OPSC Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026 notification has been officially released for 22 Group-B positions under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment. The Odisha Public Service Commission invites applications from Bachelor’s degree holders in Horticulture or Agriculture to compete in this merit-based selection process. With 7 vacancies reserved for women candidates and structured age limits, this recruitment offers a secure career path in horticultural administration across Odisha.
Applications are open from 28/07/2026 to 28/08/2026. Eligible candidates must submit their online application through the official OPSC portal before 5:00 P.M. on the closing date.
OPSC Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026 | Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) |
| Post Name | Assistant Horticulture Officer (Group-B) |
| Advertisement Number | 06 of 2026-27 |
| Total Vacancies | 22 (07 Women Reserved) |
| Department | Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | https://opsc.gov.in |
Important Dates for OPSC Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 28/07/2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 28/08/2026 (5:00 P.M.) |
| Tentative Written Examination Date | 27/09/2026 (Sunday) |
| Examination Schedule | As per the official notification |
OPSC Assistant Horticulture Officer Vacancy Breakdown
| Category | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 06 (02 Women) |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 07 (02 Women) |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 09 (03 Women) |
| Ex-Servicemen | 01 |
| Persons with Disabilities (Cat-I LV) | 01 |
| Total | 22 (07 Women) |
Ex-Servicemen and PwD candidates are adjusted against their respective reserved categories. Women candidates are distributed across all categories as shown above.
Eligibility Criteria for OPSC Assistant Horticulture Officer
Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or Agriculture from any Government-recognised university are eligible to apply. As per the OPSC Recruitment 2026 notification, candidates must also satisfy Odia language proficiency requirements and be Indian citizens in sound mental and physical health.
Educational Qualification
A Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture [B.Sc. (Horticulture)] or Agriculture [B.Sc. (Agriculture)] from any university or institution recognised by any State Government or the Government of India is mandatory. No other equivalent qualification will be accepted.
Odia Language Requirement
Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Odia by satisfying at least one of these conditions:
- Passed the Middle School Examination with Odia as a language subject
- Passed Matriculation or equivalent examination with Odia as the medium of examination in a non-language subject
- Passed Odia as a language subject in the final examination of Class VII from a recognised school
- Passed a test in Odia at Middle English School standard conducted by the School & Mass Education Department or Board of Secondary Education, Odisha
Other Essential Conditions
Candidate must be a citizen of India. Sound mental and physical health is required, free from any physical defect likely to affect service efficiency (this provision does not apply to PwD candidates). Government servants may apply but must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their Head of Office in advance. Candidates debarred by OPSC, another State PSC, or UPSC during a specified period are ineligible during that period. Candidates with more than one living spouse are not eligible unless exempted by the State Government.
Age Limit
Candidates must have attained 21 years of age and must not be above 42 years as on 01/01/2026. The minimum birth date is 02/01/1984, and the maximum birth date is 01/01/2005.
Age Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST / Women / Ex-Servicemen | 05 years |
| Persons with Disabilities (40% or more) | 10 years |
| PwD candidates belonging to SC/ST | 15 years cumulative |
Candidates falling under multiple relaxation categories are eligible for only the most beneficial relaxation. Age relaxation cannot exceed the prescribed limits. Date of birth as recorded in the High School Certificate or equivalent is the only accepted proof.
Plain language: SC/ST candidates and women receive a 5-year age relaxation, raising their effective upper age limit to 47 years. Persons with Disabilities receive a 10-year relaxation, allowing them to apply up to age 52. PwD candidates from SC/ST categories receive a cumulative 15-year relaxation.
Who Should Consider This Recruitment?
- Graduates in Horticulture or Agriculture seeking permanent Group-B government positions with structured career progression
- Female candidates are particularly encouraged, with 7 reserved positions (32% of total vacancies) across all categories
- Candidates aged 21 to 42 years; SC/ST/women candidates and Ex-Servicemen receive age relaxation as detailed above
- Persons with 40% or more permanent disability meeting the physical and mental health standards
- Residents of Odisha or those willing to relocate for deployment under the State Government
OPSC Assistant Horticulture Officer Pay Scale and Benefits
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level-10, Cell-1 (ORSP Rules, 2017) |
| Previous Scale | PB-2, Rs. 9,300-34,800 with Grade Pay Rs. 4,600/- |
| Dearness Allowance | As sanctioned by the Government of Odisha |
| Other Allowances | As per State Government norms |
| Job Status | Temporary but likely to continue |
At Level-10 Pay Matrix, OPSC Assistant Horticulture Officer positions represent Group-B administrative roles with typical in-hand salary ranging from approximately Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 55,000 per month after statutory deductions, before location-based allowances like House Rent Allowance (HRA). Candidates posted in higher-grade cities will receive enhanced allowances. The position offers Government of India benefits, including pension, medical facilities, and leave policies applicable to all-India service cadres operating under State authority.
Application Fee for OPSC Recruitment 2026
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General (UR) / SEBC | Rs. 700/- |
| SC / ST / PwD | Nil (Exempted) |
Online payment is mandatory through Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, Net Banking, or Wallet. Applications submitted without fee payment (except for SC/ST/PwD candidates) will be treated as incomplete and rejected. The fee will be refunded only to candidates who appear in both papers of the written examination. Candidates must provide bank account details (Account Number, IFSC Code, Account Holder Name, Bank Branch Name) for refund processing in case of technical failures.
Selection Process for OPSC Assistant Horticulture Officer
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Written Examination | 200 marks in two papers of 100 marks each (Horticulture subject) |
| Paper I | 100 MCQ questions, 2 hours, 100 marks (General Horticulture) |
| Paper II | 100 MCQ questions, 2 hours, 100 marks (Specialised Horticulture) |
| Personality Test / Interview | 25 marks |
| Final Select List | Aggregate marks out of 225 |
Both papers contain Objective Type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) evaluated via Optical Mark Recognition (OMR). Each correct answer awards 1 mark. Negative marking applies at 25% of the awarded mark for each incorrect response. Unattempted questions carry zero marks. Questions follow Bachelor’s degree standard difficulty.
Candidates securing the minimum qualifying marks in the written examination will be shortlisted for interview in approximately a 1:2 ratio per category (minimum 5 candidates). The final select list is prepared based on aggregate marks from the written examination and the interview. In case of tied aggregate marks, the candidate with higher written examination marks ranks higher; if still equal, the older candidate is placed higher.
OPSC Assistant Horticulture Officer Examination Syllabus
Paper I: General Horticulture (100 Marks)
Agro Meteorology, Soil and Nutrition, Water Management, Weed Management, Dry Land Farming, Integrated Farming System, Seed Technology, Plant Protection, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Statistics, and related subjects, including tillage, farm machinery, crop rotation, organic farming, protected cultivation, apiculture, mushroom cultivation, composting, and digital initiatives of the State Government.
Paper II: Specialised Horticulture (100 Marks)
Plant Propagation and Nursery Management, Fruit Crops (Mango, Banana, Citrus, Pineapple, Guava, Papaya, Sapota, Ber, Pomegranate, Litchi, Custard Apple, and exotic varieties like Passion Fruit, Avocado, Dragon Fruit, Strawberry), Plantation Crops (Coconut, Areca Nut, Cashew Nut, Oil Palm, Cocoa, Coffee, Tea), Vegetable Crops (Solanaceous, Cucurbits, Pod Vegetables, Cole Crops, Bulb Crops, Root Crops, Leafy Vegetables, Tuber Crops), Spices and Condiments, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Ornamental Horticulture (garden types, landscaping, flower crops, protected cultivation, lawn maintenance).
Both papers test Bachelor’s degree standard knowledge of horticultural theory, practice, and contemporary agricultural methods relevant to Odisha’s agro-climatic zones.
About the Assistant Horticulture Officer Role
Assistant Horticulture Officers serve as field administrators and technical experts for horticultural development across districts and blocks under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment. Responsibilities include planning and implementing crop improvement schemes, managing nurseries and seed distribution, conducting farmer training programs, monitoring pest and disease outbreaks, and liaising between government agricultural research institutions and farming communities. The role combines desk-based administrative duties with frequent field visits to orchards, vegetable farms, and plantation areas, requiring both technical knowledge and people management skills. As a Group-B officer, promotion typically leads to Senior Deputy Director or Director roles in State horticultural boards within 8-12 years of service, making this an entry point for mid-to-senior-level agricultural administration.
Documents Required for OPSC Application
Candidates must upload scanned copies of the following documents during online application and produce originals during document verification if shortlisted:
- High School Certificate or equivalent (proof of date of birth)
- Intermediate/+2 Examination Certificate
- Bachelor of Science Degree Certificate in Horticulture or Agriculture
- Mark-sheets from all qualifying examinations (HSC to Bachelor’s degree)
- Four recent passport-size photographs (unsigned and unattested)
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST claimants only)
- Odia Language Test Pass Certificate
- Permanent Disability Certificate (PwD candidates showing 40% or more disability)
- Release Certificate for Ex-Servicemen, along with notarised Affidavit
- No Objection Certificate (for candidates already in Government service)
- Proof of Identity (Aadhar / EPIC / Driving Licence / Passport / PAN Card)
- Identity Certificate (Third Gender/Transgender candidates, if applicable)
How to Apply for OPSC Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official OPSC website at https://opsc.gov.in
- Review all detailed instructions provided on the OPSC portal before filling out the application form
- Register on the portal and fill out the online application form with accurate personal and educational details
- Upload scanned photograph (as per specifications), full signature, and Left-Hand Thumb Impression (LTI) in the formats specified
- Pay the examination fee of Rs. 700/- (UR/SEBC candidates) through available online modes-Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, Net Banking, or Wallet
- Review and verify the submitted application details after payment
- On successful submission, a unique Permanent Public Service Account Number (PPSAN) will be generated. Note this for future reference
- Print and retain the final submitted Registration and Application form, along with all uploaded document copies, for verification during shortlisting
Submitting well before the closing date is advisable to avoid portal congestion during the final hours. Applications received through offline channels will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying
- Uploading a photograph or signature outside the specified file size or format will be rejected at the verification stage if scanned documents do not match the size constraints defined in the portal instructions
- Entering an incorrect date of birth based on memory instead of the High School Certificate, OPSC accepts only HSC/equivalent dates and rejects subsequent corrections after submission
- Selecting the wrong caste category, as the system does not permit correction after form submission and disqualifies candidates from their claimed reserved category
- Omitting Left-Hand Thumb Impression (LTI) upload-this is mandatory, and applications without LTI are treated as incomplete
- Paying fee through modes other than Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, Net Banking, or Wallet-no other payment method is accepted, and fee-unpaid applications are rejected outright
What Happens After You Apply
- Application window closes on 28/08/2026 at 5:00 P.M.
- Admit Card released on the OPSC website before the written examination scheduled for 27/09/2026
- Written Examination conducted on 27/09/2026 (Sunday) with results declared within 4-6 weeks
- Merit list of shortlisted candidates for interview released on the OPSC website
- Personality Test (Interview) conducted for approximately a 1:2 ratio of applicants per category (minimum 5 candidates)
- Final Select List prepared based on aggregate marks from the written examination and interview, published on the OPSC website
- Candidates on the final merit list are called for document verification and medical examination
- Appointment orders issued and joining instructions notified for successful candidates
OPSC Assistant Horticulture Officer: Important Instructions
Applications found incomplete in any respect are liable for rejection without further correspondence. Candidates wishing to modify submitted information must cancel and reapply before the application closing date. Admission to the written examination and interview is provisional; eligibility will be verified at all subsequent stages. Candidates found guilty of malpractice or submitting forged documents will be debarred from OPSC examinations for 3 years. Marks secured by the Last Selected Candidate (LSC) and individual candidate marks will be declared only on the OPSC website after the final result is published. Any complaint regarding examination conduct must be sent to the Grievance Wing at [email protected] within 7 days of completion of the examination. All recommended candidates must submit an NPS (National Pension System) application at the time of joining the government service.
OPSC Facilitation Support
| Purpose | Contact Number | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Support (registration/application issues) | 0671-2304707 | 10:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M. & 2:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. (working days) |
| General Facilitation Counter | 0671-2304141 / 2305611, Ext. 227 | 10:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M. & 2:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. (working days) |
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Download Official Notification | Download Notification |
| Official OPSC Portal | Visit Website |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the OPSC Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026 about?
Ans. OPSC Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment 2026 is an open competition conducted by the Odisha Public Service Commission for 22 Group-B positions in the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment. Selected candidates will work as field administrators and technical experts promoting horticultural development across districts and blocks in Odisha. The recruitment follows a merit-based selection process with a written examination and an interview.
Q2. Am I eligible to apply if I have a B.Sc. in Agriculture?
Ans. Yes. The OPSC Assistant Horticulture Officer recruitment accepts candidates holding a Bachelor of Science degree in either Horticulture or Agriculture from any Government-recognised university or institution. Both qualifications are explicitly accepted; no other equivalent qualification is permitted.
Q3. What is the upper age limit, and how is age relaxation applied?
Ans. The general upper age limit is 42 years as on 01/01/2026. SC/ST candidates, women, and Ex-Servicemen receive 5 years of relaxation, making their upper age limit 47 years. Persons with Disabilities receive 10 years of relaxation (upper limit 52 years). PwD candidates from SC/ST categories receive a cumulative 15 years of relaxation. Only the most beneficial relaxation is granted to candidates falling under multiple categories.
Q4. Is there negative marking in the written examination?
Ans. Yes, negative marking applies at 25% of the marks awarded for a correct answer. For example, if a correct answer is worth 1 mark, an incorrect answer results in a deduction of 0.25 marks. Unattempted questions carry zero marks. Both papers follow this marking scheme.
Q5. How many candidates will be shortlisted for the interview stage?
Ans. Candidates securing the minimum qualifying marks in the written examination will be shortlisted for interview in approximately a 1:2 ratio of advertised vacancies per category, with a minimum of 5 candidates. This means if 4 vacancies are advertised in a category, approximately 8 candidates will be called for an interview.
Q6. What is the application fee, and when must it be paid?
Ans. The application fee is Rs. 700/- for General (UR) and SEBC candidates. SC, ST, and PwD candidates are exempted from fee payment. The fee must be paid online through Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, Net Banking, or Wallet during the application process. Applications without fee payment (except for exempted categories) will be rejected as incomplete.
Q7. Can I modify my application after submission?
Ans. No direct modification is possible after submission. If you need to correct submitted information, you must cancel your existing application and submit a fresh one before the application closing date of 28/08/2026. However, OPSC does not allow modification of critical details like caste category after form submission.
Q8. What happens if I submit the application but do not appear in the written examination?
Ans. The application fee will not be refunded if you do not appear in one or both papers of the written examination. Refund is granted only to candidates who actually sit for both papers of the examination, subject to technical failure or official error. Candidates should ensure they are genuinely prepared before submitting their application.
How to Proceed with Your OPSC Application
Submit your application online at https://opsc.gov.in before 28/08/2026 at 5:00 P.M. to ensure eligibility for the written examination scheduled on 27/09/2026. After the application window closes, the OPSC will release the admit card and examination schedule on its official portal, followed by result declaration within 4-6 weeks of the examination. Keep checking the OPSC website and our job alerts at MyNaukriAlert.com for admit card releases, result announcements, and interview schedules. Staying informed throughout the recruitment cycle maximises your preparation time for each stage.
