OPSC Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026

OPSC Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has released Advertisement No. 06 of 2026-27 for direct recruitment to 22 posts of Assistant Horticulture Officer (Group-B) in Class-II of the Odisha Horticulture Service under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Empowerment. This notification invites online applications from eligible candidates possessing a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture or Agriculture.

Short Information

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) is conducting a direct recruitment drive for 22 vacancies of Assistant Horticulture Officer (Group-B). The online application window opens on 28 July 2026 and closes on 28 August 2026 at 5:00 PM. The tentative written examination date is scheduled for 27 September 2026.

Application Fee

Payment Modes: Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, Net Banking, Wallet. Fee is refunded only to candidates who appear in both papers of the Written Examination.

Eligibility Criteria & Vacancies

Category-wise Vacancy Breakdown

Special Reservations: Ex-Servicemen (01 post), Persons with Disabilities Cat-I LV (01 post). These are adjusted against respective categories.

Age Relaxation

Note: Only the most beneficial relaxation is allowed. Date of birth as per High School Certificate is accepted.

Essential Eligibility Conditions

• Must be a citizen of India.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak Odia (satisfying one of the prescribed conditions: Middle School with Odia, Matriculation with Odia medium, Class-VII Odia pass, or Odia test by BSE Odisha).
• Sound mental and physical health (except PwD candidates).
• No more than one living spouse (unless exempted by State Govt).
• Government servants require NOC.
• Not debarred by OPSC/State PSC/UPSC.

Selection Process & Exam Pattern

The selection comprises two stages: a Written Examination followed by a Personality Test/Interview.

Written Examination (Total 200 Marks)

Marking Scheme:

• Correct Answer: +1 Mark
• Wrong Answer: -0.25 Marks (25% negative marking)
• Unattempted: 0 Marks
• Standard: Bachelor's Degree Level

Personality Test / Interview

• Marks: 25
• Shortlisting Ratio: Approx 1:2 of advertised vacancies per category (minimum 5 candidates).
• Qualifying Marks: As fixed by the Commission.

Final Merit List

• Total Marks: 225 (Written 200 + Interview 25).
• Tie-Breaking: Higher Written marks > Older candidate.

Syllabus Overview (Bachelor's Degree Standard)

Paper I: Agro Meteorology, Soil & Nutrition, Water Management, Weed Management, Dry Land Farming, Integrated Farming System, Seed Technology, Plant Protection, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Statistics, and related subjects (tillage, farm machinery, organic farming, protected cultivation, apiculture, mushroom cultivation, composting, digital initiatives).

Paper II: Plant Propagation & Nursery Management, Fruit Crops (Mango, Banana, Citrus, Pineapple, Guava, Papaya, Sapota, Ber, Pomegranate, Litchi, Custard Apple, exotic fruits), Plantation Crops (Coconut, Areca Nut, Cashew, Oil Palm, Cocoa, Coffee, Tea), Vegetable Crops (Solanaceous, Cucurbits, Pod, Cole, Bulb, Root, Leafy, Tuber), Spices/Condiments/Medicinal/Aromatic Plants, Ornamental Horticulture (garden types, landscaping, flower crops, protected cultivation, lawn maintenance).

How to Apply Online

1. Visit the Official Website of OPSC.
2. Read the detailed instructions and advertisement carefully before proceeding.
3. Complete the One-Time Registration (if not already registered) or login using existing credentials.
4. Fill the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and category details.
5. Upload scanned images of Photograph, Full Signature, and Left-Hand Thumb Impression (LTI) as per specifications.
6. Pay the application fee (Rs. 700 for UR/SEBC) via Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, Net Banking, or Wallet. SC/ST/PwD candidates are exempted.
7. Verify all entered data and submit the application.
8. Upon successful submission, a Permanent Public Service Account Number (PPSAN) will be generated.
9. Take a printout of the submitted Registration and Application Form for future reference.

Required Documents Checklist (for upload/verification):

• HSC/Equivalent Certificate (Date of Birth proof)
• Intermediate/+2 Certificate
• B.Sc. Degree Certificate (Horticulture/Agriculture)
• Mark-sheets of all qualifying examinations
• Four recent passport-size photographs (unsigned, unattested)
• Caste Certificate (SC/ST)
• Odia Test Pass Certificate
• PwD Certificate (40%+ disability)
• Ex-Servicemen Release Certificate & Notarized Affidavit
• NOC (for Government Servants)
• Identity Proof (Aadhar/EPIC/Driving Licence/Passport/PAN)
• Identity Certificate (Third Gender/Transgender, if applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How many vacancies are available in OPSC Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026? There are a total of 22 vacancies (including 07 reserved for women) for the post of Assistant Horticulture Officer (Group-B).

Q2. What is the educational qualification required for OPSC Assistant Horticulture Officer? Candidates must possess a B.Sc. Degree in Horticulture or Agriculture from a recognized University or Institution. No other equivalent qualification is accepted.

Q3. What is the last date to apply for OPSC Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026? The last date to submit the online application is 28 August 2026 (5:00 PM). The fee payment deadline is the same.

Q4. What is the age limit and relaxation for OPSC Assistant Horticulture Officer? The age limit is 21 to 42 years as on 1 January 2026. Relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/Women/Ex-Servicemen, 10 years for PwD (40%+), and 15 years cumulative for PwD SC/ST candidates.

Q5. What is the exam pattern for OPSC Assistant Horticulture Officer written test? The written exam consists of two papers (Paper I & II), each of 100 marks, 100 MCQs, 2 hours duration. Both are OMR-based with 25% negative marking. Total written marks are 200, followed by a 25-mark interview.

Important Links