The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has launched the Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO) Recruitment 2026, offering 118 vacancies under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment. The drive, announced in a notification published on 31 December 2025, targets graduates in agriculture and horticulture and aims to strengthen the state’s agricultural administration and rural development efforts.
OPSC AAO Recruitment 2026 eligibility and key dates
Prospective candidates must hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture (BSc Agriculture) or Horticulture (BSc Horticulture) from a recognised university; other qualifications will not be accepted. Applicants should be between 21 and 38 years of age as on 1 January 2025, with statutory relaxations to the upper age limit for SC, ST, SEBC, women, persons with disabilities and ex-servicemen as per government rules.
Online registration opens on 10 January 2026 and closes on 27 January 2026. Candidates are advised to submit applications early to avoid technical difficulties near the deadline. Admit cards are expected to be released in February 2026, ahead of the written examination set for 19 February 2026.
Selection process and exam pattern for AAO posts
The selection will be conducted in two stages: an online written examination followed by an interview or personality test for those who clear the written stage. The written test carries 200 marks across two papers, comprising 200 multiple-choice questions. The exam includes a negative marking scheme of 0.25 marks for each incorrect response, so candidates should balance speed with accuracy.
Only candidates who secure the qualifying marks in the written examination will be summoned for the interview. The OPSC has emphasised that applicants carefully read the official notification to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements and follow the prescribed application process.
Salary, postings and how to apply
Selected candidates will be appointed as Assistant Agriculture Officers under Pay Level 10 of the Odisha government pay matrix. Appointments may be made anywhere within the state, giving recruits the opportunity to serve diverse agricultural zones and rural communities.
Applications must be submitted via the official OPSC website between 10 and 27 January 2026. The commission recommends early submission to avoid last-minute complications. Applicants should keep printouts or digital copies of their application and any payment receipts for future reference.
With agriculture a central pillar of Odisha’s economy, the OPSC AAO Recruitment 2026 represents a significant employment opportunity for graduates in agriculture and horticulture. Beyond offering a stable government career and competitive pay, the roles provide a chance to work directly on programmes that support food production, farmer welfare and rural development across the state.
Key Takeaways:
- OPSC AAO Recruitment 2026 invites applications for 118 Assistant Agriculture Officer posts in Odisha, with 40 posts reserved for women.
- Online applications open 10–27 January 2026; written exam scheduled for 19 February 2026.
- Eligibility requires a BSc in Agriculture or Horticulture; selection includes an online written test (200 MCQs) with negative marking and an interview.
- Successful candidates will be appointed at Pay Level 10 and may be posted across Odisha.
