Vacancies: 89 · Gender: 29 Women · Posts: 10 designation(s) · Type: Group-B · Mode: Online · Fee: ₹700 (SC/ST/PwD free) · Apply: 6 Nov–26 Nov 2026 · Pay: Level-10 (₹44,900) · Selection: Written + Personality Test · Location: Odisha (Kataka/Bhubaneswar exam)
The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has issued Advertisement No. 14 of 2026-27 for recruitment of 89 Scientific Officer posts (Group-B) in the State Forensic Science Service Organisation under the Home Department. The posts are spread across 10 specialised divisions—Physics, Ballistics, Chemistry, Toxicology, Biology, Serology, DNA, Forensic Psychology, Cyber Forensic and Document.
A candidate can apply for only one division. The recruitment follows the Odisha Forensic Science Service (Method of Recruitment and Conditions of Service of Group-‘A’ and Group-‘B’ Posts) Rules, 2025, with a one-time relaxation under Home Department Notification No. 25739 dated 18.07.2026. Online applications open on 6 November 2026 and close on 26 November 2026 (5:00 PM).
⚠️ Application Alerts: check these before you submit the form.
- Apply for one division only. Multiple applications are not permitted.
- SEBC certificate must be issued on or after 07.11.2023.
- All certificates (Master’s degree, Odia pass, PwD, Ex-Servicemen) must be issued on or before the date of submission.
- Documents must be merged into a single PDF (maximum 10 MB).
- The fee is refunded only if you appear in both Paper-I and Paper-II.
📋 Official Source Chain: where the facts in this article were confirmed.
- Official notice: Advertisement No. 14 of 2026-27, dated 28.10.2026 — OPSC Scientific Officer Notice PDF
- Official application route: Online through https://www.opsc.gov.in (link active from 06.11.2026)
- Official updates page: OPSC Official Website
- Last checked: 28 October 2026, 8:24 PM IST
On this page
Who Should Apply? (Quick Eligibility Check)
- You hold a Master’s degree (or Integrated M.Sc.) with a minimum of 55% marks matching Annexure-A for the division you choose.
- You are between 21 and 42 years as on 1 January 2026 (with category relaxations).
- You can speak, read and write Odia and hold the required Odia certificate.
- You are an Indian citizen of good character and health.
- You can upload all required documents in one PDF and pay the fee (if applicable) before 26 November 2026 (5:00 PM).
Important Dates
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Date | 28 October 2026 | Published |
| Application Start | 6 November 2026 | Upcoming |
| Last Date to Apply | 26 November 2026 (5:00 PM) | Upcoming |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 26 November 2026 (5:00 PM) | Upcoming |
| Written Examination | 17 January 2027 (Sunday) | Scheduled |
| Admit Card / Call Letter | To be notified | Pending |
| Personality Test / Viva Voce | To be notified | Pending |
Quick Overview – OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026
- Organisation: Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC)
- Sector: State Government – Home Department (Forensic Science Service)
- Recruitment / Exam Name: Scientific Officer (Group-B) Recruitment 2026-27
- Notification / Advertisement No.: 14 of 2026-27
- Post(s): Scientific Officer (10 Divisions)
- Total Vacancies: 89 (29 Women)
- Job Location: Odisha (State Forensic Science Service Organisation)
- Job Type / Nature: Group-B, regular
- Pay: ₹44,900 (Level 10, Cell-1, ORSP Rules 2017) + DA and other allowances
- Apply Between: 6 November 2026 to 26 November 2026 (5:00 PM)
- Apply Online: OPSC Online Application (Opens 6 Nov 2026)
- Notification PDF: Official Notice
- Official Portal: OPSC Website
What Posts Are Available? – OPSC Scientific Officer Vacancy 2026
A candidate shall apply for one Division only. Vacancies are division-wise as requisitioned by the Home Department.
| Post Name | Vacancies | Qualification & Experience | Age Limit (UR) | Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 07 (02-w) | Master’s as per Annexure-A | 21–42 | Level-10 |
| Ballistics | 06 (02-w) | Master’s as per Annexure-A | 21–42 | Level-10 |
| Chemistry | 10 (03-w) | Master’s as per Annexure-A | 21–42 | Level-10 |
| Toxicology | 13 (05-w) | Master’s as per Annexure-A | 21–42 | Level-10 |
| Biology | 14 (05-w) | Master’s as per Annexure-A | 21–42 | Level-10 |
| Serology | 04 (01-w) | Master’s as per Annexure-A | 21–42 | Level-10 |
| DNA | 12 (04-w) | Master’s as per Annexure-A | 21–42 | Level-10 |
| Forensic Psychology | 06 (01-w) | Master’s as per Annexure-A | 21–42 | Level-10 |
| Cyber Forensic | 11 (05-w) | Master’s as per Annexure-A | 21–42 | Level-10 |
| Document | 06 (01-w) | Master’s as per Annexure-A | 21–42 | Level-10 |
Category-wise Vacancies
| Post | UR | SEBC | SC | ST | Total | Women |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 04 (01-w) | 00 | 01 | 02 (01-w) | 07 (02-w) | — |
| Ballistics | 03 (01-w) | 01 | 00 | 02 (01-w) | 06 (02-w) | — |
| Chemistry | 04 (01-w) | 00 | 03 (01-w) | 03 (01-w) | 10 (03-w) | — |
| Toxicology | 08 (03-w) | 00 | 03 (01-w) | 02 (01-w) | 13 (05-w) | — |
| Biology | 06 (02-w) | 02 (01-w) | 04 (01-w) | 02 (01-w) | 14 (05-w) | — |
| Serology | 03 (01-w) | 00 | 01 | 00 | 04 (01-w) | — |
| DNA | 06 (02-w) | 01 | 02 (01-w) | 03 (01-w) | 12 (04-w) | — |
| Forensic Psychology | 03 (01-w) | 01 | 01 | 01 | 06 (01-w) | — |
| Cyber Forensic | 05 (02-w) | 02 (01-w) | 02 (01-w) | 02 (01-w) | 11 (05-w) | — |
| Document | 03 (01-w) | 01 | 01 | 01 | 06 (01-w) | — |
| Grand Total | 45 (15-w) | 08 (02-w) | 18 (05-w) | 18 (07-w) | 89 (29-w) | — |
04 posts are reserved for Persons with Disabilities (permanent disability 40% or more) in Toxicology, Biology, Forensic Psychology and Document. PwD candidates are adjusted against their parent category.
Who Is Eligible for OPSC Scientific Officer 2026? – Education, Age & Domicile
Nationality, Domicile & Basic Requirements
- Nationality: Indian citizen.
- Domicile / local condition: Odia knowledge required (speak, read and write). Specified Odia certificates accepted.
- Category scope: Reservation for SEBC, SC, ST of Odisha only.
- Gender: Open to all; 29 posts reserved for women. Transgender candidates can apply.
Educational Qualification
Post Graduate or Master’s Degree from a recognised university or equivalent as detailed in Annexure-A for the respective Division, with minimum 55% aggregate marks. A candidate shall apply for one division only.
Annexure-A summary (key routes):
- Physics / Ballistics: Master’s in Physics, Applied Physics, Electronics, Mathematics, Forensic Science (specific subjects) or Integrated M.Sc.
- Chemistry / Toxicology: Master’s in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry or Forensic Science (Chemistry/Toxicology).
- Biology / Serology / DNA: Master’s in Zoology, Microbiology, Life Science, Genetics, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or Forensic Science (Biology/Serology/DNA).
- Forensic Psychology: Master’s in Psychology or Forensic Psychology (Psychology as Honours/principal subject at Bachelor’s).
- Cyber Forensic: M.Sc./M.Tech in CS/IT/Cyber Security, MCA with relevant Bachelor’s, or Forensic Science specialisations.
- Document: Master’s in Physics, Chemistry or Forensic Science with Physics/Chemistry at Bachelor’s.
- Qualification must be held by: Not stated in the notice beyond the closing date of application.
- Minimum marks: 55% aggregate.
What Is the Age Limit? (as on 1 January 2026)
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| UR | 21 | 42 | — |
| SEBC / SC / ST / Women / Ex-Servicemen | 21 | 47 | +5 years |
| PwD (≥40% permanent) | 21 | 52 | +10 years |
| PwD + SEBC/SC/ST | 21 | 57 | Cumulative up to 15 years |
Born not earlier than 2 January 1984 and not later than 1 January 2005 (for UR). Date of birth from HSC or equivalent only. Age limits cannot be relaxed beyond the printed provisions.
Examples:
- ✅ A 40-year-old UR candidate born on 15 March 1985 — eligible (as on 1 January 2026).
- ❌ A 43-year-old UR candidate born on 1 January 1983 — not eligible (over the limit).
Use our Age Eligibility Calculator to check instantly.
Reservation & PwBD Suitability
- Reservation: UR 45 (15-w), SEBC 8 (2-w), SC 18 (5-w), ST 18 (7-w). 4 PwD posts (40%+ permanent disability).
- PwBD: Specific functional classifications listed for Toxicology, Biology, Forensic Psychology and Document (Deaf/HH, OA/OL/CP/Dw/AAV, SLD/MI, MD combinations). Temporary disability not accepted. Physical requirements: S, ST, BN, MF, RW, SE, W.
- State-specific categories: SEBC certificate valid only if issued on or after 07.11.2023. Women SC/ST/SEBC certificates must show “daughter of”.
What Is the Pay? – Pay Scale & Benefits
Scale of pay of Rs. 44,900/- (Level 10, Cell-1 of Pay Matrix under Rule-3 of the ORSP Rules, 2017), with usual Dearness and other Allowances as may be sanctioned by the Government of Odisha from time to time.
All persons appointed on or after 1 January 2005 are covered by the defined Contributory Pension Scheme (NPS). Submission of NPS application is mandatory at the time of joining.
What Is the Application Fee?
| Category | Application Fee | Other Printed Charges | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| UR / SEBC / Others | ₹700 | — | ₹700 |
| SC / ST / PwD | Nil | — | Nil |
Payment mode: Online (Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, Net Banking, Wallet, etc.).
Refund: Refunded only to candidates who actually appear in both Paper-I and Paper-II. Processed to the original payment mode; bank account details required as backup.
How to Apply? (Step-by-Step)
The OPSC Scientific Officer online form 2026 is filled at https://www.opsc.gov.in from 6 November 2026 to 26 November 2026 (5:00 PM).
- Open the OPSC Online Application (Opens 6 Nov 2026).
- Complete online registration; a unique Permanent Public Service Account Number (PPSAN) is assigned.
- Fill the automated online application form with accurate details. Verify before final submission. To modify, cancel and re-apply by the last date.
- Upload the latest passport-size photograph, full signature and Left-hand Thumb Impression (LTI). Merge all required documents into a single PDF (max 10 MB).
- Pay the examination fee of ₹700 online (if applicable). Furnish bank account details for possible refund.
- Submit the form and take a printout of the finally submitted application. Sign the declaration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for more than one division.
- Uploading SEBC certificate issued before 07.11.2023.
- Submitting without merging documents into a single PDF under 10 MB.
- Waiting until the last hour on 26 November 2026.
- Not keeping copies of the photograph used in the form.
What Can Get Your Application Rejected?
| Rule | What the notice says | Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Incomplete application | Non-uploading of required documents or incomplete form | 13(a) |
| Missing hard copy at verification | Non-submission of hard copy of online application at document verification | 13(b) |
| Unsigned declaration | Declaration not signed (full signature) on hard copy | 13(c) |
| Odia knowledge | Not passing Odia Test (M.E. standard) or not furnishing proof | 13(d) |
| Age | Not within age limit (no relaxation for PwD below 40%) | 13(e) |
| Qualification | Not having prescribed qualification by closing date | 13(f) |
| Fee | Non-payment of examination fee (where applicable) | 13(g) |
| Documents | Not furnishing copies of certificates as required | 13(h) |
| False information | Wrong/false/forged certificates regarding qualification, age, category, etc. | 13(i) |
| Late certificates | Certificates issued after the last date of application | 13(k) |
| Other mode | Application received through any mode other than OPSC online | 13(l) |
Application/candidature shall be rejected at any stage whenever discrepancy is noticed.
OPSC Scientific Officer ଭର୍ତ୍ତି 2026 – 89 ପଦ
ଶେଷ ତାରିଖ: ଅନ୍ଲାଇନ୍ ଆବେଦନ ୬ ନଭେମ୍ବର ୨୦୨୬ ରୁ ୨୬ ନଭେମ୍ବର ୨୦୨୬ (ସନ୍ଧ୍ୟା ୫ଟା) ପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ।
କିଏ ଆବେଦନ କରିପାରିବେ? ଯାହାଙ୍କର ମାଷ୍ଟର୍ସ ଡିଗ୍ରୀ (୫୫% ସହ) ରହିଛି ଏବଂ ବୟସ ୨୧ ରୁ ୪୨ ବର୍ଷ (୧ ଜାନୁଆରୀ ୨୦୨୬ ଅନୁସାରେ)। ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଜ୍ଞାନ ଆବଶ୍ୟକ।
କିପରି ଆବେଦନ କରିବେ? opsc.gov.in ରେ ଅନ୍ଲାଇନ୍ ଫର୍ମ ପୂରଣ କରନ୍ତୁ। ଗୋଟିଏ ଡିଭିଜନ ପାଇଁ ମାତ୍ର ଆବେଦନ।
ଦରମା ଓ ବାଛ: ଲେଭେଲ-୧୦ (₹୪୪,୯୦୦) + ଭତ୍ତା। ଲିଖିତ ପରୀକ୍ଷା (୪୦୦ ମାର୍କ) + ପର୍ସନାଲିଟି ଟେଷ୍ଟ (୫୦ ମାର୍କ)। ପରୀକ୍ଷା ତାରିଖ ୧୭ ଜାନୁଆରୀ ୨୦୨୭।
How Are Candidates Selected?
- Written Examination (400 marks) – Paper-I and Paper-II (objective MCQ).
- Personality Test / Viva Voce (50 marks).
- Division-wise merit list based on the aggregate of the Written Examination and Personality Test, subject to reservation.
Shortlisting for Personality Test: candidates securing minimum qualifying marks in Paper-I and Paper-II, in order of merit, in the ratio of twice the number of vacancies in each category.
Tie-break (as printed): Higher marks in Paper-II; if still tied, older candidate ranked higher.
What Is the Exam Pattern?
| Paper / Section | Questions | Marks | Duration | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I Part A: General English | 50 | 50 | 90 minutes (total Paper-I) | Objective MCQ |
| Paper-I Part B: General Awareness, Aptitude & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 90 minutes (total Paper-I) | Objective MCQ |
| Paper-II (Division-specific) | 150 | 300 | 150 minutes | Objective MCQ (Master’s level) |
Negative marking: 25% of marks allotted to each question for every wrong answer in both papers.
Syllabus (from the notice's annexure)
Detailed unit-wise syllabi for each division are provided in Annexure-B of the official notice (Biology, Chemistry, Cyber Forensic, DNA, Ballistics, Document, and others). Paper-II standard is Master’s Degree level.
Where Is the Exam Held?
| State / UT | Exam Centres (every city printed) |
|---|---|
| Odisha | Kataka / Bhubaneswar |
Detailed schedule and centre will be notified in due course. Provisional Answer Key will be uploaded after the examination for objections.
The SahisarkariJobs.in Analyst's Take – Is This Job for You?
With 89 posts and shortlisting at twice the vacancies, roughly 178 candidates may reach the Personality Test if all categories fill. Paper-II carries 300 of the 400 written marks, so division-specific Master’s knowledge decides most of the score. Women reservation stands at 29 posts (about one-third), and four PwD posts are identified.
Best fit: Candidates with a relevant Master’s (55%+) in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, Computer Science or Forensic Science who already meet the Odia requirement and can prepare the division-specific Paper-II syllabus.
Skip if: You do not hold the exact Annexure-A qualification for any single division, or you cannot produce the Odia certificate and all marksheets in one PDF before 26 November 2026.
Practical tip: Choose your division carefully—once submitted, category and division cannot be changed. Start gathering the single PDF of all certificates now.
What Documents Are Required?
At Application
- H.S.C. or equivalent (age proof)
- Intermediate / +2 Certificate
- Bachelor’s Degree Certificate
- Master’s Degree Certificate (as per Annexure-A)
- Mark lists from H.S.C. to Master’s (including fail marks)
- Caste Certificate (SEBC/SC/ST by birth, if applicable)
- Odia Test Pass Certificate / Class-VII Odia certificate
- Permanent Disability Certificate (if claiming PwD)
- Ex-Servicemen Release Certificate (if applicable)
- Photo ID (preferably Aadhaar)
- Photograph, full signature and LTI
- Bank account details (for possible fee refund)
- All documents merged into one PDF (max 10 MB)
At Document Verification / Joining
Hard copy of online application with full signature, original certificates, and No Objection Certificate (for government servants). Medical Board examination required before appointment.
⚠️ Document Alert Specific to This Recruitment
SEBC certificate must be issued on or after 07.11.2023. Certificates of Master’s, Odia, PwD and Ex-Servicemen must be issued on or before the date of submission of the online application.
What Are the Service Conditions?
- Group-B post under the State Forensic Science Service Organisation, Home Department.
- Covered by the Odisha Forensic Science Service Rules, 2025 (with one-time relaxation).
- NPS (Contributory Pension Scheme) mandatory; no pension under the old rules for appointments on or after 1 January 2005.
- Medical fitness and good character required; Medical Board examination before appointment.
- Government servants must obtain a No Objection Certificate in advance.
What Happens After Selection?
- Document Verification.
- Medical examination by the Medical Board.
- Submission of NPS application.
- Joining the State Forensic Science Service Organisation under the Home Department.
How Do Answer Keys & Objections Work?
After the Written Examination, the Provisional Answer Key will be uploaded on the OPSC website immediately, inviting suggestions/objections through the online mode within the specified date. Candidates who do not challenge the Provisional Answer Key forfeit the right to raise the matter later.
General Instructions & Important Rules
- Online applications found incomplete are liable for rejection without correspondence.
- Admission to examination/document verification is provisional; eligibility is verified at any stage.
- Community/caste once mentioned cannot be changed.
- Any misrepresentation or suppression of information leads to cancellation or penalty.
- No request for withdrawal of candidature or change of category will be entertained.
- The Commission reserves the right to cancel or modify the recruitment.
- Provisions of the Odisha Conduct of Examination Act, 1988 and Odisha Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 apply.
Contact & Helpline
Technical Support: 0671-2304707 (10:30 AM–1:30 PM & 2:00 PM–5:30 PM, working days).
Facilitation Counter: 0671-2304141 / 2305611 & Extn. 205 (same hours).
Grievance: opsc@od.gov.in (within 7 days of examination).
⚠️ Contact details are from the official notification/website. Verify before contacting. Never pay money to anyone offering job assistance. Report fraud at cybercrime.gov.in.
Important Links – OPSC Scientific Officer Notification 2026
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | OPSC Online Application (Opens 6 Nov 2026) |
| Notification PDF | Official Notice |
| Official Recruitment Page | OPSC Website |
FAQs – OPSC Scientific Officer 2026
What is the last date to apply for OPSC Scientific Officer 2026?
26 November 2026 (5:00 PM). The registration and fee payment link is available from 6 November 2026.
What is the age limit for OPSC Scientific Officer?
21 to 42 years as on 1 January 2026 for unreserved candidates. Relaxations of 5 years for SEBC/SC/ST/Women/Ex-Servicemen and 10 years for PwD (40%+), with cumulative benefit up to 15 years for PwD belonging to reserved categories.
Is there an exam for OPSC Scientific Officer, or is it interview-based?
Yes. Written Examination (400 marks, two papers) followed by Personality Test/Viva Voce (50 marks). Shortlisting for the viva is in the ratio of twice the vacancies after qualifying marks.
What is the pay for Scientific Officer posts in this recruitment?
₹44,900 (Level 10, Cell-1 under ORSP Rules, 2017) plus Dearness Allowance and other allowances as sanctioned.
Can final-year students apply for this recruitment?
The notice requires the Master’s Degree Certificate to be issued on or before the date of submission of the online application. Final-year students who have not yet received the degree certificate by the closing date are not eligible.
Is this Scientific Officer post a permanent government job?
It is a Group-B post under the State Forensic Science Service Organisation. Appointees on or after 1 January 2005 are covered by the Contributory Pension Scheme (NPS).
Can candidates from outside Odisha apply?
Yes, Indian citizens can apply. However, Odia language knowledge is mandatory, and reservation benefits are available only for SEBC/SC/ST of Odisha by birth.
Where will selected candidates be posted?
In the State Forensic Science Service Organisation under the Home Department, Government of Odisha.
Before You Apply: Quick Self-Check
- You meet the age condition as on 1 January 2026 and hold the Master’s qualification with 55% by the closing date.
- You meet the condition that decides this recruitment: Annexure-A qualification for one division + Odia knowledge.
- You can produce every document and certificate the notice requires at verification.
- You are ready for the selection stage that applies to your post: Written Examination (Paper-I & Paper-II) + Personality Test.
- You accept the posting terms: Service in the State Forensic Science Service Organisation, Odisha, under NPS.
📄 Primary source: Advertisement No. 14 of 2026-27, Odisha Public Service Commission, dated 28.10.2026 (Official Notice). The recruitment facts above come from that notice; tips and estimates are labelled where they appear.
