Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment at OPSC 2026: Apply for 44 Vacancies
Apply for the Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment at OPSC 2026. Check eligibility, syllabus, and dates for these 44 Group-B government jobs in Odisha.
The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has officially opened the doors for the Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment at OPSC 2026, inviting applications for 44 prestigious Group-B positions within the Odisha Fisheries Service Cadre. This special recruitment drive is a significant milestone for dedicated professionals in the marine and aquaculture sectors, offering a clear path toward serving the state’s agricultural and resource development goals. If you hold a degree in Fishery Science, this could be the definitive moment for your professional growth.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through every critical aspect of the Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment at OPSC 2026, including eligibility standards, vacancy distribution, examination patterns, and the application process, ensuring you have the knowledge necessary to succeed in your application.
Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment at OPSC 2026 Overview
The OPSC is spearheading this special recruitment to fill 44 essential positions, specifically aimed at strengthening the Odisha Fisheries Service Cadre under the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department.
- Total Vacancies: The commission has announced a total of 44 posts to be filled through this drive.
- Category-Wise Reservation:
- Scheduled Caste (SC): 01 post.
- Scheduled Tribe (ST): 43 posts, with 13 of these reserved specifically for women.
- Horizontal Reservation:
- Ex-Servicemen: 01 post.
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD): 02 posts, specifically 01 for Visually Impaired candidates and 01 for Hearing Impaired candidates.
- Policy Notes: It is important for candidates to note that if eligible or suitable women candidates from their respective categories are not available, the unfilled vacancies will be transferred to eligible male candidates within that same category.
Vacancy Details for Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment at OPSC
Being selected for the Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment at OPSC 2026 provides not only a position of responsibility but also a competitive compensation package aligned with state government standards.
- Job Classification: These positions are designated as Group-B under the Odisha Fisheries Service Cadre.
- Pay Matrix: Successful candidates will be appointed in the pay scale of Rs. 44,900, corresponding to Level-10 of the Pay Matrix as per the ORSP Rules, 2017.
- Allowances: Beyond the base salary, employees are entitled to receive standard dearness allowances and other government-sanctioned benefits as updated by the Government of Odisha over time.
Eligibility Criteria
Meeting the eligibility criteria is the first and most important step toward qualifying for the Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment at OPSC 2026.
- Nationality: All applicants must be citizens of India.
- Language Proficiency: A core requirement for the service is the ability to read, write, and speak Odia. You must satisfy this by having passed:
- The Middle School Examination with Odia as a language subject.
- The Matriculation (or equivalent) examination with Odia as a medium of examination in a non-language subject.
- Odia as a language subject in the final examination of Class VII from an institution recognized by the Odisha or Central Government.
- A test in Odia in the Middle English School standard conducted by the School & Mass Education Department.
- Age Limits: To participate, you must have attained at least 21 years of age and must not have exceeded 47 years as of January 1, 2026.
- This implies a birth date window between January 2, 1979, and January 1, 2005.
- Special relaxation is provided for PwD candidates (with 40% or more permanent disability) belonging to SC/ST categories, who may receive a 10-year age relaxation.
- Academic Qualification: You must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Fishery Science (B.F.Sc.) from any recognized university located in India or abroad.
- Physical and Mental Health: Candidates must be of sound mind and bodily health, as they will be required to undergo a medical examination to ensure they can discharge their professional duties without physical hindrance.
Selection Process
The Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment at OPSC 2026 follows a multi-stage selection process designed to identify candidates who possess both theoretical depth and the required professional aptitude.
- Written Examination: The initial stage involves a competitive, objective-type examination consisting of two distinct papers.
- Viva Voce Test (Interview): Candidates who meet the qualifying thresholds in the written exam will be shortlisted for an interview, which accounts for 100 marks. The number of candidates called for the interview is generally twice the number of advertised vacancies per category.
- Final Merit: The final selection list is generated based on the cumulative scores achieved in the written papers and the viva voce performance.
Exam & Syllabus
Preparation for the Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment at OPSC 2026 should focus on the technical syllabus provided by the OPSC.
- Exam Structure:
- Both Paper-I and Paper-II are objective-type, carrying 400 marks each.
- Each paper consists of 200 questions, with each question worth 02 marks.
- There is no negative marking for incorrect responses, allowing candidates to approach the test with focus on accuracy.
- Paper-I Scope: Covers critical topics including Fresh Water Aquaculture, Reservoir Aquaculture, Ornamental Fish Production, Genetics and Breeding, Finfish Hatchery Management, Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology, Coastal Aquaculture, and Fisheries Extension Education.
- Paper-II Scope: Focuses on specialized areas such as Fish and Shellfish Pathology, Pharmacology, Fish Toxicology, Soil and Water Chemistry, Limnology, Marine Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Fish Products and Value Addition, and Fishing Craft/Gear Technology.
Job Location
While the official examination centers for the Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment at OPSC 2026 are primarily set for Kataka, the commission may establish additional centers in Bhubaneswar depending on the total number of applicants from various zones. Once appointed, the candidates will serve within the Odisha Fisheries Service Cadre under the state government, with the potential for placement across different regions of Odisha where fisheries development is prioritized.
How to Apply
Submitting your application for the Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment at OPSC 2026 is a streamlined, digital process.
- Official Portal: All candidates must apply through the OPSC website at https://www.opsc.gov.in.
- Document Uploads: During the online application, ensure you have clear, scanned copies of your H.S.C. certificate (for age verification), B.F.Sc. degree certificate, mark lists, Fishery Registration Certificate, and Odia Test Pass Certificate.
- Accuracy: The system is automated; ensure that all data is entered correctly, as the scope for editing after confirmation is extremely limited.
- Registration: Successful registration results in a unique Permanent Public Service Account Number (PPSAN), which you should retain for all future communication.
- Final Submission: Remember to download and print your finally submitted application form, as you will need this, along with original certificates, for the document verification stage.
Important Dates
Mark these dates clearly in your calendar to ensure you do not miss the window for the Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment at OPSC 2026:
- Application Window Opens: July 24, 2026.
- Application Deadline: August 24, 2026, by 5:00 P.M.
- Written Examination Date: September 26, 2026.
Required Documents for Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment at OPSC
At the time of document verification, you will need to present both the original and copies of the following documents:
- Proof of Age (H.S.C. Certificate).
- Intermediate and B.F.Sc. Degree certificates.
- Caste Certificate (by birth for SC/ST claimants).
- Fishery Registration Certificate.
- Odia Test Pass Certificate.
- For Ex-Servicemen: Relevant Release Certificate issued per the 1985 state rules.
- For PwD candidates: A valid Permanent Disability Certificate (40% or more).
- Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Driving License).
Important Instructions
The Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment at OPSC 2026 requires strict adherence to commission guidelines:
- Candidates must ensure their Caste status is finalized at the time of application, as it cannot be changed later.
- Incomplete applications are liable to be rejected immediately.
- Candidates currently employed in government service should inform their department heads and obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
- Any form of misrepresentation or suppression of facts will lead to disqualification and potential penal action.
Important Links for Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment at OPSC
Candidates are encouraged to monitor the OPSC website regularly for the latest updates regarding the Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment at OPSC 2026:
- Official OPSC Website: https://www.opsc.gov.in.
- Technical Support: For issues related to the online application system, you may contact 0671-2304707 on working days during designated hours.
Final Words on Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment at OPSC
Securing a role through the Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment at OPSC 2026 is a major career opportunity for those dedicated to fisheries management and marine science in Odisha. With a robust pay scale, the potential for long-term career stability, and the chance to contribute to the state’s growth, this is a path worth pursuing with diligence. Start your preparation early by reviewing the syllabus, gathering your documentation, and submitting your application well before the August deadline to avoid last-minute technical rush.
Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment at OPSC- FAQs
- Is there any fee for this recruitment? No, the OPSC has specified that no examination fee is required to be paid for applying or appearing in this recruitment.
- What is the minimum age to apply? A candidate must have attained the age of 21 years as of January 1, 2026.
- How many papers are in the written exam? There are two papers, Paper-I and Paper-II, each carrying 400 marks.
- Can I apply if I do not have a B.F.Sc degree? No, a Bachelor’s Degree in Fishery Science (B.F.Sc.) is a mandatory qualification for this post.
- What if I cannot speak Odia? Proficiency in Odia (reading, writing, and speaking) is an essential eligibility condition for the Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment at OPSC 2026.