OPSC Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment 2026: Special Drive for SC/ST Candidates Announced

Introduction

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has announced a special recruitment drive for the position of Assistant Fisheries Officer (Group-B). This opportunity is exclusively for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories, aiming to fill 44 vacancies within the Odisha Fisheries Service Cadre.

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OPSC Announces Special Recruitment for Assistant Fisheries Officers

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has officially released Advertisement No. 05 of 2026-27, marking a significant recruitment drive for Assistant Fisheries Officer (Group-B) positions in the Odisha Fisheries Service Cadre. This initiative, under the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, is a targeted effort to recruit candidates from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, addressing specific representation needs within the service. A total of 44 vacancies are available, with 13 reserved for women within these categories.

Key Dates for OPSC Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment

Prospective applicants should mark their calendars for the application period. The online application window opens on July 24, 2026, and closes precisely at 5:00 PM on August 24, 2026. The Written Examination is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026. Details regarding the exact examination schedule and centres will be communicated later through the official OPSC portal.

Vacancy Details and Reservation Categories

The recruitment drive offers 44 positions for Assistant Fisheries Officer. The advertisement explicitly states that this is a special recruitment for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates. Specific breakdowns for SC and ST candidates, including reservations for women within these groups, are detailed in the official notification. It’s important for candidates to note that any reservation exchange between SC and ST categories is not permissible. Furthermore, the number of vacancies is subject to change at the discretion of the Government without prior notice.

Age Limit Criteria for Applicants

This recruitment is specifically tailored for SC and ST candidates. To be eligible, applicants must be at least 21 years of age and not exceed 47 years as of January 1, 2026. This translates to a birth date not earlier than January 2, 1979, and not later than January 1, 2005. A significant age relaxation of 10 years is provided for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) who have a 40% or more permanent disability and belong to SC/ST categories. This relaxation is applicable over and above the 47-year limit. The age relaxation for PwD is specifically for Cat-I (Visually Impaired) and Cat-II (Hearing Impaired) categories, as specified by the Government. No other age relaxation will be granted. In cases where a candidate falls under multiple relaxation categories, they will receive the most beneficial one. The date of birth as recorded in the High School Certificate or equivalent will be the sole determinant.

Educational Qualifications Required

A fundamental requirement for this position is a Bachelor’s Degree in Fishery Science (B.F.Sc.) obtained from a university recognized in India or abroad. This ensures that candidates possess the specialized knowledge necessary for the role.

Other Essential Eligibility Conditions

To be considered for the Assistant Fisheries Officer post, candidates must meet several other stringent criteria. Primarily, they must be citizens of India. A crucial requirement is proficiency in the Odia language, demonstrated by passing the Middle School Examination with Odia as a subject, or equivalent qualifications like matriculation with Odia as a medium of instruction, or passing the Odia test in Middle English School Standard. Candidates with more than one living spouse are generally ineligible, though exemptions can be granted under specific circumstances. Government employees can apply but must inform their department and obtain a No Objection Certificate. Candidates previously debarred by any Public Service Commission are ineligible for the duration of their debarment. Eligibility is strictly determined by fulfilling all qualifications and age criteria by the application deadline. Applicants must also be of sound mental and physical health, free from any defects that could hinder their duties, subject to medical examination.

Application Fee Details

A significant advantage of this recruitment drive is that there is no application fee. Candidates are not required to pay any charges for applying or appearing in the examination, making it accessible to a wider range of eligible individuals.

OPSC Assistant Fisheries Officer Selection Process

The selection process for the Assistant Fisheries Officer position is comprehensive and involves a Written Examination followed by a Viva Voce Test. Candidates must successfully navigate both stages to be considered for final selection.

Written Examination Pattern and Structure

The Written Examination is designed to assess a candidate’s in-depth knowledge in the field of fisheries. It comprises objective-type questions, with each question carrying 2 marks. Notably, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers, which may encourage candidates to attempt all questions. The Commission will set qualifying marks for each paper across all categories. Candidates who achieve the minimum qualifying marks in the written exam will proceed to the Viva Voce Test. The number of candidates called for the interview will be approximately double the number of advertised vacancies for each category, with a minimum of five candidates per category.

Exam Date and Centre Information

The Written Examination is scheduled to take place on September 26, 2026, at Kataka (Cuttack). Depending on the number of applicants from different zones, the examination may also be conducted in Bhubaneswar. Candidates are required to specify their preferred examination zone during the online application process.

OPSC Assistant Fisheries Officer Syllabus

The written examination is structured into two papers, each carrying 400 marks, covering a wide spectrum of fisheries-related topics.

Paper-I: Core Fisheries Subjects

This paper delves into various aspects of aquaculture, fish production, management, and biology. Key topics include 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 and Anatomy of Finfish, Inland and Marine Fisheries, Physiology of Finfish and Shellfish, along with Information and Communication Technology, Fisheries Extension Education, Co-operatives, Marketing, Policy, and Law.

Paper-II: Applied Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

Paper-II focuses on the health, environment, and processing aspects of fisheries. It covers Fish and Shellfish Pathology, microbial and parasitic diseases, Pharmacology, Fish Toxicology, Soil and Water Chemistry, Limnology, Marine Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Biodiversity, Disaster Management, Fish Nutrition, Fish Products and Value Addition, Fish By-Products and Waste Utilization, Aquaculture Engineering, and Fishing Craft and Gear Technology. A detailed syllabus for each topic is available in Annexure-A of the official notification.

Required Documents for Application

Aspiring candidates must prepare to upload scanned copies of several essential documents during the online application process. These include educational certificates from HSC to B.F.Sc., mark lists for all examinations, Fishery Registration Certificate, Odia Test Pass Certificate, and a Caste Certificate by birth for SC/ST claims. Four recent passport-size photographs are also required. Ex-Servicemen need to submit a Release Certificate and an affidavit, while PwD candidates must provide a Permanent Disability Certificate. Proof of identity, such as Aadhaar or PAN card, is also mandatory. It is critical that all certificates are issued by competent authorities on or before the application closing date. For candidates who received grade marks, a conversion certificate is necessary. Woman candidates claiming SC/ST status must submit caste certificates obtained by birth.

How to Apply for the OPSC Recruitment

The application process is entirely online. Candidates must visit the official OPSC website and navigate to the recruitment section. It is imperative to read the complete advertisement before proceeding with the application. After filling in the online form accurately, candidates need to upload scanned copies of all required documents. A clear photograph, signature, and Left Hand Thumb Impression (LTI) are essential. Upon successful submission, a unique Permanent Public Service Account Number (PPSAN) will be generated. Candidates should print the submitted application form and keep it for future reference. Submitting the application well before the deadline is strongly advised to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Important Instructions for Applicants

Candidates must ensure their online applications are complete in all respects to avoid rejection. Admission to any stage of the recruitment process is provisional and subject to fulfilling all eligibility criteria. Any misrepresentation or suppression of facts will lead to disqualification. Concessions for SC/ST candidates are applicable only to those belonging to Odisha. Caste status, once declared, cannot be changed later. The OPSC’s decision on eligibility is final. Candidates submitting forged documents will face a 3-year debarment from OPSC examinations.

Grounds for Rejection of Application

Several factors can lead to the rejection of an application. These include incomplete application forms, failure to submit the hard copy of the application during document verification, being outside the prescribed age limit, unsigned application forms, lack of required educational qualifications, non-submission of necessary certificates, and providing false or incomplete information regarding age, qualification, or category status. The Commission reserves the right to reject any application found to be deficient at any stage of the recruitment process.

Important Information Table

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Conclusion

The OPSC’s special recruitment drive for Assistant Fisheries Officer positions offers a valuable opportunity for SC and ST candidates who meet the specified educational and age criteria. With no application fee and a comprehensive selection process, interested individuals are encouraged to apply within the stipulated dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for the OPSC Assistant Fisheries Officer recruitment?

This special recruitment drive is exclusively for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories.

What is the last date to submit the online application?

The last date to apply online is August 24, 2026, by 5:00 PM.

What is the required educational qualification for the Assistant Fisheries Officer post?

Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Fishery Science (B.F.Sc.) from a recognized university.

Is there any application fee for this recruitment?

No, there is no application fee required for this recruitment process.

What is the age limit for SC/ST candidates applying for this post?

SC/ST candidates must be between 21 and 47 years of age as of January 1, 2026.

What is the age relaxation provided for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) from SC/ST categories?

PwD candidates (40% or more disability) from SC/ST categories receive a 10-year age relaxation.

How many vacancies are available in this recruitment drive?

There are a total of 44 vacancies for the post of Assistant Fisheries Officer.

What are the stages of the selection process?

The selection process involves a Written Examination followed by a Viva Voce Test.

When will the Written Examination be conducted?

The Written Examination is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026.

Are there any negative marks in the Written Examination?

No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in the Written Examination.