Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment at OPSC 2026: Apply for 22 Vacancies

Start your career with the Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment at OPSC 2026. Get all details on eligibility, exam syllabus, and the application process.

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has officially announced the Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment at OPSC 2026, opening a fantastic door for qualified professionals across the state. If you hold a degree in Horticulture or Agriculture, this is your golden opportunity to secure a stable, Class-II Group-B government position under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment. With the application window opening soon, now is the time to prepare your documents and familiarize yourself with the process. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of everything you need to know to land this role and advance your career in the public sector.

Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment at OPSC 2026 Overview

The OPSC is looking to fill 22 temporary positions for the Assistant Horticulture Officer role. These roles are categorized under the Odisha Horticulture Service, Class-II (Group-B), and offer a great chance to work within the government sector in Odisha, contributing to the development of the state’s agricultural infrastructure. These positions are temporary in nature but are likely to continue based on departmental requirements.

Vacancy Details for Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment at OPSC

The total of 22 vacancies is divided among different social categories to ensure fair representation and adherence to state reservation policies. The breakdown is as follows:

The Unreserved (UR) category has 06 vacancies, including 02 reserved for women.
The Scheduled Caste (SC) category has 07 vacancies, including 02 reserved for women.
The Scheduled Tribe (ST) category has 09 vacancies, including 03 reserved for women.
The total headcount for this recruitment is 22, with 07 total posts reserved for women candidates across categories.
Special quotas are also provided: 01 post is reserved for Persons with Disabilities (whose permanent disability is 40% or more), and 01 post is reserved for Ex-Servicemen.

Eligibility for Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment at OPSC

To be eligible for this government recruitment, candidates must meet specific criteria as set forth by the OPSC:

Age Limit: You must be between 21 and 42 years of age as of January 1, 2026.
This means your birth date must fall between January 2, 1984, and January 1, 2005.
Age Relaxation: Relaxation is provided for SC, ST, Women, and Ex-Servicemen (up to 5 years) and Persons with Disabilities (up to 10 years) as per government norms.
Educational Qualification: You must hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture [B.Sc. (Horticulture)] or Agriculture [B.Sc. (Ag.)] from a recognized university or institution.
Qualification Policy: No other equivalent qualification besides a degree in Horticulture or Agriculture will be accepted by the Commission.
Language: You must be able to read, write, and speak Odia and have passed the required proficiency tests as specified in the official notification, such as passing Middle School, Matriculation, or specific Odia language tests.

Salary Details for Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment at OPSC

Selected candidates will be placed in the Level-10, Cell-1 of the ORSP Rules, 2017. This competitive salary structure comes with the usual dearness and other allowances sanctioned by the Government of Odisha, making it a lucrative and stable career path for agriculture graduates looking to serve the public.

Job Location

The selected Assistant Horticulture Officers will serve under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment within the state of Odisha, potentially working in various districts depending on the government’s requirements and postings.

Selection Process for Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment at OPSC

The selection for this post is a two-stage competitive process designed to test both technical knowledge and personality:

Written Examination: This will be an Objective Type Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) based test held at various centers.
Personality Test: Candidates who successfully clear the written phase will be shortlisted for an interview, which carries 25 marks.
Select List: The final merit list will be prepared based on the aggregate marks secured in both the written examination and the personality test.

Exam & Syllabus Pattern

The written examination for the Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment at OPSC 2026 is tentatively scheduled for September 27, 2026.

Structure: The exam consists of two papers, Paper I and Paper II.
Paper Format: Both papers consist of 100 marks each, with 100 objective-type questions per paper, and a duration of 2 hours for each.
Marking Scheme: Each correct answer earns 1 mark, while each wrong answer results in a 25% negative marking deduction.
Unattempted Questions: For any unattempted questions, a “zero” mark will be awarded.
Syllabus Topics: The extensive syllabus covers essential agricultural and horticultural topics, including:
- Agro-meteorology and Agro-climate zones of India and Odisha.
- Soil and Nutrition, covering manures, fertilizers, and nutrient management.
- Water Management, including irrigation scheduling and micro-irrigation systems.
- Weed management and Integrated Farming Systems.
- Plant Protection, focusing on insect pests and diseases of horticultural crops.
- Agricultural Economics and Statistics.
- Plant propagation and nursery management, including advanced techniques like tissue culture.
- Cultivation practices for Fruit crops, Plantation crops, Vegetable crops, and Ornamental Horticulture.

How to Apply for Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment at OPSC

Applying for this Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment at OPSC 2026 is a streamlined, automated process handled through the OPSC’s e-Chayan portal:

Visit the official website: https://opsc.gov.in.
Carefully read the detailed advertisement and instructions before starting your application.
Register and create your account to obtain your unique Permanent Public Service Account Number (PPSAN).
Fill in the required information accurately as the automated system guides you through the application fields.
Upload your recent passport-size photograph, full signature, and left-hand thumb impression.
Ensure all data is accurate before final submission, as any errors will require you to cancel and re-apply before the deadline.
Pay the required examination fee using your preferred online payment method (Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, Net Banking, or Wallet).

Important Dates for Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment at OPSC

Mark your calendars for these crucial milestones in the recruitment calendar:

Online Application start date: July 28, 2026.
Last date for online submission: August 28, 2026 (5:00 P.M.).
Tentative Date of Written Examination: September 27, 2026.

Required Documents for Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment at OPSC

You will need to have original versions of your documents ready for uploading and future verification:

HSC or equivalent certificate in support of your date of birth.
Intermediate (+2) and Bachelor’s degree certificates and mark sheets.
Caste Certificate for SC/ST candidates, ensuring it was issued by the competent authority.
Odia Test Pass certificate, confirming proficiency at the Middle School level or higher.
Permanent Disability Certificate for PwD candidates, indicating a disability of 40% or more.
Release certificate for Ex-Servicemen, along with a mandatory affidavit.
Valid Photo ID (Aadhar, EPIC, PAN, or Passport) for verification purposes.

Important Instructions

Please adhere to these guidelines to ensure your application is successful and not summarily rejected:

Candidates must ensure they fulfill all eligibility conditions by the closing date for submission.
Payment of the examination fee (₹700 for non-reserved candidates) is mandatory; failing this, the application will be considered incomplete.
Ensure that uploaded images of your photograph, signature, and thumb impression are clear and identifiable.
Keep at least four copies of the passport-size photo used for the application for future use at the examination center.
Always check the official website for any corrigendum or updates regarding the recruitment process.
If you encounter technical issues, contact the OPSC technical support at 0671-2304707 on government working days.

Important Links for Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment at OPSC

Download Notification

Web: https://opsc.gov.in.

Final Words on Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment at OPSC

Securing a government position through the Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment at OPSC 2026 is a significant achievement for any agriculture or horticulture graduate in Odisha. These roles are not just jobs; they are opportunities to contribute to the agricultural growth and prosperity of the state. With 22 spots available and a clearly defined selection process, focused and dedicated preparation is the key to your success. Ensure you stay updated by checking the official OPSC website regularly and following all application guidelines precisely. We wish all prospective candidates the very best in their preparation and their journey to join the state’s agricultural department!

Assistant Horticulture Officer Recruitment at OPSC- FAQs

What is the last date to apply for the Assistant Horticulture Officer position? The last date to submit your online application is August 28, 2026, by 5:00 P.M.

Is there a negative marking in the written examination? Yes, there is a penalty of 25% marks for every wrong answer provided in the MCQ-based written exam.

Can candidates from other states apply? The notification emphasizes that the recruitment is for the Odisha Horticulture Service; candidates should carefully review the eligibility criteria regarding residency and language proficiency.

Is the examination fee refundable? Yes, for candidates who actually appear for both papers of the written examination, the fee will be refunded to their original payment mode in due course after the exam.

What happens if I make a mistake while filling out the online form? If you discover an error after submission, you will need to cancel your current application and apply again before the closing date.

Where will the examinations be held? The written examination is tentatively scheduled to be held in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, depending on the number of applicants.