What's in this article?
The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has officially released the interview schedule for the post of Assistant Professor (Stage-I) in Economics. A total of 92 candidates have been provisionally shortlisted for these interviews, which are set to take place from 12 August 2026 to 14 August 2026 at the OPSC office in Cuttack. This crucial update, under Advertisement No. 27 of 2023-24, provides essential details for all aspirants.
OPSC Assistant Professor Economics Interview Schedule Overview
The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has announced the much-awaited interview schedule for candidates aspiring to become Assistant Professors (Stage-I) in Economics. This significant development, outlined in Notice No. 4311/PSC dated 24 July 2026, marks a critical phase in the recruitment process for Advertisement No. 27 of 2023-24. Candidates who have successfully cleared the initial stages are now invited for the final interview round, which will assess their domain knowledge, pedagogical skills, and overall suitability for the prestigious academic role. All shortlisted candidates must meticulously review the official notice to ensure they are fully prepared for their interview dates.
Key Highlights & Latest Updates
Here are the essential details regarding the OPSC Assistant Professor Economics interview schedule:
- Conducting Body: Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) is organizing the interviews.
- Post Name: The recruitment is for Assistant Professor (Stage-I) in Economics.
- Advertisement Number: This schedule pertains to Advertisement No. 27 of 2023-24.
- Notice Date: The interview schedule was released via Notice No. 4311/PSC, dated 24 July 2026.
- Total Candidates: A total of 92 candidates have been shortlisted for the interview round.
- Interview Dates: Interviews are scheduled from 12 August 2026 to 14 August 2026.
- Interview Venue: The interviews will be held at the Office of the Commission, 19, Dr. P. K. Parija Road, Cuttack – 753001.
- Total Interview Marks: The interview carries a total weightage of 100 marks.
Detailed Interview Process & Criteria
Interview Schedule and PPSAN List
The interviews will be conducted in two sittings each day: 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM. Candidates must refer to the official notice to check their Permanent Public Service Account Number (PPSAN) and confirm their specific date and time slot. The notice provides a detailed PPSAN list for each sitting.
Interview Marks Distribution
As per OPSC Notice No. 1306/PSC dated 02 March 2026, the interview for Assistant Professor (Stage-I) posts carries a total of 100 marks, distributed across three key components:
| Component | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Domain Knowledge in the Discipline | 50 marks |
| Pedagogical Skill | 30 marks |
| Academic Performance and Research Orientation | 20 marks |
Qualifying Marks for Selection
To be considered for final selection, candidates must secure the following minimum qualifying marks out of 100 in the interview:
| Category | Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| UR & SEBC | 50 marks |
| SC & ST | 42 marks |
| PwD | 38 marks |
| Sports Persons & Ex-servicemen | Same as their respective caste category |
Pedagogy Skill Test (Demo Class)
A pedagogy skill assessment is an integral part of the interview. Candidates are required to prepare and present a topic of their choice for 8 to 10 minutes before the Interview Board. A whiteboard will be provided by the Commission for this demo class, which aims to evaluate teaching abilities.
Documents Required at the Interview
Candidates must bring the following documents in original for scrutiny, along with four sets of photocopies of specific publications/synopsis, as prescribed in OPSC Notice No. 1306/PSC dated 02 March 2026:
- Annexure-I: List of articles/publications.
- Annexure-II: List of books authored and co-authored.
- Publications: Four sets of photocopies of the best 4 original publications/articles where the candidate is first or second author.
- Books: Four sets of the best 2 books originally authored or co-authored.
- Annexure-III: A brief synopsis (2 pages) of the doctoral research paper (PhD thesis) in four sets.
- Annexure-IV: List of participation in National/International Seminars/Workshops.
- Annexure-V: List of International/National/State-level Awards received.
- Original Documents: All original PhD thesis, research publications, books, seminar/workshop documents, and award certificates.
Important: Any identifying details like name or roll number must be masked or erased in the photocopied documents, as the interview process is identity-less.
Interview Process
- Board Allotment: The Interview Board is allotted through a transparent draw of lots by each candidate.
- Draw of Lots Timings: For the 1st sitting, it's from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM; for the 2nd sitting, it's from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM.
- Identity-less Process: Candidates appear before the Board with a randomly system-generated Code Number, ensuring no personal particulars are disclosed.
How Ties Are Resolved in the Merit List
In cases where two or more candidates secure the same interview marks, the following tie-breaker rules will be applied sequentially:
- Domain Knowledge: Candidate with higher marks in Domain Knowledge will be placed higher.
- Pedagogical Skill: If still tied, the candidate with higher marks in Pedagogical Skill will be preferred.
- Final Score (Advertisement): If the tie persists, the candidate with a higher final score as per Table 3B of Annexure-A of the original advertisement will be placed higher.
- Date of Birth: If all above criteria still result in a tie, the older candidate (by date of birth) will be placed higher.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Reporting Time: Report to the OPSC office two hours before your scheduled interview time.
- Document Check: Ensure you carry all required original documents and prescribed annexures, with names/roll numbers masked as instructed.
- Provisional Candidature: Shortlisting for the interview is purely provisional and does not guarantee final selection. Candidature can be rejected at any stage if discrepancies are found.
- Official Notices: Candidates must thoroughly check both Notice No. 4311/PSC (schedule) and Notice No. 1306/PSC (interview modalities) on the official OPSC website before appearing for the interview.
Impact on Students & What's Next?
For the 92 shortlisted candidates, this interview schedule is a critical step towards securing the Assistant Professor position. It is imperative that candidates now focus intensely on preparing for the interview, which includes refining their domain knowledge, practicing their pedagogy skills for the demo class, and meticulously organizing all required documents. Understanding the marking scheme and tie-breaking rules will also be beneficial. Candidates are strongly advised to regularly visit the official OPSC website for any further updates or clarifications to ensure a smooth interview experience.
Important Links
| Official Source/Notice | Click Here |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2026 | Click Here |
| All India Govt Jobs | Click Here |
| Home Page | Click Here |
FAQs
When are the OPSC Assistant Professor Economics interviews scheduled?
The interviews for Assistant Professor (Stage-I) in Economics are scheduled from 12 August 2026 to 14 August 2026.
How many candidates have been shortlisted for the OPSC Assistant Professor Economics interview?
A total of 92 candidates have been provisionally shortlisted for the interview round.
What is the venue for the OPSC Assistant Professor Economics interviews?
The interviews will be conducted at the OPSC office located at 19, Dr. P. K. Parija Road, Cuttack – 753001.
What is the marking scheme for the OPSC Assistant Professor interview?
The interview carries a total of 100 marks, with 50 for Domain Knowledge, 30 for Pedagogical Skill, and 20 for Academic Performance and Research Orientation.
Are there any qualifying marks for the OPSC Assistant Professor interview?
Yes, candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks: 50 for UR & SEBC, 42 for SC & ST, and 38 for PwD categories.
What documents are required for the OPSC Assistant Professor interview?
Candidates must bring original documents and prescribed annexures (lists of publications, books, PhD synopsis, seminar participation, awards) as detailed in OPSC Notice No. 1306/PSC. Remember to mask identifying details on photocopies.
What is the pedagogy skill test during the interview?
The pedagogy skill test requires candidates to present a topic of their choice for 8-10 minutes using a whiteboard, demonstrating their teaching abilities.
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