New Delhi, December 02, 2026: The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has officially released the recruitment notification for the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Examination 2026. Aimed at filling 314 prestigious Group A and Group B posts, this announcement marks one of the most significant employment opportunities for graduates in the state.
The online application window is set to open on January 20, 2026, providing a pathway for aspiring civil servants to join the state administration.
OPSC OCS 2026: Key Dates and Schedule
Candidates are advised to keep track of the following timeline to ensure a smooth application process:
- Notification Release: December 31, 2025
- Application Commencement: January 20, 2026
- Last Date for Registration: February 20, 2026
- Final Submission Deadline: February 27, 2026
- Preliminary Examination Date: June 7, 2026 (Sunday)
Vacancy Breakdown: 314 Posts
The 2026 recruitment cycle includes a diverse range of roles across various departments. Notably, 104 posts have been reserved for women candidates.
| Service Name | Group | No. of Vacancies |
| Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) | Group A | 16 |
| Odisha Police Service (OPS) | Group A | 31 |
| Odisha Finance Service (OFS) | Group A | 89 |
| Odisha Taxation & Accounts Service | Group B | 176 |
| Odisha Revenue Service | Group B | 54 (est.) |
| Other Allied Services (Labour, Excise, etc.) | Group B | Remaining |
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Odisha Civil Services, candidates must meet specific requirements regarding age, education, and language proficiency.
1. Educational Qualification
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Candidates in their final year can apply, provided they produce proof of passing before the final selection stage.
2. Age Limit (As of January 1, 2025)
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 38 years
- Relaxations: SC/ST/SEBC/Women/Ex-Servicemen get a 5-year relaxation. PwD candidates receive a 10-year relaxation.
3. Language Proficiency
Since this is a state-level service, candidates must be able to read, write, and speak Odia. They must have passed a Middle School or High School examination with Odia as a subject or medium of examination.
Selection Process
The recruitment follows a rigorous three-tier selection model designed to test the intellectual and personal suitability of the candidates:
- Preliminary Examination: An objective-type screening test consisting of two papers (General Studies I & II).
- Main Examination: A descriptive written test covering compulsory papers (Odia, English, Essay, GS) and optional subjects.
- Personality Test (Interview): A final oral assessment worth 250 marks to determine the merit list.
How to Apply
- Visit the official OPSC website at opsc.gov.in.
- Click on the “Apply Online” link starting from January 20.
- Complete the registration process to generate a unique ID.
- Fill in the application form with personal, educational, and contact details.
- Upload the required documents (photograph, signature, and certificates).
- Pay the application fee (exempted for SC/ST and PwD candidates) and submit the form.

