OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026: The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has released the official notification for OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026 to fill 340 Assistant Section Officer vacancies under the Odisha Secretariat Service Cadre, Home Department. This recruitment offers an important opportunity for graduates who want to secure a Group-B government job in Odisha.

The notification was released on 5 November 2026 under Advertisement No. 15 of 2026–27. Eligible candidates can submit their online applications from 9 November to 30 November 2026 through the official OPSC website.

Candidates selected for the Assistant Section Officer post will receive a salary under Pay Level 9, with a pay scale of ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400, along with applicable government allowances.

The selection process includes a written examination followed by a qualifying Computer Skill Test. The written examination is tentatively scheduled for 17 January 2027.

In this article, you will find complete information about OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026, including category-wise vacancies, educational qualifications, age limits, salary, application fees, selection procedure, examination pattern, syllabus, important dates and online application instructions.

OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026: Overview

Candidates can check the important recruitment details in the following table.

Candidates should carefully read the official notification before submitting their applications.

OPSC ASO Vacancy 2026: Category-Wise Details

The Odisha Public Service Commission has announced 340 Assistant Section Officer vacancies under the Odisha Secretariat Service Cadre.

The vacancies are distributed among different categories according to the reservation rules of the Government of Odisha.

OPSC ASO Category-Wise Vacancy Distribution

Out of the total vacancies, 114 posts are reserved for women candidates.

The notification also provides horizontal reservation for other eligible categories.

These special-category vacancies are included within the total advertised vacancies and should not be added separately to the 340 posts.

Candidates should check the official notification for complete reservation conditions and eligibility requirements.

OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026: Educational Qualification

Candidates applying for OPSC Assistant Section Officer Recruitment 2026 must possess the required educational qualifications.

The basic eligibility requirements include:

• Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
• An equivalent qualification recognised by the appropriate authority may also be accepted.
• Applicants must have adequate knowledge of computer applications.
• Candidates must satisfy the prescribed Odia language requirements.
• The required qualifications must be completed according to the conditions specified in the official notification.

Can Final-Year Students Apply?

Candidates who are appearing in their final-year graduation examinations should carefully check the qualification cut-off requirements.

Applicants must possess the required degree within the eligibility conditions prescribed by OPSC. Candidates should not assume that awaiting graduation results automatically makes them eligible.

Computer Knowledge Requirement

Candidates must have adequate knowledge of computer applications.

The Assistant Section Officer position involves office administration, preparation of documents, file processing and computer-based administrative activities.

Candidates should therefore be familiar with common computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and internet services.

Odia Language Requirement for OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026

Knowledge of the Odia language is an important eligibility requirement.

Candidates must be able to speak, read and write Odia.

Applicants must also satisfy at least one of the prescribed language qualification conditions.

These include:

1. Passing the Middle School examination with Odia as a language subject.
2. Passing Matriculation or an equivalent examination with Odia as the medium of examination in a non-language subject.
3. Passing Odia as a language subject in the final examination of Class VII or above.
4. Passing an Odia language test equivalent to the Middle English School standard conducted by the School and Mass Education Department.

Candidates should keep the required educational certificates ready to establish their Odia language eligibility.

OPSC ASO Age Limit 2026

The prescribed age limit for OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026 is 21 to 42 years as of 1 January 2026.

Candidates belonging to eligible reserved categories can receive age relaxation according to government rules.

OPSC ASO Age Relaxation

Candidates who qualify for multiple age-relaxation categories should check the official notification to determine which concession applies.

Age relaxation cannot automatically be combined across all categories. The notification provides specific conditions for cumulative relaxation in eligible PwD cases.

OPSC ASO Salary 2026

Candidates selected for the Assistant Section Officer post will receive a salary under Level 9 of the Odisha Revised Scales of Pay Rules, 2017.

The pay scale is ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400.

The actual monthly salary depends on applicable allowances, deductions and posting conditions.

Benefits of the OPSC ASO Post

The Assistant Section Officer position offers several benefits associated with government service.

These may include:

• Regular government pay scale.
• Dearness Allowance.
• House Rent Allowance, where applicable.
• Leave benefits.
• Medical benefits according to applicable rules.
• Retirement-related benefits under the relevant government scheme.
• Opportunities for departmental promotion.
• Professional experience in government administration.

The exact benefits depend on the service rules and government orders applicable to the selected employee.

OPSC ASO Application Fee 2026

Candidates must pay the prescribed examination fee while submitting their online applications.

The notification provides a refund mechanism for candidates who pay the examination fee and actually appear in the written examination.

Candidates should read the official fee-payment and refund instructions carefully.

The examination fee must be paid through the payment methods available on the official OPSC application portal.

OPSC ASO Selection Process 2026

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

1. Written Examination.
2. Computer Skill Test.

Candidates must qualify in the required stages to be considered for final selection.

Stage 1: Written Examination

The written examination consists of objective-type questions covering General Awareness, Reasoning, Mathematics, English and Odia.

The examination carries a total of 400 marks.

Candidates must prepare for all three papers because the final merit list is based on the aggregate marks obtained in the written examination, subject to qualifying the Computer Skill Test.

Stage 2: Computer Skill Test

Candidates shortlisted through the written examination will be called for a practical Computer Skill Test.

The Computer Skill Test carries 50 marks and is qualifying in nature.

Candidates must secure at least 40% marks in the Computer Skill Test.

The marks obtained in the Computer Skill Test are not added to the written examination marks for preparing the final merit list.

Final Merit List

The final merit list will be prepared using the marks obtained in the written examination by candidates who qualify the Computer Skill Test.

If two candidates obtain the same aggregate marks, the prescribed tie-breaking rules will apply.

Preference will first be given to the candidate who scores higher marks in General Awareness. If the tie remains, the older candidate will receive preference.

OPSC ASO Exam Pattern 2026

The written examination contains three papers carrying a total of 400 marks.

Written Examination Pattern

Paper II consists of 100 questions carrying 100 marks, while Paper III consists of 200 questions carrying 200 marks.

Negative Marking

There is negative marking in the written examination.

For every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted.

Candidates should therefore focus on accuracy while attempting the examination.

Computer Skill Test Pattern

The practical test assesses the candidate’s ability to use common computer applications.

OPSC ASO Syllabus 2026

Candidates preparing for the OPSC ASO examination should study the complete syllabus and practise previous examination questions.

Paper I: General Awareness

The General Awareness syllabus includes:

• Current national and international events.
• Indian history.
• Indian freedom movement.
• Indian Constitution.
• Indian polity and governance.
• Indian economy.
• Geography of India.
• Geography of Odisha.
• World geography.
• General science.
• Environment and ecology.
• Biodiversity and climate change.
• Government schemes.
• Defence and armed forces.
• Important national and international organisations.

Candidates should give special attention to Odisha-related topics, current affairs and the Indian Constitution.

Paper II: Reasoning and Mental Ability

Important topics include:

• Number series.
• Alphabet series.
• Coding and decoding.
• Direction sense.
• Ranking.
• Arithmetic reasoning.
• Blood relations.
• Analogy.
• Classification.
• Non-verbal reasoning.
• Mirror images.
• Cubes and dice.
• Embedded figures.
• Logical reasoning.

Regular practice is important for improving speed and accuracy.

Paper II: Mathematics

The Mathematics section is generally based on Class 10-level concepts.

Important topics include:

• Number system.
• Arithmetic.
• Percentage.
• Ratio and proportion.
• Profit and loss.
• Simple and compound interest.
• Time and work.
• Time, speed and distance.
• Algebra.
• Mensuration.
• Statistics.
• Probability.

Candidates should revise basic mathematical formulas and solve practice questions regularly.

Paper III: English

The English section includes:

• English grammar.
• Vocabulary.
• Synonyms and antonyms.
• Sentence correction.
• Error detection.
• Tenses.
• Prepositions.
• Articles.
• Subject-verb agreement.
• Reading comprehension.
• Sentence rearrangement.

Candidates should practise grammar questions and comprehension passages to improve their performance.

Paper III: Odia

The Odia section tests the candidate’s understanding of the language.

The syllabus includes:

• Odia grammar.
• Vocabulary.
• Sentence formation.
• Comprehension.
• Language usage.
• Other topics prescribed in the official syllabus.

Candidates should use appropriate Odia language study materials and previous examination papers.

Computer Skill Test Syllabus

The Computer Skill Test includes practical knowledge of:

• Windows operating system.
• Microsoft Word.
• Microsoft Excel.
• Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Microsoft Access.
• Internet services.

Candidates should practise these applications on a computer rather than relying only on theoretical preparation.

OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026: Important Dates

Candidates should remember the following important dates.

Candidates should complete their applications before the closing date.

The examination date is tentative and may change according to the official schedule issued by OPSC.

How to Apply Online for OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026?

Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official Odisha Public Service Commission website.

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official OPSC website at https://www.opsc.gov.in/.
2. Open the recruitment or advertisement section.
3. Find Advertisement No. 15 of 2026–27 for Assistant Section Officer.
4. Download and read the detailed notification.
5. Click on the Apply Online option when registration opens on 9 November 2026.
6. Complete the registration process using the required personal details.
7. Obtain your Permanent Public Service Account Number (PPSAN), where applicable.
8. Log in using your registered credentials.
9. Enter your personal details, educational qualifications and category information.
10. Upload your recent photograph, signature and left-hand thumb impression in the prescribed format.
11. Verify the application details carefully.
12. Pay the examination fee, if applicable.
13. Submit the online application before 30 November 2026.
14. Download and save the completed application form for future reference.

Candidates should avoid submitting duplicate applications through multiple registration accounts.

Incorrect or incomplete information may lead to rejection during the recruitment process.

Documents Required for OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026

Candidates should keep the following documents ready before starting the online application.

Candidates should upload clear and readable documents according to the specifications provided on the official application portal.

Important Links for OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026

Candidates can use the following official links to access the notification, application portal and recruitment updates.

Note: The application link is scheduled to become available on 9 November 2026. Candidates should visit the official OPSC website and select Advertisement No. 15 of 2026–27.

Preparation Tips for OPSC ASO Examination 2026

Candidates should begin preparing early because the written examination covers several subjects.

1. Understand the Examination Pattern

Study the examination pattern and identify the subjects carrying the highest marks.

Paper III carries 200 marks, making English and Odia particularly important.

2. Prepare a Study Timetable

Create a daily study timetable that covers General Awareness, Mathematics, Reasoning, English and Odia.

Allocate additional time to subjects in which you need improvement.

3. Practise Previous Year Questions

Previous examination papers help candidates understand the question format and difficulty level.

They can also help identify frequently tested topics.

4. Attempt Mock Tests

Mock tests are useful for improving examination speed and time management.

Candidates should analyse their mistakes after every mock test.

5. Focus on Odisha General Knowledge

Candidates should study Odisha history, geography, culture, administration and current affairs.

This can strengthen their preparation for the General Awareness paper.

6. Practise Computer Applications

The Computer Skill Test is qualifying in nature, but candidates must pass it to remain eligible for final selection.

Regular practice with Microsoft Office applications and internet services is therefore important.

FAQ about OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026

Conclusion

OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026 is an important opportunity for graduates who want to build a career in the Odisha Government. The Odisha Public Service Commission has announced 340 Assistant Section Officer vacancies under Advertisement No. 15 of 2026–27.

The online application process will begin on 9 November 2026, and the last date to apply is 30 November 2026. Eligible candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree, meet the prescribed age limit and satisfy the Odia language and computer knowledge requirements.

Selected candidates will receive a salary under Pay Level 9, with a pay scale of ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400, along with applicable allowances.

The written examination is tentatively scheduled for 17 January 2027. Candidates should begin preparing for General Awareness, Reasoning, Mathematics, English, Odia and the qualifying Computer Skill Test.

Before submitting the application, carefully read the official notification and verify your eligibility, reservation category and required documents.

For the latest updates about the application process, examination date, admit card, answer key and results, regularly visit the official OPSC website.