OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026 – Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has officially released Advertisement No. 06 of 2025-26 for the recruitment of Assistant Agriculture Officer (Group-B) under the Odisha Agriculture and Food Production Service. Through this recruitment drive, OPSC aims to fill 118 permanent vacancies, including 40 posts reserved for women candidates.
The online application process starts from 10 January 2026 and will remain open till 30 January 2026. Candidates possessing a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture or Horticulture are eligible to apply.
Based on previous OPSC Agriculture Officer recruitments, it is estimated that 35,000 to 45,000 candidates applied last time. Considering the rising competition and limited vacancies, more than 50,000 aspirants are expected to apply this year. Candidates should start their preparation early, as the selection involves a written examination and interview, making it a highly competitive Odisha government job.
Candidates must apply through the official website and for Latest & Easy-to-Read Updates and Simplified Details, visit <u>GovtJobLink.com</u>.
Table of Contents
Odisha Public Service Commission Recruitment 2025 –Assistant Agriculture Officer (Group-B) Recruitment 2026
OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026 –Notification No. 06 of 2025-26
Govt Jobs Simplified on GovtJobLink.com
OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026 : Important Dates & Application Fee
| Important Dates | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date -10 / 01 / 2026 | General / SEBC: ₹700/- |
| Last Date to Apply – 30 / 01 / 2026 (5:00 PM) | SC / ST / PwD: ₹0 (Exempted) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment: 27 January 2026 | Payment Mode: Online |
| Tentative Exam Date: 19 February 2026 | UPI / Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking |
| Admit Card Release: Before Exam | Refund Policy: Full refund if candidate appears in both papers |
OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026 : Age Limit & Eligibility Details
| Age Limit (as on 01-01-2025) | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age: 21 Years | Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture [B.Sc (Ag.)] |
| Maximum Age: 42 Years | OR Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture [B.Sc (Hort.)] |
| DOB Range: 02-01-1983 to 01-01-2004 | No other equivalent qualification accepted |
| Age Relaxation: As per Govt rules | Degree must be from recognized university |
OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026 : Vacancy Details
| Category | Total Posts | Women Reserved |
|---|---|---|
| UR | 61 | 20 |
| SEBC | 14 | 05 |
| SC | 29 | 10 |
| ST | 14 | 05 |
| Total Vacancies | 118 | 40 |
OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026 : How to Apply Online & Required Documents
| How to Apply Online – Step-by-Step Guide | Required Documents for Online Form |
|---|---|
| • Visit the official OPSC website https://opsc.gov.in and carefully read the Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026 notification. Many candidates make mistakes by skipping the official instructions, which later leads to rejection. | • Recent Passport Size Photograph in prescribed format. Background should be light and image must be clear, without cap or sunglasses. |
| • Click on “Apply Online” link under Advertisement No. 06 of 2025-26 and complete One Time Registration (OTR) if you are a new user. Ensure that your mobile number and email ID remain active till final selection. | • Scanned Signature done with black or blue ink on white paper. Signature must match with future exam attendance sheets. |
| • Log in using your registered credentials and start filling the online application form section-wise including personal details, education, category, and address. | • 10th Certificate for proof of Date of Birth. |
| • Enter educational details exactly as mentioned in your B.Sc Agriculture / Horticulture degree certificate. Any mismatch can lead to cancellation at document verification stage. | • Degree Certificate (B.Sc Agriculture / Horticulture) from a recognized university. |
| • Select the category carefully (UR/SC/ST/SEBC/Women/PwD). Once submitted, category cannot be changed later. | • Caste Certificate (SC/ST/SEBC) issued by competent authority. SEBC certificate must be not older than 3 years. |
| • Upload all required documents in the prescribed size and format. Blurred or oversized files may cause form rejection. | • PwD Certificate showing 40% or more permanent disability, issued by authorized medical board. |
| • Proceed to online fee payment using UPI, Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking. Ensure successful transaction before final submission. | • Odisha Domicile / Nativity Proof wherever applicable. |
| • After successful submission, download and print the final application form for future reference. | • Ex-Servicemen / Sports Certificate (if applicable) issued by competent authority. |
| • Candidates are advised to check application status after submission and keep tracking updates for admit card and exam date. | • Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar / Voter ID / PAN / Passport). |
| • Avoid waiting till the last date. High traffic on the website may cause technical issues during final days. | • Any other document mentioned in the official notification relevant to your category. |
OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026 : Selection Process & Pay Scale
| Selection Process | Pay Scale & Salary Structure |
|---|---|
| • Written Examination is the first and most crucial stage of OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026. The exam is objective type (MCQ) and tests core agriculture knowledge at graduate level. | • Selected candidates will be appointed at Level-10, Cell-1 under ORSP Rules, 2017. |
| • The written exam consists of two papers, each carrying 100 marks, making the total written exam 200 marks. Negative marking makes accuracy extremely important. | • Basic Pay: ₹9,300 – ₹34,800 + Grade Pay ₹4,600 (pre-revised scale equivalent). |
| • Based on written exam performance, candidates are shortlisted for Personality Test (Interview) in 1:2 ratio, category-wise. | • In-hand Salary: Approximately ₹45,000 – ₹50,000 per month after allowances. |
| • The Interview carries 25 marks, focusing on subject knowledge, awareness of agriculture practices, communication skills, and suitability for field responsibilities. | • Allowances: DA, HRA, TA, Medical Allowance, and other admissible benefits as per Odisha Govt norms. |
| • Final Merit List is prepared based on aggregate marks of Written Exam + Interview (225 marks). | • Promotion Prospects: Regular departmental promotions to higher agriculture service roles based on experience and performance. |
| • In case of tie, preference is given to higher written exam marks, and if still tied, older candidate in age is ranked higher. | • Other Benefits: Pension under OPS/NPS (as applicable), leave benefits, job security, and departmental training programs. |
OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026 : Exam Pattern & Syllabus
| Exam Pattern – OPSC AAO 2026 | Syllabus – OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer |
|---|---|
| • The Written Examination is conducted in Objective (MCQ) format with negative marking, which means smart attempts matter more than blind guessing. | • Agronomy: Crop production, soil-water-plant relationship, dryland farming, irrigation methods, cropping systems. |
| • Paper-I: 100 Questions, 100 Marks, Duration 2 Hours. | • Soil Science: Soil fertility, soil chemistry, manures & fertilizers, nutrient management. |
| • Paper-II: 100 Questions, 100 Marks, Duration 2 Hours. | • Plant Breeding & Genetics: Mendelian genetics, hybrid varieties, seed technology. |
| • Marking Scheme: +1 mark for correct answer, –0.25 mark for wrong answer, no marks for unattempted questions. | • Plant Protection: Entomology, plant pathology, pest management, disease control. |
| • Total Written Exam Marks: 200. Interview Marks: 25. | • Horticulture: Fruits, vegetables, floriculture, plantation crops. |
| • Questions are framed strictly at B.Sc Agriculture / Horticulture level, so conceptual clarity is essential. | • Agricultural Economics: Farm management, agricultural finance, marketing, rural development. |
| • Previous year analysis shows high weightage to Agronomy, Soil Science, and Plant Protection. | • Agricultural Extension: Communication, rural sociology, extension methods. |
| • Difficulty level is Moderate to Tough, similar to other OPSC technical exams. | • Current Agriculture Issues: Government schemes, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable farming. |
Important Useful Links for Apply Online, Download Notification
| IMORTANT LINKS | CLICK HERE FOR DIRECT LINKS |
|---|---|
| 1. Apply Online Link | Click here for apply online |
| 2. Download Notification PDF | Click here for download notification |
| 3. Official Website Link | Click here for official website |
| 4. WhatsApp Channel Link | Join us on WhatsApp |
| 5. Telegram Channel Link | Join us on Telegram |
| 6. YouTube Channel Link | Follow us on YouTube |
| 7. Instagram Channel Link | Follow us on Instagram |
| 8. Facebook Page Link | Follow us on Facebook |
OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026 : Exam Preparation Strategy
Preparing for OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026 requires a balanced mix of concept clarity, revision discipline, and exam-oriented practice. Unlike simple clerical exams, this is a technical Group-B post, so the board expects candidates to demonstrate applied agricultural knowledge, not just theory.
Understanding the Exam Nature
• The written exam is MCQ-based with negative marking, so accuracy is more important than attempting all questions.
• Questions are framed at B.Sc Agriculture / Horticulture level, but often linked to field applications and government schemes.
• Candidates should avoid random guessing, as –0.25 negative marking can significantly reduce scores.
Subject Prioritization Strategy
• Based on previous trends, Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Protection, and Genetics together contribute nearly 60–65% of questions.
• Candidates should first master core subjects, then move to supporting subjects like Agricultural Economics and Extension.
• Current agriculture issues and government schemes should be revised weekly.
Daily Study Planning
• Allocate 6–8 hours daily, dividing time into concept study, revision, and MCQs.
• Morning hours are ideal for theory-heavy subjects, while evenings should be used for practice tests.
• Weekly revision is mandatory to avoid forgetting earlier topics.
Importance of Mock Tests
• Mock tests help identify weak areas and accuracy level.
• Candidates should attempt at least 25–30 full-length mock tests before the exam.
• After every mock, analyze mistakes, not just the score.
Previous Year Question Analysis
• Even though OPSC does not release official papers, memory-based questions reveal repeated topics.
• Topics like fertilizer dosage, crop diseases, genetics ratios, and irrigation methods appear frequently.
• Candidates should maintain a separate notebook for repeated concepts.
Interview Preparation (Early Start)
• Interview carries 25 marks, which can change final ranking.
• Start reading about Odisha agriculture, cropping patterns, soil types, irrigation projects, and recent policies.
• Communication clarity and confidence matter as much as subject knowledge.
Candidates should start preparation with Agronomy + Soil Science, followed by Plant Protection, and then gradually cover the remaining syllabus. This exam is more technical than SSC CGL but less unpredictable than UPSC, making structured preparation the key.
Sample Questions & Recommended Books / Study Material
Sample Questions (Based on Latest Pattern)
- Question – In rice cultivation, which stage is most sensitive to water stress?
- Question – Which fertilizer is the main source of nitrogen in Indian agriculture?
- Question – Black soils are rich in which nutrient?
- Question – What is the ideal pH range for most crops?
- Question – Which insect pest affects cotton boll formation?
- Question – What is the economic threshold level (ETL) in pest management?
- Question – Which plant hormone promotes cell elongation?
- Question – What is the role of Rhizobium bacteria?
- Question – Which crop is most suitable for dryland farming?
- Question – What is hybrid vigor also known as?
- Question – Which disease causes yellowing in wheat leaves?
- Question – What is the main objective of crop rotation?
- Question – Which irrigation method saves maximum water?
- Question – What is the full form of IPM?
- Question – Which nutrient deficiency causes chlorosis?
- Question – What is the role of potassium in plants?
- Question – Which soil texture retains maximum water?
- Question – What is seed dormancy?
- Question – Which scheme promotes soil health cards?
- Question – What is the function of extension education?
(Answers are intentionally not provided, as this section is meant for practice and self-evaluation.)
Recommended Books / Study Material
• Agronomy by T. Yellamanda Reddy – Concept clarity
• Soil Science by V.D. Chattopadhyay
• Plant Protection by Pradhan & Dhaliwal
• Genetics by B.D. Singh
• Objective Agriculture by R.K. Sharma
• Odisha Agriculture Statistics Handbook
• Standard ICAR Notes and PDFs
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Question 1 – What is the total vacancy in OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026?
Answer – The OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026 has 118 total vacancies, including reserved posts for women.
Question 2 – What is the qualification for OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026?
Answer – Candidates must possess B.Sc Agriculture or B.Sc Horticulture from a recognized university.
Question 3 – What is the age limit for OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026?
Answer – Age should be between 21 to 42 years as on 01 January 2025, with relaxation as per rules.
Question 4 – Is there negative marking in OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer exam?
Answer – Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer in the written exam.
Question 5 – What is the selection process for OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026?
Answer – Selection includes Written Examination (200 marks) and Interview (25 marks).
Question 6 – What is the application fee for OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026?
Answer – Application fee is ₹700 for General/SEBC, while SC/ST/PwD are exempted.
Question 7 – When is the last date to apply for OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026?
Answer – The last date to apply online is 30 January 2026.
Question 8 – Is the post permanent under OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026?
Answer – Yes, it is a permanent Group-B government post.
Question 9 – Where can candidates apply for OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026?
Answer – Candidates must apply only through the official OPSC website.
Question 10 – Where can I get simplified updates for OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer Recruitment 2026?
Answer – For simplified and student-friendly updates, visit GovtJobLink.com.
Note: Applicants are strongly advised to carefully verify all details such as important dates, eligibility criteria, application fee, age limit, number of vacancies, experience requirements, and selection process from the official notification and official website before applying. Candidates must submit their applications only through the official website using the direct login link provided by the recruiting authority.
For the latest, easy-to-understand, and student-friendly government job updates, visit GovtJobLink.com – Latest Government Job Updates, where we also provide structured exam preparation guidance along with detailed exam pattern and syllabus information. For more government job notifications, candidates are encouraged to regularly check our Latest Jobs section.