Published By: StudyBizz Career Desk | Official Source: Odisha Public Service Commission (opsc.gov.in) / OPSC e-Chayan Portal (opscechayan.in)
The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC), Cuttack, has officially published the OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026 notification under Advertisement No. 14 of 2026-27 to fill 89 permanent Group-B gazetted vacancies in the State Forensic Science Service Organisation under the Home Department, Government of Odisha. Designed to strengthen scientific criminal investigation across district forensic science laboratories (DFSL) and the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL) in Bhubaneswar, this recruitment spans ten specialized forensic divisions: Physics, Ballistics, Chemistry, Toxicology, Biology, Serology, DNA, Forensic Psychology, Cyber Forensic, and Questioned Documents. Candidates holding a Master’s Degree (M.Sc / M.Tech) in the relevant science or technology discipline can register online between 06th November 2026 and 26th November 2026 (5:00 PM) via opsc.gov.in. Placed in Pay Matrix Level 10 of ORSP Rules 2017 with starting pay scales of ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400/- per month, these positions represent prestigious state forensic research and investigative careers. Bookmark this verified guide on StudyBizz.com for division-wise quotas, educational eligibility, written examination pattern, detailed syllabus, and application steps.
OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026 (Advt No. 14 of 2026-27)
Total Posts: 89 Group-B Posts | Pay Matrix: Level 10 (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400) | Qualification: Master’s Degree (M.Sc/M.Tech) | Last Date: 26 Nov 2026
📑 Quick Navigation & Table of Contents:
- OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026: Fast Overview
- Official Registration Calendar & Deadlines
- Forensic Division-Wise Vacancy Distribution (89 Posts)
- Educational Qualification & Subject Discipline Criteria
- Prescribed Age Limits & Odisha State Relaxations
- Salary Structure, Pay Matrix Level 10 & Allowances
- Complete Selection Scheme & Evaluation Stages
- Written Examination Pattern (Paper-I & Paper-II, 300 Marks)
- Official Subject-Wise Detailed Syllabus
- Application Processing Fee Rules
- Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Online at opsc.gov.in
- Official Notification PDF & Direct Application Links
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026: Fast Overview
Scientific Officers in the Odisha State Forensic Science Service Organisation perform instrumental physical, biological, chemical, digital, and ballistic analyses of physical evidence recovered from crime scenes. Appointed officers evaluate exhibits, author statutory forensic expert reports under the Code of Criminal Procedure / Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and tender expert testimony in criminal court trials. Below is the executive summary of the recruitment notice:
| Recruiting Commission | Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC), Cuttack |
| Government Department | Home Department (State Forensic Science Service Organisation) |
| Advertisement / Notification No. | Advertisement No. 14 of 2026-27 |
| Post Name | Scientific Officer (Group-B) |
| Total Number of Vacancies | 89 Posts (Spread across 10 Specialized Divisions) |
| Minimum Educational Qualification | Master’s Degree (M.Sc / M.Tech) in relevant discipline with min 50% marks |
| Prescribed Age Limit | 21 to 38 Years (as on 01/05/2026) + State Relaxations up to 43 Years |
| Revised Pay Scale | Level 10 (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400/- per month) |
| Selection Scheme | Written Examination (Paper-I & Paper-II: 300 Marks) + Viva Voce (30 Marks) |
| Online Registration Window | 06th November 2026 to 26th November 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Official Portals | opsc.gov.in & opscechayan.in |
Official Registration Calendar & Deadlines
Candidates aspiring to join the Odisha Forensic Science Service must adhere to the official recruitment timeline:
| Recruitment Milestone | Official Timeline |
|---|---|
| Detailed Notification Issue Date | 28th October 2026 |
| Commencement of Online Application Submission | 06th November 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application Submission | 26th November 2026 (upto 5:00 PM) |
| Admit Card / Hall Ticket Release | 7 to 10 days prior to the written exam |
| Written Examination Schedule | Tentatively January / February 2027 |
Forensic Division-Wise Vacancy Distribution (89 Posts)
The 89 Group-B Scientific Officer vacancies are distributed across ten specialized forensic disciplines. A candidate is permitted to apply for only one division:
| Sl. No. | Forensic Division | Total Posts | Women Reservation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Physics Division | 09 Posts | 03 Posts |
| 2 | Ballistics Division | 08 Posts | 02 Posts |
| 3 | Chemistry Division | 14 Posts | 04 Posts |
| 4 | Toxicology Division | 12 Posts | 04 Posts |
| 5 | Biology Division | 11 Posts | 03 Posts |
| 6 | Serology Division | 09 Posts | 03 Posts |
| 7 | DNA Division | 08 Posts | 02 Posts |
| 8 | Forensic Psychology Division | 05 Posts | 01 Post |
| 9 | Cyber Forensic Division | 08 Posts | 02 Posts |
| 10 | Questioned Document Division | 05 Posts | 01 Post |
| Statewide Grand Total: | 89 Posts | 25 Posts | |
Educational Qualification & Subject Discipline Criteria
Applicants must hold a Master’s Degree with at least 50% aggregate marks in the relevant subject from a recognized University:
- Physics Division: M.Sc. in Physics / Applied Physics / Biophysics / Forensic Science (with Physics specialization).
- Ballistics Division: M.Sc. in Physics / Applied Physics / Mathematics / Forensic Science (with Ballistics/Physics specialization).
- Chemistry & Toxicology Divisions: M.Sc. in Chemistry / Applied Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry / Organic Chemistry / Industrial Chemistry / Biochemistry / Toxicology / Forensic Science.
- Biology & Serology Divisions: M.Sc. in Zoology / Botany / Biochemistry / Microbiology / Biotechnology / Molecular Biology / Life Sciences / Forensic Science.
- DNA Division: M.Sc. in Biotechnology / Genetics / Molecular Biology / Biochemistry / Zoology / Forensic Science.
- Forensic Psychology: M.A. / M.Sc. in Psychology / Applied Psychology / Criminology (with Psychology specialization).
- Cyber Forensic: M.Sc. in Computer Science / Information Technology / Cyber Security, or M.Tech in Computer Science / IT / Information Security / Cyber Forensics.
- Language Requirement: The candidate must be able to read, write, and speak Odia and must have passed the Middle School examination with Odia as a language subject or passed the HSC exam in Odia medium.
Prescribed Age Limits & Odisha State Relaxations
The candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not be above the age of 38 years as on the 1st day of May 2026. In accordance with state statutory rules, upper age concessions apply:
| Category of Applicants | Upper Age Relaxation | Maximum Permissible Age |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | Nil | 38 Years |
| SC, ST, SEBC & Women Candidates | 5 Years | 43 Years |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD – 40%+ Disability) | 10 Years | 48 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | Entire period of military service rendered | As per rules |
Salary Structure, Pay Matrix Level 10 & Allowances
Appointed Scientific Officers enter the Odisha State Forensic Science Service at Pay Matrix Level 10 under ORSP Rules 2017, with a basic pay scale of ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400/- per month. Officers receive standard Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), specialized forensic risk allowance, and medical coverage. The starting gross emoluments range from approximately ₹62,000 – ₹68,000/- per month.
Written Examination Pattern (Paper-I & Paper-II, 300 Marks)
The competitive examination consists of a Written Test followed by a Viva Voce test. There is negative marking (0.25 mark penalty) for incorrect responses in objective questions:
| Examination Component | Subjects Covered | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I (Compulsory for All) | General English (30 Marks), Odia Language (30 Marks), General Knowledge & Current Affairs (40 Marks) | 2 Hours | 100 Marks |
| Paper-II (Specialized Subject) | Concerned Subject Paper (Master’s Degree Standard according to division applied for) | 3 Hours | 200 Marks |
| Viva Voce Test (Interview) | Personal Interview & Practical Assessment of Forensic Aptitude | — | 30 Marks |
| Consolidated Selection Total: | 330 Marks | ||
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Online at opsc.gov.in
- Navigate to the official commission website at opsc.gov.in or direct application portal opscechayan.in.
- Complete user registration with a valid email ID and mobile number to obtain login credentials.
- Select “Recruitment to the Posts of Scientific Officer (Advt. No. 14 of 2026-27)”.
- Choose your specific Forensic Division (remember: candidates can apply for only one division).
- Fill in personal particulars, academic records (Master’s degree marks), and Odia language qualification details.
- Upload scanned copies of required certificates (single combined PDF, maximum 10 MB) along with recent photograph and signature.
- Submit the online application and print the final computer-generated application form for record.
Official Notification PDF & Direct Application Links
🔗 Official Direct Portals & Resources:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the minimum educational qualification for OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026?
A: Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree (M.Sc. / M.Tech.) with at least 50% marks in the relevant subject specialization corresponding to the forensic division applied for.
Q2: Can an applicant apply for multiple divisions under Advertisement 14 of 2026-27?
A: No. Candidates are strictly permitted to apply for only one forensic division. Submitting multiple applications will lead to rejection.
Q3: Is passing Odia language mandatory for OPSC Scientific Officer posts?
A: Yes. The candidate must be able to read, write, and speak Odia and must have passed Middle School examination with Odia as a language subject or passed HSC with Odia medium.
Q4: What is the pay scale for Scientific Officers in Odisha?
A: Appointed officers are placed in Level 10 of the Pay Matrix under ORSP Rules, 2017 (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 per month).
Q5: What are the registration dates for OPSC Scientific Officer 2026?
A: The online application window opens on 06th November 2026 and closes on 26th November 2026 (5:00 PM) at opsc.gov.in.
