OPSC Assistant Section Officer (ASO) Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 340 Group-B Vacancies, Exam Date & Selection Process

Key Dates

• Official Notification Release: November 5, 2026

• Online Application Starts: November 9, 2026

• Application & Fee Payment Deadline: November 30, 2026 (up to 5:00 PM)

• Written Examination Date (Tentative): January 17, 2027 (Sunday)

• Computer Skill Test Date: To be notified separately

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized University or equivalent institution.

• Technical Knowledge: Must have adequate practical knowledge of Computer Applications.

   

• Language Proficiency: Must be an Indian citizen and able to speak, read, and write Odia fluently. Candidates must have passed Middle School / Class 10 with Odia as a language/medium subject or passed an Odia language test.

• Age Limit (As of Jan 1, 2026):

  • General Category: Minimum 21 years to Maximum 42 years (Born between Jan 2, 1984, and Jan 1, 2005).

  • SEBC / SC / ST / Women / Ex-Servicemen: Up to 47 years (5 years relaxation).

  • PwD Candidates (≥40% disability): Up to 52 years (10 years relaxation; up to 15 years for PwD in reserved categories).

Selection Process & Exam Pattern

Selection is based on a two-tier process: a Written Examination (400 Marks) followed by a qualifying Computer Skill Test (50 Marks).

1. Written Examination (Objective / MCQs – 400 Marks)

• Paper I – General Awareness: 100 Marks (100 MCQs)

• Paper II – Reasoning, Mental Ability & Mathematics: 100 Marks (100 MCQs)

• Paper III – Language (English & Odia): 200 Marks (100 Marks English + 100 Marks Odia)

Exam Rules & Marking:

• Negative Marking: $0.25$ marks deducted per wrong answer.

• Qualifying Cutoffs: UR/SEBC: 35% | SC/ST: 30% | PwD: 28%.

   

2. Computer Skill Test (Practical – 50 Marks)

• Status: Qualifying in nature (Minimum 40% marks required to pass).

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• Candidates are shortlisted for the skill test at approximately 1.5 to 2 times the number of vacancies based on written scores.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. Visit the Portal: Go to the official OPSC website at opsc.gov.in.

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2. One-Time Registration (OTR): Click on “Apply Online” and complete your OTR using a valid email ID and mobile number.

3. Fill Out Application Form: Select Advt. No. 15 of 2026–27 (ASO) and fill in your personal, academic, and Odia qualification details.

4. Upload Documents: Upload clear scanned copies of your passport photo, full signature, and Left-hand Thumb Impression (LTI).

5. Pay Application Fee: Pay the ₹700 application fee online via Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. (SC, ST, and PwD candidates of Odisha are fully exempt from fee payment).

6. Submit & Print: Verify all details carefully, submit your form before November 30, 2026 (5:00 PM), and print out the application summary for future reference.

Expert Analysis: Preparation Strategy & Key Insights

1. Balance Language Papers with Quantitative Aptitude

Paper III (English & Odia) carries half of the total written marks (200 out of 400). Do not neglect basic grammar,vocabulary, and translation in both languages, as high performance here often dictates candidate rankings.

2. Practice Accuracy to Avoid Negative Penalty

With a $0.25$ negative mark penalty for every wrong response, guessing can heavily impact scores. Build precision through mock tests and time-bound sectionals.

3. Prepare for the Practical Computer Test Early

Although qualifying, the Computer Skill Test requires practical familiarity with basic applications (MS Office/Word,Excel, PowerPoint, internet operations). Dedicate weekly hands-on hours alongside written exam preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the last date to apply for OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026?

The online application portal closes on November 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

Q2: What is the written examination date for OPSC ASO 2026?

The written examination is tentatively scheduled for January 17, 2027 (Sunday).

Q3: Are candidates from outside Odisha eligible to apply?

Yes, Indian citizens from outside Odisha can apply, provided they meet the mandatory criteria of being able to read, write, and speak Odia, and have passed an Odia language test of standard specified in the official notification.

Q4: Is there an application fee for SC/ST/PwD candidates?

No. Candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwD categories of Odisha are exempted from paying the application fee. All other candidates must pay ₹700.