OPSC Assistant Section Officer Recruitment 2026: Apply for 340 Group-B Posts

OPSC Assistant Section Officer Recruitment 2026: Overview & Key Opportunities

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has released Advertisement No. 15 OF 2026-27, inviting online applications for 340 posts of Assistant Section Officer (Group-B) under the Odisha Secretariat Service Cadre, Home Department, Government of Odisha. This is a highly sought-after recruitment for graduates aspiring to secure a stable and prestigious government job in the state administration. The online application window opens on 9 November 2026 and closes on 30 November 2026 (up to 5:00 PM).

As an Assistant Section Officer, selected candidates will play a crucial role in the administrative machinery of the Odisha Secretariat, handling file management, drafting, correspondence, and coordination among various departments. The position offers a pay scale of Rs. 35,400 in Level-9, Cell-1 of the ORSP Rules, 2017 Pay Matrix, along with dearness allowance and other perks, making it an attractive career option. The recruitment is open to graduates from any discipline, provided they possess adequate knowledge of computer applications and meet the Odia language proficiency requirements. The selection process is rigorous, comprising a written examination (400 marks) and a qualifying computer skill test (50 marks). With a total of 340 vacancies, this is a significant opportunity for candidates across Odisha and beyond. This comprehensive guide covers all essential details, including eligibility, application process, exam pattern, salary, and important dates, to help you navigate the recruitment seamlessly.

OPSC Assistant Section Officer Notification Highlights 2026

The OPSC Assistant Section Officer Recruitment 2026 notification brings several key highlights that every aspirant should note. The commission aims to fill 340 Group-B posts, with reservations for various categories. The application process is entirely online, and the fee is Rs. 700 for general category candidates, while SC, ST, and PwD candidates are exempted. The age limit is set between 21 and 42 years as on 1 January 2026, with relaxations for reserved categories. The written exam is tentatively scheduled for 17 January 2027. Here are the major takeaways:

• Total Vacancies: 340 posts of Assistant Section Officer (Group-B).
• Application Dates: 9 November 2026 to 30 November 2026 (5:00 PM).
• Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in any discipline + computer knowledge + Odia proficiency.
• Age Limit: 21 to 42 years as on 1 January 2026.
• Salary: Rs. 35,400 per month (Level-9, Cell-1) plus DA and other allowances.
• Selection: Written Exam (400 marks) + Computer Skill Test (50 marks, qualifying).
• Application Fee: Rs. 700 for UR/SEBC/General; exempted for SC/ST/PwD.
• Exam Date: Tentatively 17 January 2027.

These highlights provide a snapshot of the recruitment, but candidates are advised to read the full notification for detailed conditions.

About The Odisha Public Service Commission

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) is a constitutional body established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution. It is responsible for conducting civil services examinations and recruiting candidates for various state government posts in Odisha. Headquartered in Cuttack, OPSC ensures a transparent and merit-based selection process. The commission conducts examinations for Group-A and Group-B services, including the Odisha Administrative Service, Odisha Police Service, and other departmental roles. Working under OPSC offers a stable work environment, opportunities for career advancement, and the chance to contribute to the state's governance. The Assistant Section Officer position is part of the Odisha Secretariat Service, which forms the backbone of the state's administrative framework. Employees in this cadre handle policy implementation, file processing, and inter-departmental coordination, making it a vital role in the government machinery.

OPSC Assistant Section Officer Vacancy Details & Post Breakdown 2026

The recruitment drive aims to fill 340 vacancies for the post of Assistant Section Officer (Group-B). The table below provides a breakdown of the post name, total vacancies, and educational qualifications required. All posts are permanent and full-time, offering a lucrative pay scale under the ORSP Rules, 2017.

The vacancies are distributed across various categories as per government reservation norms. Candidates are advised to check the detailed notification for the category-wise breakup, as the number of vacancies may be subject to change.

Category-Wise Vacancy Reservation for OPSC Assistant Section Officer 2026

The 340 vacancies are distributed among different categories following the reservation policy of the Government of Odisha. While the exact category-wise breakdown is not provided in the source, it typically includes reservations for Unreserved (UR), Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD). Women candidates also have horizontal reservation. Candidates belonging to reserved categories must produce valid certificates issued by the competent authority. For SEBC candidates, the certificate must be issued on or after 10 November 2023. PwD candidates need a permanent disability certificate with 40% or more disability. Ex-servicemen are also eligible for age relaxation and reservation as per rules. It is crucial to note that reservation is not interchangeable between SC and ST categories. Unfilled vacancies in the women's quota will be filled by male candidates of the same category.

Educational Qualification & Eligibility Criteria for OPSC Assistant Section Officer 2026

To be eligible for the OPSC Assistant Section Officer Recruitment 2026, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:

Educational Qualification

• A Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized University or an equivalent qualification.
• Adequate knowledge in Computer Application as specified in the Schedule of the notification.
• Ability to speak, read, and write Odia, with one of the prescribed Odia qualifications (e.g., passed Odia in HSC or equivalent).

Other Conditions

• Candidates must be able to speak, read, and write Odia fluently.
• Transgender candidates are also eligible to apply.
• The date of birth as recorded in the High School Certificate or equivalent will be accepted.
• Candidates must not have any criminal background or ongoing disciplinary proceedings.

It is important to note that merely possessing the minimum qualification does not guarantee selection; candidates must perform well in the written examination and skill test.

Age Limit & Category Relaxations

The age limit for the post is a minimum of 21 years and a maximum of 42 years as on 1 January 2026. Candidates must have been born not earlier than 2 January 2005 and not later than 1 January 1984. Age relaxation is applicable for various categories as per government rules:

• SEBC: 5 years
• SC/ST: 5 years
• Women: 5 years
• Ex-Servicemen: 5 years
• PwD (40% or more): 10 years
• PwD of SEBC/SC/ST: 15 years (cumulative)

Candidates claiming age relaxation must produce the relevant certificates at the time of document verification. The cutoff date for age calculation is 1 January 2026, and no subsequent changes will be considered.

Salary Details, Pay Scale & Perks

The selected candidates will receive a pay scale of Rs. 35,400 per month in Level-9, Cell-1 of the ORSP Rules, 2017 Pay Matrix. In addition to the basic pay, they are entitled to dearness allowance (DA), house rent allowance (HRA), transport allowance (TA), and other allowances as per government norms. The total in-hand salary may vary depending on the posting location and applicable allowances. The job also offers benefits such as pension, medical facilities, leave travel concession, and job security. The Assistant Section Officer role is a Group-B gazetted post, offering opportunities for promotion to higher positions like Section Officer, Under Secretary, and Deputy Secretary through departmental exams and seniority.

OPSC Assistant Section Officer Selection Process & Examination Phases 2026

The selection process for OPSC Assistant Section Officer Recruitment 2026 consists of two stages:

1. Written Examination (Objective, MCQ): This is the first stage, carrying 400 marks. The exam comprises three papers covering General Knowledge and other subjects as per Appendix I of the notification. Each question carries 1 mark, and there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer. The minimum qualifying marks in each paper are 35% for UR/SEBC, 30% for SC/ST, and 28% for PwD candidates. The written exam will be held at various centres across 33 zones in Odisha. A provisional answer key will be uploaded after the exam, allowing candidates to raise objections online.
2. Skill Test in Computer (Practical, Qualifying): Candidates who qualify the written exam will be shortlisted for the computer skill test, which carries 50 marks. The shortlisting ratio is approximately 1.5 times the number of vacancies (if vacancies are more than 5) or 2 times (if vacancies are 5 or less, with a minimum of 5 candidates). The skill test is qualifying in nature, and candidates must secure at least 40% marks to be considered for final selection. The final merit list will be prepared based on the aggregate marks obtained in the written examination (out of 400). In case of a tie, the marks of Paper-I (General Knowledge) will be considered, followed by the candidate's age.

There is no interview stage for this recruitment. The selection is purely based on the written exam and skill test performance.

Application Fee Details

The application fee for OPSC Assistant Section Officer Recruitment 2026 is as follows:

Payment must be made online through the application portal using net banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI. The fee is non-refundable, except that candidates who actually appear in the written examination will get a refund of the fee to their original payment method. This refund policy encourages serious candidates to apply.

Important Dates & Schedule

Candidates must adhere to the following schedule to avoid last-minute rush:

Note that the commission may change the exam date depending on administrative circumstances. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website for updates.

Required Documents for OPSC Assistant Section Officer Application 2026

Before applying online, candidates should keep the following documents ready in scanned format:

• Recent passport-sized photograph (usually 200x230 pixels, between 20KB-50KB).
• Scanned signature (usually 140x60 pixels, between 10KB-20KB).
• High School Certificate or equivalent for date of birth proof.
• Bachelor's degree certificate and mark sheets.
• Computer application knowledge certificate, if any.
• Odia language proficiency certificate (if Odia was not passed in HSC).
• Caste certificate (SEBC/SC/ST) issued by competent authority (SEBC certificate must be issued on or after 10.11.2023).
• Permanent Disability Certificate for PwD candidates (40% or more disability).
• Ex-servicemen certificate, if applicable.
• Sports certificate (for sports quota).
• Bank account details (account number, IFSC, branch name) for fee refund.
• Aadhaar card or other valid ID proof.

All documents must be uploaded in the prescribed format. Incomplete applications are liable to be rejected.

How to Apply Online

Follow these step-by-step instructions to submit your application:

1. Visit the official OPSC website at https://www.opsc.gov.in.
2. Click on the link for "OPSC Assistant Section Officer Recruitment 2026" under the What's New section.
3. Register yourself by providing basic details like name, email, mobile number, and creating a password. You will receive a unique registration ID.
4. Log in using your registration ID and password to access the application form.
5. Fill in the application form carefully with personal, educational, and category details. Ensure all information is accurate.
6. Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other required documents as per the specifications.
7. Pay the application fee online (if applicable) using net banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI. SC/ST/PwD candidates are exempted.
8. Review all entries before final submission. Once submitted, changes may not be allowed.
9. After successful submission, download and print the final application form for future reference.

It is advisable to complete the application process well before the last date to avoid technical glitches. Only one application per candidate is allowed; multiple applications will be rejected.

Important Instructions & Guidelines for OPSC Assistant Section Officer Applicants

• Ensure that your photograph and signature meet the prescribed dimensions and file size. Applications with unclear or improper images will be rejected.
• Verify your eligibility criteria before applying. The commission will not accept any responsibility if a candidate is found ineligible at a later stage.
• Provide a valid email ID and mobile number that remains active throughout the recruitment process.
• Keep the bank account details ready for fee refund. The refund will be processed only if you appear in the written examination.
• Do not attempt to submit multiple applications using different accounts. Such applications will be rejected, and legal action may be taken.
• Any attempt to influence the selection process or use unfair means will result in disqualification and legal consequences under the Odisha Conduct of Examination Act, 1988, and the Odisha Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
• Check the official website regularly for updates on exam dates, admit cards, answer keys, and results.

Job Location & Posting Details

The selected candidates will be posted in the Odisha Secretariat Service Cadre under the Home Department, Government of Odisha. The primary workplace is expected to be in Bhubaneswar, the state capital, where the secretariat is located. However, postings may vary based on departmental requirements. The job involves desk work, file processing, and coordination with various departments. The application mode is online only, and no offline applications will be accepted. Candidates should be prepared to serve anywhere in Odisha as per the commission's discretion.

Final Summary & Advice for Candidates

The OPSC Assistant Section Officer Recruitment 2026 is a golden opportunity for graduates seeking a stable and respectable government job in Odisha. With 340 vacancies, the competition is expected to be fierce, so candidates should start their preparation early. Focus on the written examination, which carries 400 marks and covers General Knowledge and other subjects. Practice previous year's question papers and take mock tests to improve speed and accuracy. Pay special attention to the negative marking scheme and avoid guesswork. For the computer skill test, ensure you are proficient in basic computer operations, as it is qualifying in nature. Keep all documents ready and apply online well before the deadline. Stay updated with the official website for any changes. With dedication and strategic preparation, you can secure this prestigious position.

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Career Content Specialist, SEO Strategist, and Fact-Checking Writer for Sarkari Job Finders

This article has been manually researched, cross-referenced with the official notification, and structured to provide verified, candidate-centric information.

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