OPSC Assistant Section Officer (ASO) Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 340 Posts

Full Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026, candidates must meet specific educational and age criteria. A Bachelor's Degree and proficiency in Computer Application are essential, along with Odia language knowledge.

Physical Requirements and Functional Classification for PWD

For Persons with Disabilities (40% or more permanent disability), specific physical requirements and functional classifications are applicable for the Assistant Section Officer post.

Salary / Pay Scale

Selected candidates for the Assistant Section Officer (ASO) post under OPSC will receive an attractive salary package as per the latest pay matrix, along with various allowances.

• The salary is as per the Pay Matrix under ORSP Rules, 2017.
• Candidates will also receive usual Dearness Allowance (DA) and other allowances sanctioned by the Government of Odisha.
• Persons appointed on or after 01 January 2005 will be covered under the Contributory Pension Scheme (NPS).

Selection Process

The selection for OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026 involves a rigorous two-stage process: a Written Examination followed by a Skill Test in Computer Application. Merit will be determined based on written exam performance.

• Stage I: Written Examination (Objective Type – Multiple Choice Questions)
  • This stage carries a total of 400 marks.
  • Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks in each paper individually: 35% for UR/SEBC, 30% for SC/ST, and 28% for PWD.
• Stage II: Skill Test in Computer Application (Practical)
  • This test is of qualifying nature, carrying 50 marks.
  • Candidates shortlisted from the Written Examination (approximately 1.5 times the vacancies) will be called.
  • A minimum of 40% of total marks is required to qualify.
• Merit List Preparation
  • Final ranking will be based on the aggregate marks secured in the Written Examination (400 marks).
  • In case of a tie, higher marks in General Knowledge (Paper-I) will be preferred. If still tied, the older candidate will rank higher.

Exam Pattern

The OPSC ASO Written Examination comprises three papers covering General Awareness, Reasoning, Mathematics, and Language. A subsequent Computer Skill Test is mandatory for qualification.

• All questions (except Skill Test) will be Multiple-Choice Type, carrying 01 mark each.
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.
• The Skill Test in Computer Application (Practical) is of qualifying nature.
• Syllabus for General Awareness: Current National & International events, History of British Rules in India & Freedom Struggle, Indian Constitution, Geography of India & Odisha, Governance, Indian Economy, Defence, Scientific Inventions, Environment, Institutions.
• Syllabus for Reasoning & Mental Ability: Number Series, Alphabet Series, Direction Sense, Coding-decoding, Number Ranking, Arithmetic Reasoning, Problem of Age Calculation, Non-verbal series, Mirror Images, Cubes & Dice, Grouping Identical Figures, Embedded figures.
• Syllabus for Mathematics: Arithmetic, Algebra, Mensuration (2D & 3D), Statistics & Probability (10th Standard Level).
• Syllabus for English: Grammar (Verb, Preposition, Adverb, Subject-Verb Agreement, Error Correction, Tenses, Fill in the Blanks with Articles), Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms), Comprehension, Sentence Rearrangement.
• Syllabus for Odia: Grammar (ସନ୍ଧି, ସମାସ, ପ୍ରତିଶବ୍ଦ/ବିପରୀତାର୍ଥକ ଶବ୍ଦ, ବାକ୍ୟଶୁଦ୍ଧି, ବାକ୍ୟ ପରିବର୍ତ୍ତନ, ରୂଢ଼ି, ଲୋକବାଣୀ), Comprehension, Sentence Rearrangement.
• Syllabus for Computer Skill Test: Windows, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), MS Access, Usage of Internet Services.

Post / Category Wise Vacancy Details

The OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026 offers a total of 340 Assistant Section Officer posts, distributed across various categories including reservations for women, PWD, Ex-Servicemen, and Sports Persons.

Job Profile & Responsibility

An Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in the Odisha Secretariat Service Cadre plays a crucial role in the administrative functioning of various government departments. Key responsibilities include managing official files, drafting letters, preparing reports, and assisting senior officers in policy implementation. ASOs are involved in the day-to-day operations, ensuring smooth workflow and efficient public service delivery. They handle correspondence, maintain records, and contribute to the overall administrative efficiency of the department. This role demands strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a good understanding of government procedures.

• File Management: Handling and processing official files, ensuring proper record-keeping and timely action.
• Drafting: Preparing official letters, memos, notices, and reports based on instructions from senior officers.
• Correspondence: Managing incoming and outgoing mail, ensuring proper distribution and follow-up.
• Data Entry & Analysis: Utilizing computer applications for data management, analysis, and presentation.
• Policy Implementation: Assisting in the execution of government policies and programs.
• Coordination: Liaising with different sections and departments for smooth administrative functioning.
• Research: Conducting basic research for policy formulation and decision-making.

How to Apply

Candidates interested in the OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026 must apply online through the official OPSC website. Ensure all details are accurate and documents are uploaded correctly before the deadline.

1. Visit the official OPSC website at https://www.opsc.gov.in/.
2. Locate the "Apply Online" section for Assistant Section Officer (ASO) Recruitment 2026 (Advt No. 15 of 2026-27).
3. Register and create a PPSAN (Permanent Public Service Account Number) account if you are a new user.
4. Fill in the online application form carefully with all required personal, educational, and other details.
5. Upload scanned copies of your latest passport-size photograph, full signature, and Left-hand Thumb Impression (LTI) as per specifications.
6. Pay the examination fee of Rs. 700/- online, if applicable (SC/ST/PWD candidates are exempted).
7. Review the entire application form for any errors before final submission.
8. Submit the online application form before the last date, 30 November 2026 (05:00 PM).
9. Take a printout of the finally submitted online application form for future reference.
10. Candidates are advised not to submit more than one online application form through multiple PPSAN accounts, as this will lead to rejection.

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