OPSC Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment 2026-27: Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has released Advertisement No. 05 of 2026-27 for the Special Recruitment of 44 Assistant Fisheries Officer (Group-B) posts under the Odisha Fisheries Service Cadre, Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department. This recruitment is exclusively for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates. Eligible applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fishery Science (B.F.Sc.) can submit their online application through the OPSC website.
The online application process will begin on 24 July 2026 and continue until 24 August 2026 (5:00 PM). The written examination is scheduled for 26 September 2026 (Saturday). There is no application fee for this recruitment.Interested candidates should carefully check the vacancy details, eligibility criteria, age limit, selection process, important dates, and application procedure before submitting their online application.
OPSC Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment 2026-27 Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) |
| Advertisement No. | 05 of 2026-27 |
| Notice No. | 4166/PSC, Dt. 18.07.2026 |
| Post Name | Assistant Fisheries Officer (Group-B) |
| Service Cadre | Odisha Fisheries Service Cadre |
| Department | Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Dept., Govt. of Odisha |
| Total Vacancies | 44 (13-W) |
| Type of Recruitment | Special Recruitment — SC & ST only |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 44,900/- (Level-10, ORSP Rules 2017) |
| Application Fee | NIL |
| Application Mode | Online only — https://www.opsc.gov.in |
| Application Window | 24 July 2026 to 24 August 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Written Exam Date | 26 September 2026 (Saturday) |
| Exam Centre | Kataka (may also be held at Bhubaneswar) |
OPSC Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment 2026-27 Complete Vacancy Detail
IMPORTANT: This is a SPECIAL RECRUITMENT. Only SC and ST candidates of Odisha by birth are eligible. UR, SEBC, EWS and other general category candidates cannot apply.
Category-wise Vacancy Breakup
| Sl. | Category | No. of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scheduled Caste (SC) | 01 |
| 2 | Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 43 (13-W) |
| Total | 44 (13-W) |
W = Posts reserved for Women candidates within that category. 13 women posts are reserved within the ST category. No separate women reservation is mentioned for the SC category in this notification.
Sub-Category Reservations (adjusted within above totals)
| Category | Sub-Category | Posts Reserved |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-Servicemen | — | 01 |
| Persons with Disabilities | Cat-I (Visually Impaired — Low Vision/Partially Blind) | 01 |
| Persons with Disabilities | Cat-II (Hearing Impaired — Partially Deaf with suitable aid) | 01 |
PwD candidates must have a permanent disability of 40% or more. PwD and Ex-Servicemen candidates will be adjusted against the SC/ST category to which they belong. Exchange of reservation between SC and ST will not be considered under any circumstances. If eligible women candidates are not available for reserved women posts, those vacancies will be filled by eligible male candidates of the same category. The number of vacancies is subject to change by Government without notice depending upon exigencies of public service.
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply — Critical Eligibility Condition
This is a Special Recruitment meant exclusively for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates of Odisha by birth. Concessions for SC and ST are admissible to those belonging to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe of Odisha only. Candidates from other states claiming SC/ST status are not eligible.
Educational Qualification
A candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Fishery Science (B.F.Sc.) from a recognised university in India or abroad.
Age Limit (as on 1st January 2026)
- Minimum age: 21 years (born not later than 1st January 2005)
- Maximum age: 47 years (born not earlier than 2nd January 1979)
- Age relaxation for PwD (SC/ST): 10 years over and above the upper age limit of 47 years — i.e., up to 57 years — applicable to PwD candidates belonging to SC/ST categories with permanent disability of 40% or more
- No other age relaxation is permissible — the age limits cannot be relaxed under any other circumstances
- A candidate under more than one eligible category will be given only one age relaxation benefit, whichever is most beneficial
- Date of birth as recorded in the HSC or equivalent certificate issued by the concerned Board/Council will only be accepted
Citizenship
Must be a citizen of India.
Odia Language Requirement
A candidate must be able to read, write and speak Odia and must satisfy any one of the following:
- Passed Middle School Examination with Odia as a language subject; or
- Passed Matriculation or equivalent examination with Odia as medium of examination in non-language subject; or
- Passed Odia as language subject in the final examination of Class-VII from a school recognised by the Government of Odisha or Central Government; or
- Passed a test in Odia in Middle English School Standard conducted by the School & Mass Education Department
Other Conditions
- A candidate with more than one spouse living will not be eligible for appointment unless exempted by the State Government
- Government servants (temporary or permanent) may apply provided they are within age limit and possess requisite qualification — they must inform their Head of Office in writing and obtain a No Objection Certificate
- Candidates debarred by OPSC, any State PSC, or UPSC for a specified period are not eligible during that period
- Only candidates who fulfil all requisite qualifications and are within the prescribed age limit by the closing date of online application (24 August 2026) will be considered eligible
- Must be of good mental condition and bodily health and free from any physical defect likely to interfere with discharge of duties
Important Dates
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Date | 18 July 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 24 July 2026 |
| Online Application Closes | 24 August 2026 by 5:00 PM |
| Written Examination Date | 26 September 2026 (Saturday) |
| Exam Schedule & Centre Details | To be notified in due course on opsc.gov.in |
| Viva Voce Date | Not mentioned — will be notified later |
Candidates are advised to submit their online application well in advance without waiting for the closing date to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Pay Scale / Salary
| Post | Pay Scale | Pay Matrix Level |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Fisheries Officer (Group-B) | Rs. 44,900/- | Level-10 (ORSP Rules, 2017) |
Pay will be with usual dearness and other allowances as may be sanctioned by the Government of Odisha from time to time. ✅ No application fee is required for this recruitment. TA/DA for attending the examination or Viva Voce is not mentioned in the notification.
Method of Selection and Exam Pattern
Selection will be made through two stages:
A. Written Examination (Objective type) — 800 Marks B. Interview / Viva Voce Test — 100 Marks Total: 900 Marks
Written Examination Pattern
| Paper | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | 200 | 2 marks each | 400 | 2½ hours |
| Paper-II | 200 | 2 marks each | 400 | 2½ hours |
| Total Written | 400 | 800 |
- Both papers are Objective type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- No negative marking for wrong answers
- The Commission will fix qualifying marks for each paper for all categories
- Candidates securing minimum qualifying marks in each paper will be called for Viva Voce — approximately 2 times the advertised vacancies for each category/sub-category (subject to a minimum of 5)
- The Viva Voce Test carries 100 marks
- Final merit list will be prepared based on total marks secured in Written Examination + Viva Voce
Note: Cut-off marks, individual marks, and other recruitment details will only be declared on the OPSC website after publication of the final result and select list.
Place of Examination
The Written Examination will be held at Kataka. It may also be held at Bhubaneswar depending on the number of candidates from respective zones. Candidates must mention their choice of Examination Zone in the online application form.
Syllabus — Annexure A
Paper-I Topics (16 topics — 400 Marks)
- Fresh Water Aquaculture
- Aquaculture in Reservoirs
- Ornamental Fish Production and Management
- Genetics and Breeding
- Finfish Hatchery Management
- Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology
- Coastal Aquaculture and Mariculture
- Taxonomy of Finfish
- Anatomy and Biology of Finfish
- Inland Fisheries
- Physiology of Finfish and Shellfish
- Marine Fisheries
- Information and Communication Technology
- Fisheries Extension Education
- Fisheries Co-operatives and Marketing
- Fisheries Policy and Law
Paper-II Topics (14 topics — 400 Marks)
- Fish and Shellfish Pathology
- Microbial and Parasitic Diseases of Fish and Shellfish
- Pharmacology
- Fish Toxicology
- Soil and Water Chemistry
- Limnology
- Marine Biology
- Aquatic Ecology, Biodiversity and Disaster Management
- Fish in Nutrition
- Fish Products and Value Addition
- Fish By-Products and Waste Utilization
- Aquaculture Engineering
- Fishing Craft Technology
- Fishing Gear Technology
The detailed syllabus for each topic is provided in Annexure-A of the official notification available at https://www.opsc.gov.in. Candidates must download and study the full Annexure-A from the official OPSC website.
How to Apply — Step by Step
- Visit the official OPSC website — Go to https://www.opsc.gov.in. Read the full advertisement carefully before filling the online application form
- Complete online registration — Register on the OPSC portal. On successful registration, a unique Permanent Public Service Account Number (PPSAN) will be assigned to you. Note it down carefully
- Fill the online application form — The form is automated and system-driven. Fill all details carefully — category, date of birth, educational qualifications, Odia test details, and examination zone choice. Edit options are limited — once confirmed, no further editing is possible even if a wrong entry has been made
- Upload the following scanned images:
- Latest passport-size photograph
- Full signature specimen
- Left Hand Thumb Impression (LTI)
- All required certificates/documents as per Para-11 of the advertisement
- Upload self-attested copies of all required documents (see checklist below) in the e-Chayan portal of the Commission
- Take a printout of the finally submitted online Registration and Application Form. Sign under the declaration. Keep this for submission along with copies of certificates when called for document verification
- Keep 4 copies of the same passport-size photograph uploaded in the online application form for future use
- Submit the application well before the closing date — 24 August 2026 by 5:00 PM. Do not wait for the last date
- Download Admission Certificate from the OPSC website before the written examination. No separate correspondence will be made regarding the exam admission certificate
Applications received through any other mode will not be accepted and will be summarily rejected. Incomplete online applications are liable to be rejected without any correspondence. Community/Caste status once mentioned in the online application cannot be changed under any circumstances.
Document Checklist
Upload original scanned copies of all the following in the e-Chayan portal while submitting the online application. Also bring originals and copies for document verification if called:
- HSC or equivalent certificate (for proof of date of birth) issued by concerned Board/Council
- Intermediate/+2 Examination Certificate issued by concerned Board/Council
- B.F.Sc. Degree Certificate from a recognised university
- Mark lists of all examinations (HSC to B.F.Sc.) including fail marks if any, issued by concerned Board/Council/University
- Fishery Registration Certificate
- Odia Test Pass Certificate (as required under Para-9(ii) of the advertisement)
- Caste Certificate by birth showing SC or ST status, issued by competent authority in prescribed form (must be issued on or before the date of submission of online application)
- 4 recent passport-size photographs (same as uploaded in online application — unsigned and unattested) to be submitted with the printout of the online application form
- Printout/hard copy of the online application form with full signature under the declaration
- Release Certificate from Commanding Officer of unit last served + Affidavit of no civil appointment after military service (for Ex-Servicemen)
- Permanent Disability Certificate indicating percentage of permanent disability of 40% or more, issued by the concerned Medical Board (for PwD candidates)
- Proof of identity — any one of: Aadhaar/EPIC/DL/Passport/PAN Card
- Grade marks conversion certificate from University (only if marks awarded in Grade format instead of percentage)
- Newspaper publication copy and Gazette notification copy of name change (only for candidates who changed name after HSC)
- No Objection Certificate from Head of Office (for government servants)
Women candidates belonging to SC/ST categories must submit Caste Certificate by birth showing “Daughter of ___”. Caste Certificate by virtue of marriage showing “Wife of ___” is not acceptable. SC/ST Caste Certificates, B.F.Sc. Certificate, Odia Test Pass Certificate, Release Certificate (Ex-Servicemen), and Permanent Disability Certificate must have been issued on or before the date of submission of online application. Do not attach original certificates to the application. All documents submitted must carry the note: “Submitted by me and Certified as Genuine and has not been cancelled” with full signature and date.
Grounds for Rejection of Application
Your application will be rejected if any of the following is found:
- Incomplete online application form
- Non-submission of hard copy of online application at the time of document verification
- Not within the prescribed age limit (PwD candidates with less than 40% disability will not get age relaxation)
- Declaration not signed (full signature) in the hard copy of online application form
- Not possessing the required educational qualification (B.F.Sc.)
- Certificates/documents as per Para-11 not furnished
- Odia Test pass evidence not furnished
- Submission of wrong or false information about qualification, age, Odia test pass evidence, or category status (ST/SC/PwD/Women/Ex-Servicemen)
- Suppression of facts about eligibility
- Any other ground as decided by the Commission
N.B.: Application/Candidature of a candidate shall be rejected at any stage of the recruitment process whenever a discrepancy is noticed or detected.
Key Rules and Conditions
- No application fee — this recruitment is completely free
- Special Recruitment — strictly for SC and ST candidates of Odisha by birth only
- SC/ST certificate obtained prior to application that is subsequently cancelled will result in cancellation of candidature
- Exchange of reservation between SC and ST will not be considered
- Admission to written examination and Viva Voce is provisional — candidature is liable to rejection if found ineligible at any stage
- Community/Caste status once mentioned in online application cannot be changed under any circumstances
- Misrepresentation or suppression of information will result in cancellation of candidature or penalty as decided by the Commission
- Inclusion of name in the select list does not confer a right to appointment — Government’s satisfaction regarding suitability is necessary
- Candidates submitting forged or manipulated documents will be debarred from all OPSC examinations for 3 years
- Any complaint on conduct of examination must be sent to opsc@nic.in within 7 days of completion of the examination
- This advertisement should not be construed as binding on the Government to make appointments
- Canvassing in any form is not mentioned in this notification
OPSC Facilitation Counter
For any technical problem in online registration or application filling: Tel: 0671-2304707 (10:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Odisha Government working days)
For guidance or information on this advertisement and recruitment: Tel: 0671-2304141 / 2305611, Extn.-207 (10:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on working days)
Candidates are also advised to regularly visit http://www.opsc.gov.in for important notices, rejection of applications, dates of written examination, document verification, and interview (Viva Voce Test), and also to keep track of publications in leading local daily newspapers.
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| For More Update | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Who has issued this recruitment notification and what is it for? The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC), Kataka has issued Advertisement No. 05 of 2026-27 dated 18 July 2026 for Special Recruitment to 44 posts of Assistant Fisheries Officer (Group-B) of the Odisha Fisheries Service Cadre under the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, Government of Odisha.
Q2. Can candidates from UR, SEBC or EWS category apply for this recruitment? No. This is a Special Recruitment exclusively for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates of Odisha by birth. Candidates from UR, SEBC, EWS, or other general categories are not eligible to apply under any circumstances.
Q3. How many posts are available and how are they distributed? There are 44 total posts — 1 for SC and 43 for ST (including 13 reserved for women within ST). Additionally, 1 post is reserved for Ex-Servicemen and 2 posts for Persons with Disabilities (1 for Visually Impaired and 1 for Hearing Impaired) — these are adjusted within the SC/ST categories to which they belong.
Q4. What is the educational qualification required? A candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Fishery Science (B.F.Sc.) from a recognised university in India or abroad. No other degree is accepted as a substitute.
Q5. What is the age limit and is there any relaxation? Candidates must be between 21 and 47 years as on 1st January 2026 (born between 2nd January 1979 and 1st January 2005). PwD candidates belonging to SC/ST with 40% or more permanent disability get an additional 10 years relaxation (up to 57 years). No other age relaxation is permissible.
Q6. Is there any application fee? No. The notification clearly states that no examination fee is required to be paid for applying or appearing in this recruitment.
Q7. What is the last date to apply and how do I apply? The online application closes on 24 August 2026 at 5:00 PM. Applications must be submitted online only through https://www.opsc.gov.in. No other mode of application will be accepted.
Q8. What is the salary for the Assistant Fisheries Officer post? The pay scale is Rs. 44,900/- at Level-10 of the Pay Matrix under ORSP Rules, 2017, with usual dearness and other allowances as sanctioned by the Government of Odisha from time to time.
Q9. When is the written examination and where will it be held? The Written Examination is scheduled for 26 September 2026 (Saturday). The examination will be held at Kataka and may also be held at Bhubaneswar depending on the number of candidates. Candidates must choose their examination zone while filling the online application.
Q10. What is the exam pattern and is there negative marking? The written exam has two papers — Paper-I and Paper-II — each carrying 400 marks (200 MCQ questions × 2 marks each, duration 2½ hours per paper). Total written marks: 800. Viva Voce: 100 marks. Grand total: 900 marks. There is no negative marking for wrong answers.
Closing Note
This is a significant career opportunity for SC and ST candidates from Odisha who hold a B.F.Sc. degree. With 44 posts, a pay scale of Rs. 44,900/- at Level-10, and zero application fee, this OPSC special recruitment offers a genuine pathway into the Odisha Fisheries Service Cadre under the state government.
The online application window is open from 24 July to 24 August 2026. Do not wait for the last day — fill the form early, upload your documents carefully, and keep a printout of your submitted application. The written exam is on 26 September 2026, so start your preparation with the detailed syllabus in Annexure-A of the official notification now.
Visit https://www.opsc.gov.in regularly for exam schedule, admit card, and all further updates. Best of luck!