Jobs In Odisha: OPSC Announces AAO Recruitment 2026: A Major Opportunity for Agriculture Graduates

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has officially opened the doors for aspiring candidates seeking government service in the agricultural sector. With the release of its notification for Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO) Recruitment 2026, the commission has set in motion a significant hiring drive under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment.

This initiative is expected to attract graduates in agriculture and horticulture who are eager to contribute to the state's food production and rural development programs.

The notification, published on December 31, 2025, outlines the timeline and structure of the recruitment process. Online registration will commence on January 10, 2026, and remain open until January 27, 2026. Candidates are strongly advised to complete their applications early to avoid last-minute technical glitches. Admit cards are scheduled for release in February, ahead of the written examination slated for February 19, 2026.

As per the notification, there are 118 vacancies, making this one of the more substantial recruitment drives in recent years. Among the aforementioned jobs, 40 positions are reserved for women. The posts fall under Group-B, Class-II services of the Odisha Agriculture and Food Production Service, and vacancies are distributed across categories in line with reservation policies.

Eligibility and Age Criteria

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture (B.Sc. Agriculture) or Horticulture (B.Sc. Horticulture) from a recognized university. Other qualifications will not be considered valid for this post, underscoring the specialized nature of the role. Age requirements stipulate that candidates must be at least 21 years old and not older than 38 years as of January 1, 2025. Relaxations in the upper age limit will apply to candidates from reserved categories, including SC, ST, SEBC, women, persons with disabilities, and ex-servicemen, in accordance with government norms.

Selection Process and Exam Pattern

The recruitment process will consist of two stages: a written examination followed by an interview. Only those who secure qualifying marks in the written test will be invited to the interview or personality test. The exam will be conducted online and will feature two papers worth 100 marks each, totaling 200 marks. Candidates will face 200 multiple-choice questions, with negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect response. The written test is scheduled for February 19, 2026, making preparation a priority for aspirants.

Salary and Posting

Successful candidates will be appointed as Assistant Agriculture Officers under Pay Level 10 of the Odisha government's pay matrix. Postings may be assigned anywhere within the state, offering graduates the chance to serve diverse communities and agricultural regions.
Application Process

Interested candidates must apply through the official OPSC website between January 10 and January 27, 2026. Early submission is recommended to avoid last-minute hurdles. The commission has emphasized that applicants should carefully review the notification to ensure compliance with eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.

With agriculture forming the backbone of Odisha's economy, this recruitment drive represents not just a career opportunity but also a chance to contribute meaningfully to the state's development. For graduates in agriculture and horticulture, the AAO post offers a stable career path, competitive pay, and the opportunity to work at the intersection of governance and grassroots empowerment.