2026
OPSC has announced 89 vacancies for Scientific Officer posts across 10 divisions of the State Forensic Science Service Organisation.
Division-wise Vacancy Details
| Name of Division | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Physics | 7 |
| Ballistics | 6 |
| Chemistry | 10 |
| Toxicology | 13 |
| Biology | 14 |
| Serology | 4 |
| DNA | 12 |
| Forensic Psychology | 6 |
| Cyber Forensic | 11 |
| Document | 6 |
| Total | 89 |
Category-wise Vacancy Distribution
The category-wise vacancy distribution is given below:
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 45 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 18 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 18 |
| SEBC | 8 |
| Total | 89 |
Out of the total vacancies, 29 posts are reserved for women candidates across the applicable categories.
Additionally, 4 vacancies are reserved for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) having permanent disability of 40% or more, subject to the functional classification and physical requirements specified in the advertisement.
Important: Candidates can apply for one division only. Therefore, carefully check the educational qualification and vacancy availability before selecting a division.
OPSC Scientific Officer Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must fulfil the prescribed educational qualification, age limit, Odia language requirement and other eligibility conditions mentioned in Advertisement No. 14 of 2026–27.
1. Educational Qualification
Applicants must possess a Postgraduate or Master’s Degree from a recognised university or equivalent qualification with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks in the relevant discipline.
The required postgraduate qualification differs according to the selected division.
Division-wise Educational Qualification
| Division | Required Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Physics | Master’s Degree in Physics, Applied Physics or Electronics with Physics as a subject throughout the three-year B.Sc. course; or specified Integrated M.Sc. / Forensic Science qualifications |
| Ballistics | Master’s Degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Mathematics or Applied Mathematics with the prescribed undergraduate subject combination; or specified Integrated M.Sc. / Forensic Science qualifications |
| Chemistry | Master’s Degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance; or specified Forensic Science qualifications |
| Toxicology | Master’s Degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry or Applied Chemistry; or specified Integrated M.Sc. / Forensic Science qualifications |
| Biology | Master’s Degree in Zoology, Microbiology, Life Science, Genetics, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or Molecular Biology; or specified Integrated M.Sc. / Forensic Science qualifications |
| Serology | Master’s Degree in Zoology, Microbiology, Life Science, Genetics, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or Molecular Biology; or specified Integrated M.Sc. / Forensic Science qualifications |
| Forensic Psychology | Master’s Degree in Psychology or Forensic Psychology, with Psychology as an Honours or principal subject at Bachelor’s degree level |
| DNA | Master’s Degree in Zoology, Biotechnology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbiology or Life Sciences; or specified Integrated M.Sc. / Forensic Science qualifications |
| Cyber Forensic | M.Sc. / M.Tech. in Computer Science, Computer Science and Engineering, Information Technology or Cyber Security; or specified MCA, Digital Forensic and related postgraduate qualifications |
| Document | Master’s Degree in Physics, Chemistry or Forensic Science with Chemistry or Physics as a subject at B.Sc. level |
The detailed qualification combinations and acceptable equivalent degrees are provided in Annexure-A of the official notification. Candidates should read the annexure carefully because the undergraduate subject combinations may also be relevant for eligibility.
2. Age Limit
The candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not be above 42 years as on 1 January 2026.
Therefore, candidates must have been born:
- Not earlier than 2 January 1984.
- Not later than 1 January 2005.
3. Age Relaxation
The upper age limit relaxation is provided as follows:
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SEBC | 5 Years |
| SC | 5 Years |
| ST | 5 Years |
| Women | 5 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 5 Years |
| Persons with Disabilities (40% or more permanent disability) | 10 Years |
Eligible PwD candidates belonging to SC/ST/SEBC categories may receive cumulative relaxation as provided under the applicable rules.
4. Knowledge of Odia
Candidates must be able to speak, read and write Odia and satisfy any one of the following conditions:
- Passed the M.E. School or higher examination with Odia as a language subject.
- Passed Matriculation or 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 from a recognised school or educational institution.
- Passed a test in Odia at the Middle English School standard conducted by the School and Mass Education Department, Government of Odisha, or the Board of Secondary Education, Odisha.
The required supporting certificate must be submitted as specified in the advertisement.
5. Other Eligibility Conditions
Candidates must satisfy the other conditions prescribed by OPSC, including nationality, character, medical fitness and applicable service rules.
Government employees can also apply if they meet the eligibility requirements, but they must inform their respective Head of Office and furnish a No Objection Certificate (NOC) during document verification.
OPSC Scientific Officer Application Fee 2026
The examination fee prescribed in the notification is ₹700.
| Category | Examination Fee |
|---|---|
| General / SEBC | ₹700 |
| SC | Exempted |
| ST | Exempted |
| PwD | Exempted |
Important Fee Refund Information
OPSC has specified that the examination fee paid by candidates will be refunded only to those who actually appear in both Paper-I and Paper-II of the written examination.
The refund will be processed to the original payment method used during the transaction. Candidates must also provide valid bank account details, including account number, IFSC code, account holder name and bank branch, in the online application form as required.
OPSC Scientific Officer Selection Process 2026
The selection of candidates will be based on two stages:
- Written Examination
- Personality Test / Viva Voce
The total marks for the recruitment examination are 450.
Stage 1: Written Examination
The written examination will carry 400 marks and consist of two objective-type papers.
| Paper | Subjects | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General English, General Awareness, General Aptitude and Reasoning | 100 | 100 | 90 Minutes |
| Paper-II | Subject-specific questions according to the selected division | 150 | 300 | 150 Minutes |
| Total | 250 | 400 | 4 Hours |
Paper-I Details
Paper-I consists of two parts:
- Part A – General English: 50 questions carrying 1 mark each.
- Part B – General Awareness, General Aptitude and Reasoning: 50 questions carrying 1 mark each.
The General English section covers topics such as synonyms, antonyms, phrases, idioms, prepositions, comprehension, sentence ordering, error spotting and appropriate word usage.
The General Awareness and Aptitude section includes reasoning, data interpretation, science, current affairs, Indian and Odisha history, geography, the Constitution, socio-economic and political developments, human rights and computer fundamentals.
Paper-II Details
Paper-II is specific to the division selected by the candidate. It consists of 150 multiple-choice questions carrying 2 marks each, for a total of 300 marks.
The standard of questions will be at the Master’s Degree level.
Negative Marking
There will be negative marking for every incorrect answer in both Paper-I and Paper-II.
- Each correct answer carries the prescribed marks.
- For every wrong answer, 25% of the marks allotted to that question will be deducted.
Candidates should carefully attempt questions and follow the examination instructions.
Stage 2: Personality Test / Viva Voce
The Personality Test or Viva Voce will carry 50 marks.
Candidates who secure the minimum qualifying marks fixed by OPSC separately for Paper-I and Paper-II will be considered for shortlisting.
The Commission will shortlist candidates for the Personality Test in the order of merit based on written examination marks, in a ratio of twice the number of vacancies in each category.
Final Merit List
The Commission will prepare a division-wise merit list based on the aggregate marks obtained in:
- Written Examination – 400 marks
- Personality Test / Viva Voce – 50 marks
The final selection will be subject to the applicable reservation rules.
OPSC Scientific Officer Salary 2026
Selected candidates will be appointed in the pay scale of:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Scientific Officer |
| Group | Group-B |
| Pay Level | Level 10 |
| Cell | Cell-1 |
| Basic Pay | ₹44,900 |
| Pay Rules | ORSP Rules, 2017 |
In addition to the basic pay, selected candidates will receive Dearness Allowance and other admissible allowances as sanctioned by the Government of Odisha from time to time.
How to Apply Online for OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official OPSC website by following the steps below.
- Visit the official website: www.opsc.gov.in.
- Open the recruitment or advertisement section.
- Find Advertisement No. 14 of 2026–27 – Scientific Officer.
- Read the detailed notification and Annexure-A carefully.
- Complete the online registration and generate the required registration details.
- Fill in the application form with personal, educational and category information.
- Select only one division for which you fulfil the prescribed eligibility requirements.
- Upload the required certificates and documents in the prescribed format.
- Upload the latest photograph, full signature and Left-hand Thumb Impression (LTI).
- Pay the examination fee of ₹700, if applicable.
- Provide the required bank account details for the fee refund process.
- Review all information before final submission.
- Submit the application and download the final registration and application forms for future reference.
A unique Permanent Public Service Account Number (PPSAN) will be assigned after successful online registration.
Documents Required for OPSC Application
Candidates are required to upload the documents specified in the notification. These include:
- HSC or equivalent certificate as proof of age.
- Intermediate / +2 examination certificate.
- Bachelor’s Degree certificate.
- Master’s Degree certificate in the relevant division.
- Mark sheets from HSC to Master’s Degree, including fail marks, if any.
- Caste certificate, wherever applicable.
- Odia language test pass certificate or other accepted proof.
- Permanent Disability Certificate, wherever applicable.
- Ex-Servicemen Release Certificate, wherever applicable.
- No Objection Certificate for Government employees.
- Valid photo identity proof, preferably Aadhaar Card.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Full signature.
- Left-hand Thumb Impression (LTI).
Document upload instructions: The notification specifies that the required educational documents and other supporting certificates must be uploaded as instructed in the online application. The relevant educational and supporting documents are to be merged into a single PDF file with a maximum size of 10 MB, as prescribed.
Candidates should carefully check the complete document-upload instructions before submitting the form.
Important Instructions for Applicants
- Candidates can apply for only one division.
- Ensure that the Master’s Degree qualification matches the selected division.
- Minimum 55% aggregate marks are required in the prescribed postgraduate qualification.
- Check the age calculation date of 1 January 2026.
- Ensure that the Odia language eligibility requirement is fulfilled.
- SEBC candidates should note that the certificate must be issued on or after 7 November 2023, as specified in the notification.
- Upload all required documents in the prescribed format.
- Keep the PPSAN and final application printout safely.
- Government employees should arrange their NOC as required.
- Visit the OPSC website regularly for examination schedules, admission certificates and further notices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many vacancies are announced in OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026?
A total of 89 Scientific Officer (Group-B) vacancies have been announced across 10 divisions.
2. What is the last date to apply online?
The last date for submission of the online application is 26 November 2026 at 5:00 PM.
3. What is the educational qualification for Scientific Officer posts?
Candidates must possess a relevant Postgraduate or Master’s Degree from a recognised university with at least 55% aggregate marks. The exact qualification depends on the selected division.
4. What is the age limit?
The candidate must be between 21 and 42 years as on 1 January 2026, subject to applicable age relaxation.
5. What is the application fee?
The examination fee is ₹700 for candidates other than SC, ST and PwD categories. The fee is refundable to candidates who appear in both written examination papers, as specified by OPSC.
6. What is the selection process?
Selection will be based on a written examination of 400 marks followed by a Personality Test/Viva Voce of 50 marks.
7. When will the OPSC Scientific Officer written examination be conducted?
The written examination is scheduled for 17 January 2027 (Sunday).
8. Can a candidate apply for more than one division?
No. As specified in the official advertisement, a candidate can apply for one division only.
9. What is the salary of an OPSC Scientific Officer?
The post carries a pay scale of ₹44,900 at Level 10, Cell-1 of the Pay Matrix under ORSP Rules, 2017, along with applicable allowances.
10. What is the official website of OPSC?
The official website is www.opsc.gov.in.
Important Links
| OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026 Notification | Download PDF |
| Apply Online | Apply Online |
| OPSC Official Website | Visit Website |
| Latest Admission Updates | Admissions |
| Latest Exam Results | Check Results |
| Admit Cards and Hall Tickets | Admit Cards |
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Note: The information in this article is based on the uploaded OPSC Advertisement No. 14 of 2026–27. Candidates should refer to the complete official notification and subsequent notices for final instructions, eligibility verification and application submission.