About

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) is a constitutional body responsible for conducting recruitment examinations and interviews for Group-A and Group-B services under the Government of Odisha. The Assistant Agriculture Officer post plays a key role in implementing agricultural extension services, farmer support schemes, and state agricultural policies.

Recruitment Overview

OPSC AAO Notification 2026

Vacancy Details (Category-wise)

Reserved Categories:

• Ex-Servicemen – 04 Posts
• Sports Persons – 01 Post
• Persons with Disabilities – 05 Posts (01 Woman)

Eligibility Criteria

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture [B.Sc. (Ag.)] or Horticulture [B.Sc. (Horticulture)].
• Degree must be from a university/institution recognized by the Government of India or any State Government.
• No other equivalent qualification will be accepted.
• Candidate must be a citizen of India.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak Odia.

Age Limit (as on 01 January 2025)

• Minimum Age: 21 Years
• Maximum Age: 42 Years

Age Relaxation:

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

Salary Structure

Selected candidates will be appointed in Level-10, Cell-1 of the Pay Matrix under ORSP Rules, 2017 along with:

• Dearness Allowance
• House Rent Allowance
• Other allowances as sanctioned by the Government of Odisha

Application Fee

• ₹700/- for candidates other than SC/ST/PwD
• SC/ST/PwD candidates: Fully exempted
• Fee will be refunded to candidates who appear in both papers of the written examination

Important Dates

Selection Process

1. Written Examination (MCQ):
   • Two Papers – 100 marks each
   • Total Questions: 200
   • Duration: 2 Hours
   • Negative Marking: 25% for wrong answers
2. Personality Test / Interview: 25 Marks

Total Marks: 225

How to Apply

1. Visit the official website: https://opsc.gov.in
2. Complete online registration.
3. Pay the examination fee (if applicable).
4. Fill in all required details carefully.
5. Upload necessary documents.
6. Submit the application before 30 January 2026 (5:00 PM).
7. Take a printout of the final submitted application.

Important Links

• Download Notification
• Apply Online
• Official Website

Preparation Tips

• Revise core agriculture subjects thoroughly.
• Focus on Odisha-specific agriculture schemes.
• Practice MCQs with negative marking awareness.
• Study soil science, agronomy, and crop production in depth.
• Cover horticulture basics if from agriculture background.
• Revise extension education and farm management.
• Use previous OPSC question trends.
• Practice time management with mock tests.
• Prepare short notes for revision.
• Stay updated with current agricultural policies.

Recommended Books

• A Competitive Book of Agriculture – Nem Raj Sunda
• Agronomy – Yellamananda Reddy & Sankara Reddi
• Soil Science – ICAR Handbook
• Horticulture at a Glance – ICAR
• Agricultural Economics – Raghuram & Bhattacharya
• Extension Education – O.P. Dahama
• General Agriculture – Arihant Publications

FAQs – OPSC AAO Recruitment 2026

Q1: How many AAO vacancies are available for the Odisha AAO 2026?
A: A total of 118 vacancies.

Q2: What is the required qualification?
A: B.Sc. Agriculture or B.Sc. Horticulture.

Q3: What is the age limit for the Odisha AAO 2026?
A: 21 to 42 years.

Q4: Is there negative marking?
A: Yes, 25% negative marking.

Q5: Is Odia language compulsory for the Odisha AAO 2026?
A: Yes.

Q6: What is the pay level for the Odisha AAO 2026?
A: Level-10 under ORSP Rules, 2017.

Q7: Is application fee refundable?
A: Yes, for candidates appearing in both papers.

Q8: When is the exam ?
A: Tentatively on 19 February 2026.

Q9: Can other degrees apply?
A: No, only Agriculture or Horticulture degrees are accepted.

Q10: Where to apply for the Odisha AAO 2026?
A: https://opsc.gov.in