OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026 – Apply for 89 Posts
Posted By: Jiya
Odisha Public Service Commission is out with Advertisement 14/2026-27 for 89 posts of Scientific Officers in Group B category for the State Forensic Science Service Organization under the Department of Home Affairs. Postgraduates seeking OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026 can apply online between November 6, 2026 and November 26, 2026, till 5:00 PM. The vacancies are in 10 divisions and the aspirants can apply for only one division. Aspirants applying for OPSC Scientific Officer Vacancy 2026 must keep in mind that the selection process will include objective type written test and personality test/viva voce. It is advised to the candidates to check the eligibility criteria for each subject along with age criteria and other requirements while filling up the forms. The recruitment provides an excellent opportunity to candidates seeking postgraduate positions in Scientist Government Jobs in India.
About OPSC and the Forensic Science Service Organization
Odisha Public Service Commission, Cuttack, invites applications for State Government vacancies. The recruitment process will be done under the guidelines of the Odisha Forensic Science Service Rules, 2025 along with a one-off relaxation notice published on July 18, 2026. Those seeking PSC Government Jobs in India can apply to the above notice for entering forensic labs in the state. OPSC Scientific Officer Eligibility Criteria aspirants need to pay attention to the Odia language requirement as it is mandatory.
Schedule for Applicants
- Advertisement Date: October 28, 2026
- Application Starts: November 6, 2026
- Application Ends: November 26, 2026 at 5:00 PM
- Age Reference Date: January 1, 2026
- Written Exam: January 17, 2027 (Sunday)
- Exam Centres: Cuttack and Bhubaneswar
Division-wise Vacancy for OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026
| Division | UR | SC | ST | SEBC | No. of Vacancies |
| Physics | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 |
| Ballistics | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 6 |
| Chemistry | 4 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
| Toxicology | 8 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 13 |
| Biology | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 14 |
| Serology | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| DNA | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 12 |
| Forensic Psychology | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| Cyber Forensic | 5 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 11 |
| Document | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| Total Vacancies | 45 | 18 | 18 | 8 | 89 |
Age Limit Details (as on Jan 01, 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 42 years
- Birth Period: Between January 02, 1984 to January 01, 2005
- Proof of Age: Only the date of birth in the High School Certificate
Upper Age Concessions
- SEBC, SC and ST: 5 years, up to 47 years
- Women: 5 years, up to 47 years
- Ex-Servicemen: 5 years, up to 47 years
- PwD at 40 percent or more: 10 years, up to 52 years
- PwDs from SEBC, SC or ST: Cumulative relaxation up to 15 years
- Benefit Rule: Benefits of SC, ST & SEBC are applicable to Odisha candidates only
Degree Requirements for OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026
| Requirement | Details |
| Common Condition |
|
| Physics and Ballistics |
|
| Chemistry and Toxicology |
|
| Biology, Serology and DNA |
|
| Forensic Psychology |
|
| Cyber Forensic |
|
| Document |
|
| Odia Knowledge |
|
Examination Fee Particulars
- General, SEBC and Others: Rs. 700/-
- SC, ST and PwD: No fee
- Mode of Payment: Online via card, UPI, netbanking or wallet
- Refund: Only in case where candidate participates in both exams
- Bank Details: Bank details required for refund (Account Number and IFSC)
- Incomplete Form: Not accepted due to being incomplete
Pay and Service Terms
- Pay Level: Level 10, Cell 1
- Basic Pay: Rs. 44,900/- per month
- Allowances: Dearness allowance and other allowances allowed by the state
- Pension: Contributory Pension Scheme after 2005
- NPS: Mandatory application on joining
Selection Stages for OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026
- There would be a written test of 400 marks conducted through two objective papers, followed by a personality test of 50 marks.
- In Paper I, there will be 100 questions of 1 mark each for 100 marks in 90 minutes of English and general awareness along with aptitude and reasoning.
- In Paper II, there will be 150 questions of 2 marks each for 300 marks in 150 minutes at the level of master’s degree in the chosen division.
- 25% of marks will be deducted for each wrong answer given in both the papers.
- Those candidates who secure minimum marks in each paper would be selected for personality test, in the ratio of twice the number of vacancies in each category.
- The merit list of each division will be drawn based on total marks of the written and personality test and in case of tie, on the basis of higher marks in Paper II and thereafter on age.
- The selected candidates will have to undergo document verification and medical test prior to joining Government Jobs in Odisha under State forensic service.
Documents to Upload With the Form
- Proof of age either by High school certificate or any other equivalent certificate
- Intermediate, bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates along with mark sheets
- Percentage certificate from the university along with formula for conversion of marks into percentage, if the grades are present
- Odia pass certificate or school certificate whichever applies
- Birth certificates of SC, ST and SEBC categories along with SEBC certificate dated on and after November 07, 2023
- Permanent disability certificate and release certificate for PWD and ex-serviceman category if any
- NOC from the government employee during document verification
- Photo identification proof and Transgender identification proof, where applicable, preferably aadhar
- All of the above mentioned documents should be scanned in one PDF file size not more than 10 MB
Study Resources for Both Papers
| Subject | Suggested Books and Resources |
| General English | Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi |
| Reasoning and Aptitude | A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal |
| General Awareness | Odisha current affairs magazine and Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth |
| Biology Divisions | Forensic Biology and Serology textbooks, plus Molecular Biology of the Cell by Alberts |
| Chemistry and Toxicology | Principles of Forensic Toxicology by Levine and Instrumental Methods of Analysis by Skoog |
| Physics and Ballistics | Forensic Science textbook by Nanda and Tewari, plus Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma |
| Cyber and Document Divisions | Digital Forensics by Nelson and Forensic Document Examination by Ordway Hilton |
Why Old Question Papers Help
- Pattern Awareness: From past OPSC papers, one can get an idea about the pattern of English and awareness question paper.
- Increasing the Speed: The ability to answer 150 questions in 150 minutes is possible by practicing continuously in limited time.
- Mock Test Practice: Students appearing in the OPSC Scientific Officer Eligibility Criteria and pattern of the question paper should take full mock tests weekly.
- Understanding Negative Marking Concept: By taking mock tests, one can learn how to make correct guesses and avoid wrong answers.
- Finding Out the Weak Areas: Error analysis will help in finding out the weak areas.
- Significance of Paper II: Paper II is responsible for deciding tie breaker.
Also Read: OPSC AEE Recruitment 2026 Out – Apply Online for 758 Vacancies
Application Steps for OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official website at www.opsc.gov.in
- Go to the Advertisements tab on the homepage.
- Check the Scientific Officer (Advt. No. 14 of 2026-27).
- Make sure you read the whole notice before filling the form, as well as the criteria for eligibility of the division and the Odia rule.
- Register yourself in the portal and obtain your Permanent Public Service Account Number.
- Choose any one division and fill your personal details, category details and education details.
- Upload the merged pdf, a recent photo, signature and left thumb impression.
- Carefully check all the entries as the candidates of OPSC Scientific Officer Vacancy 2026 will have to make a fresh application in case they want to make changes in their application after the last date.
- Pay online Rs. 700/- if you are not SC, ST or PwD.
- Fill up the form by 5:00 PM of November 26, 2026 and obtain your application form with a signature at the bottom of the declaration.
- Make sure that you take four copies of your photos and printouts.
Key Guidelines Before You Submit
- Only One Division: Apply for only one division.
- Final Submission: No change in categories and withdrawal of application shall be allowed once submitted.
- Eligibility: Meet all eligibility requirements, age limit and qualifications by the last date.
- Apply Early: Applying early will help you to avoid any technical problem.
- Rejection Reasons: Incomplete application form, failure in making the required payment, lack of documents or tampering with the documents can lead to rejection of your application.
- Unfair Practice: Unfair practice in the application form or documents can lead to disqualification.
- Latest Job News: Get the recent updates on latest government jobs in India.
- Appointment: Appointment is subject to medical fitness; selection is no guarantee of appointment.
FAQs
Candidates who are citizens of India, aged between 21 to 42 years as on January 1, 2026 with relaxation in certain categories are eligible to apply. The applicant should possess a master’s degree in any one of the relevant subjects having 55% marks in the concerned discipline in the opted division. Knowledge of Odia is mandatory and the application can be filled only for one division.
The commission has provided 89 posts under 10 different divisions including 29 posts for female applicants. The maximum number of posts is there for the biology division (14 posts), followed by toxicology (13 posts) and DNA (12 posts). There are four posts for handicapped candidates. The starting salary will be Rs. 44,900/- at Level 10.
Applications will be accepted online between November 6, 2026 and November 26, 2026 up to 5:00 PM. The fee of the candidate shall be Rs. 700/- except for SC, ST & PwD category candidates, who shall not have to pay any examination fee. Fee is refundable only to those candidates appearing in both the papers.
The written examination consists of 400 marks through 2 objective type papers with 25% deduction of marks. Paper I contains 100 questions in 90 minutes and Paper II contains 150 questions in 150 minutes. After that, personality test of 50 marks is there. The exam is scheduled on January 17, 2027.
Official Links
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | www.opsc.gov.in |
| Apply Online | www.opsc.gov.in |
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Qualification
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Last date to apply
26 Nov, 2026