The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has released a recruitment notification for 89 Scientific Officer positions across multiple specialisations. This is a full-time opportunity for Master's degree holders seeking careers in forensic science, chemistry, physics, biology, and related fields in Odisha.
Overview
OPSC Recruitment 2026 (Advt. No. 14 OF 2026-27) invites eligible candidates to apply for 89 Scientific Officer posts in 10 different specialisations. The positions are spread across Physics, Ballistics, Chemistry, Toxicology, Biology, Serology, DNA Analysis, Forensic Psychology, Cyber Forensics, and Document Examination. Selected candidates will be posted across Odisha and will draw a salary of ₹44,900 per month at Level 10 of the Pay Matrix.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration & Fee Payment Open | 6 November 2026 |
| Online Application Submission Deadline | 26 November 2026 |
| Written Examination | 17 January 2027 |
Application Fee
| Candidate Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹700 |
| SC / ST / PWD | Exempted |
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | UR | OBC | SC | ST | EWS | PWD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 7 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Ballistics | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Chemistry | 10 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Toxicology | 13 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Biology | 14 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Serology | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| DNA Analysis | 12 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Forensic Psychology | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Cyber Forensics | 11 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Document Examination | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 89 | ||||||
Eligibility
Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess a Master's degree (postgraduate qualification) in their relevant field from a recognised university with a minimum of 55% marks. Specific qualification requirements vary by specialisation:
- Physics: Master's in Physics, Applied Physics, Electronics with Physics, or Integrated M.Sc. in Physics or Forensic Science
- Ballistics: Master's in Physics, Applied Physics, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, or Forensic Science
- Chemistry: Master's in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, Bio-chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, or Forensic Science
- Toxicology: Master's in Chemistry or Forensic Science with Toxicology specialisation
- Biology: Master's in Zoology, Microbiology, Life Science, Genetics, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or Forensic Science
- Serology: Master's in Zoology, Microbiology, Life Science, Genetics, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or Forensic Science
- DNA Analysis: Master's in Zoology, Biotechnology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Life Sciences, or Forensic Science
- Forensic Psychology: Master's in Psychology or Forensic Psychology with Psychology as Honours or principal subject at Bachelor's level
- Cyber Forensics: Master's in Computer Science, Computer Science and Engineering, Information Technology, Cyber Security, Computer Application, Digital Forensic, or Forensic Science
- Document Examination: Master's in Physics, Chemistry, or Forensic Science with Chemistry or Physics at Bachelor of Science level
Age Limit: Candidates must have attained 21 years of age and must not exceed 42 years as on 1 January 2026. Age relaxation is applicable to reserved category candidates as per government rules.
How to Apply
- Visit the official OPSC website
- Register yourself and create a login account on the portal
- Fill in the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and employment details
- Upload necessary documents in the prescribed format as mentioned in the notification
- Pay the application fee online (₹700 for general category; free for SC/ST/PWD candidates)
- Submit the completed form before 26 November 2026
- Download and save the confirmation receipt for future correspondence
Salary
Selected candidates will be appointed at Level 10, Cell 1 of the Pay Matrix with a monthly salary of ₹44,900. Additional allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA) and other benefits as per government rules will be provided.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many positions are open in this recruitment?
A: OPSC is recruiting 89 Scientific Officer positions distributed across 10 specialisations including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Toxicology, DNA Analysis, Cyber Forensics, and others.
Q: What is the last date to submit the application?
A: The closing date for online application submission is 26 November 2026. Applications must be submitted before the deadline; late submissions will not be accepted.
Q: What qualifications are required?
A: Candidates must hold a Master's degree in the relevant specialisation with at least 55% marks from a recognised university. Specific stream requirements apply for each post.
Q: When will the written examination be conducted?
A: The written examination will be held on 17 January 2027. It will comprise two papers: Paper-I (100 marks, 90 minutes) and Paper-II (300 marks, 150 minutes).
Q: What is the salary offered?
A: Selected candidates will receive ₹44,900 per month at Level 10, Cell 1 of the Pay Matrix along with applicable allowances.
Q: What is the age limit?
A: The age must be between 21 and 42 years as on 1 January 2026, with relaxation available for reserved category candidates as per government policy.
Candidates must verify all details on the official OPSC website before applying.