OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 89 Forensic Posts

Educational Qualifications & Age Criteria

Eligibility for OPSC Scientific Officer posts requires specific academic credentials and age parameters defined by the commission:

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess a Post Graduate or Master's Degree in a relevant discipline (such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Toxicology, Zoology, Computer Science, IT, Forensic Science, etc.) with at least 55% aggregate marks from a recognized university.
• Language Requirement: Proficiency in Odia is mandatory. Candidates must have passed Odia as a language subject at the M.E. school level or higher.
• Age Limits: Applicants must be between 21 and 42 years of age as on 01 January 2026.
• Age Relaxations: Upper age limits are relaxed by 5 years for SEBC, SC, ST, Women, and Ex-Servicemen candidates, and by 10 years for PwD candidates.

Salary Structure & Remuneration

Appointed candidates will be placed in a permanent Group-A state government position under the Home Department. The compensation package is structured as follows:

• Pay Scale: Rs. 44,900/- to Rs. 1,42,400/- in Level 10, Cell-1 of the Odisha Revised Scale of Pay Matrix.
• Basic Pay: Rs. 44,900/- per month.
• Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance as per Odisha State Government rules, resulting in an estimated gross monthly salary of approximately Rs. 79,032/- and an in-hand salary of around Rs. 71,200/-.

Selection Methodology & Exam Pattern

The selection process comprises a rigorous multi-stage evaluation designed to test core scientific acumen and general aptitude:

• Stage 1: Written Examination: Consists of two objective-type papers. Paper-I covers General English, Awareness, Aptitude, and Reasoning (100 MCQs, 100 Marks, 90 Minutes). Paper-II covers the Specific Division Subject (150 MCQs, 300 Marks, 150 Minutes).
• Marking Scheme: A negative marking scheme applies, deducting 25% of the assigned marks (0.25 marks for Paper-I and 0.50 marks for Paper-II) for every incorrect answer.
• Stage 2: Personality Test / Viva Voce: Carries 50 marks for candidates who qualify through the written examination.
• Stage 3: Document Verification & Medical Assessment: Final verification of original academic certificates and medical fitness evaluation.

Application Fee & Payment Guidelines

Candidates must submit their examination fee through secure online channels as per the commission guidelines:

• General, OBC, and EWS Candidates: Required to pay an examination fee of Rs. 700/-.
• SC, ST, and PwD Candidates: Fully exempted from fee payment (applicable to candidates domiciled in Odisha).
• Payment Mode: Online transactions via Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI, or Digital Wallets.

Step-by-Step Online Application Guide

Eligible candidates can apply online by adhering to the official application procedure:

• Visit the official OPSC recruitment portal at opsc.gov.in.
• Navigate to the 'Apply Online' section and select Advt. No. 14 OF 2026-27 for Scientific Officer posts.
• Complete initial registration using a valid mobile number and email address.
• Log in with your credentials, fill out personal, educational, and category details accurately.
• Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph, signature, and left-hand thumb impression (LTI).
• Pay the requisite application fee online (if applicable) and submit the form.
• Download and print a hard copy of the submitted application form for future verification.

Essential Documents Checklist

Keep the following documents ready in scanned format before starting your online application:

• H.S.C. or equivalent certificate and marksheet for proof of date of birth.
• Intermediate / Higher Secondary (+2) examination certificate and marksheet.
• Bachelor's Degree certificate and consolidated marksheets.
• Master's Degree certificate and marksheets reflecting a minimum of 55% aggregate marks.
• Odia language pass certificate (M.E. School or higher examination).
• Caste or SEBC certificate issued by a competent authority, if claiming reservation.
• Scanned passport-size photograph, signature, and Left-hand Thumb Impression.

Candidate Advisories & Important Warnings

Applicants must take note of the following strict rules issued by the commission to prevent application rejection:

• A candidate is permitted to apply for only one division/discipline under this recruitment notification.
• Submitting multiple application forms for different disciplines will result in the outright rejection of all submissions.
• Ensure that Odia language proficiency is duly supported by academic certificates matching the M.E. school level requirement.
• Verify all entered data against original documents before final submission, as correction windows may be restricted.