The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has officially opened the doors for aspirants dreaming of a stable and prestigious government career in the agriculture sector. With the release of the Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO) Recruitment 2026, OPSC is inviting online applications for 118 vacancies across multiple categories. This recruitment drive is one of the most awaited opportunities for Agriculture and Horticulture graduates in Odisha and across India.
If you hold a B.Sc. in Agriculture or Horticulture and are seeking a secure job with attractive pay, growth prospects, and social respect, this could be your breakthrough moment.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about this recruitment – from eligibility and salary to selection process and how to apply.
Why OPSC AAO Recruitment 2026 Is a Big Opportunity
Government jobs in the agriculture sector are not just about employment – they offer long-term career stability, structured promotions, pension benefits, and the chance to directly contribute to farmers’ welfare and rural development.
Here’s why this recruitment stands out:
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118 total vacancies – a large intake compared to previous years
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Pay Level 10 under ORSP Rules, 2017
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Transparent and merit-based selection process
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Reasonable eligibility criteria
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Fee refund for candidates who appear in the exam
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Job security with state government benefits
For many graduates, this recruitment can be life-changing.
Important Dates at a Glance
Candidates must strictly follow the timeline to avoid missing out:
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Online Application Start Date: 10 January 2026
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Last Date to Apply Online: 30 January 2026 (till 5:00 PM)
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Tentative Written Exam Date: 19 February 2026
Early application is strongly recommended to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Vacancy Details – Category Wise Distribution
The 118 posts are distributed across various categories, ensuring fair representation:
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Unreserved (UR): 61 posts (20 for women)
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SEBC: 14 posts (5 for women)
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SC: 29 posts (10 for women)
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ST: 14 posts (5 for women)
Reserved Posts Include:
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Ex-Servicemen – 4
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Sports Persons – 1
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Persons with Disabilities – 5 (including 1 for women)
This structured reservation system increases opportunities for diverse candidates.
Educational Qualification – Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, candidates must possess:
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Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture (B.Sc. Agriculture) OR
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Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture (B.Sc. Horticulture)
The degree must be from a university or institution recognized by the State Government or Government of India.
⚠️ Important:
No other equivalent qualification will be accepted. Only these two degrees are valid.
Age Limit and Relaxation Rules
As per OPSC norms (age calculated on 01 January 2025):
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Minimum Age: 21 years
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Maximum Age: 42 years
Age Relaxation:
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SEBC / SC / ST / Women / Ex-Servicemen – 5 years
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Persons with Disabilities (40% or more) – 10 years
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PwD candidates belonging to SEBC/SC/ST – up to 15 years (cumulative)
This makes the recruitment accessible to a wide age group.
Salary Structure – How Much Will You Earn?
Selected candidates will be appointed at:
Pay Level 10, Cell 1 (ORSP Rules, 2017)
Along with:
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Dearness Allowance (DA)
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House Rent Allowance (HRA)
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Travel Allowance (TA)
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Medical benefits
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Pension and retirement benefits
In practical terms, the in-hand salary can cross ₹45,000–₹55,000 per month, depending on allowances.
This makes AAO one of the most financially rewarding entry-level agriculture government jobs in Odisha.
Application Fee Details
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₹700 – For General and OBC candidates
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No fee – For SC / ST / PwD candidates
💡 Bonus Advantage:
The application fee is refunded to candidates who appear in both papers of the written examination.
Selection Process Explained Simply
The recruitment process consists of two stages:
1. Written Examination (MCQ Based)
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Two papers
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Each paper: 100 questions
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Total marks: 200
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Duration: 2 hours
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Negative marking: 25% for each wrong answer
2. Personality Test / Interview
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Marks: 25
Total Marks: 225
Final selection will be based on combined performance in the written exam and interview.
General Eligibility Conditions
Candidates must also:
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Be a citizen of India
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Be able to read, write, and speak Odia
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Be mentally and physically fit
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Not have more than one living spouse
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Produce a No Objection Certificate if currently employed in government service
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Not be debarred by OPSC or any other commission
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online
Follow these steps carefully:
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Visit the official website: opsc.gov.in
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Register using a valid email ID and mobile number
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Fill in personal, educational, and communication details
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Upload required documents and photograph
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Pay the application fee (if applicable)
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Review all information carefully
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Submit the application form before 30 January 2026 (5 PM)
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Take a printout for future reference
Applications submitted through offline mode or other methods will be rejected.
Why You Should Apply Without Delay
Every year, competition for agriculture officer posts increases rapidly. Thousands of candidates apply for limited seats. Delaying your application can risk:
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Website traffic issues
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Payment failures
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Document upload errors
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Missing the deadline
Applying early gives peace of mind and enough time to focus on exam preparation.
