Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has released the Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026-27 notification for recruitment to 89 Scientific Officer posts in the State Forensic Science Organization under the Home Department, Government of Odisha. The online application process will be conducted from 06 November 2026 to 26 November 2026. Eligible candidates can apply online through the official OPSC website, opsc.gov.in.
The recruitment is being conducted under Advertisement No. 14 of 2026-27. The selected candidates will be appointed in the State Forensic Science Organization under the Home Department in Group-B posts. The post carries Pay Level-10 of the Odisha Revised Scale of Pay Rules, 2017, with a basic pay of Rs. 44,900 and applicable allowances.
Official Notification PDF: OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026
OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026 - Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Odisha Public Service Commission |
| Department | Home Department, Government of Odisha |
| Post Name | Scientific Officer |
| Group | Group-B |
| Total Vacancies | 89 |
| Advertisement No. | 14 of 2026-27 |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 44,900 |
| Pay Level | Level-10 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Online Application Start Date | 06 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 26 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 26 November 2026 |
| Application Fee | Rs. 700 |
| Fee for SC/ST/PwD Candidates | Exempted |
| Written Examination | 17 January 2027 |
| Job Location | Odisha |
| Official Website | opsc.gov.in |
OPSC Scientific Officer Vacancy 2026
OPSC has announced a total of 89 vacancies for Scientific Officer posts across 10 divisions of the State Forensic Science Organization. A candidate can apply for one division only. The vacancy distribution is provided below.
| Sl. No. | Division | Total Vacancies | UR | SC | ST | SEBC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Physics | 7 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 2 | Ballistics | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | Chemistry | 10 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| 4 | Toxicology | 13 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| 5 | Biology | 14 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| 6 | Serology | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 7 | DNA | 12 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 8 | Forensic Psychology | 6 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 9 | Cyber Forensic | 11 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 10 | Document | 6 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 89 | 46 | 18 | 12 | 8 |
The notification also provides for reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). A total of 04 posts are reserved for candidates with specified benchmark disabilities, with the vacancies distributed among the relevant divisions.
OPSC Scientific Officer Salary 2026
The Scientific Officer post is placed in Pay Level-10 under the Odisha Revised Scale of Pay Rules, 2017.
| Post | Pay Scale |
|---|---|
| Scientific Officer | Rs. 44,900/- PM |
The post carries a basic pay of Rs. 44,900 in Level-10 along with usual dearness allowance and other allowances as may be sanctioned by the Government of Odisha from time to time.
OPSC Scientific Officer Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates applying for the Scientific Officer posts must satisfy the prescribed age, educational qualification, Odisha language and other eligibility conditions mentioned in the notification.
Age Limit
The candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not be above 42 years as on 01 January 2026.
The candidate must have been born not earlier than 02 January 1984 and not later than 01 January 2005.
The upper age limit is relaxable by 5 years for candidates belonging to SEBC, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Women and Ex-Servicemen categories, and by 10 years for Persons with Disabilities. Candidates belonging to SEBC/SC/ST categories who are also PwD are eligible for cumulative age relaxation as prescribed in the notification.
Educational Qualification
A candidate must have a Post Graduate or Master's Degree from a recognised University or equivalent qualification in the relevant subject prescribed for the selected division.
The candidate must have secured a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate. The detailed educational qualifications vary according to the division and are provided in Annexure-A of the notification.
A candidate can apply for one division only. Candidates should carefully check the subject-specific qualification before selecting a division in the application form.
OPSC Scientific Officer Division-Wise Qualification 2026
| Division | Required Qualification – Broad Requirement |
|---|---|
| Physics | Master's Degree in Physics/Applied Physics/Electronics with Physics or relevant Forensic Science qualification as specified |
| Ballistics | Master's Degree in Physics/Applied Physics/Mathematics or relevant Forensic Science qualification as specified |
| Chemistry | Master's Degree in Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry/Applied Chemistry/Biochemistry/Pharmaceutical Chemistry or relevant Forensic Science qualification |
| Toxicology | Master's Degree in Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry/Applied Chemistry or relevant Forensic Science qualification |
| Biology | Master's Degree in Zoology/Microbiology/Life Science/Genetics/Biotechnology/Biochemistry or relevant Forensic Science qualification |
| Serology | Master's Degree in Zoology/Microbiology/Life Science/Genetics/Biotechnology/Biochemistry or relevant Forensic Science qualification |
| DNA | Master's Degree in Zoology/Biotechnology/Genetics/Biochemistry/Microbiology/Life Science or relevant Forensic Science qualification |
| Forensic Psychology | Master's Degree in Psychology/Forensic Psychology with Psychology as an honours or principal subject |
| Cyber Forensic | Master's Degree in Computer Science/Computer Application/Engineering/Information Technology/Cyber Security or relevant specialised qualification |
| Document | Master's Degree in Physics or Chemistry, with the specified subject at Bachelor's level |
The exact qualifying combinations for each division are prescribed in Annexure-A of the notification. Candidates should refer to the applicable division before submitting the application.
Knowledge of Odia
Candidates must be able to speak, read and write Odia and must satisfy one of the prescribed Odia language conditions.
The notification provides eligibility through qualifications such as passing the M.E. School or equivalent examination with Odia as a language subject, passing a recognised equivalent examination with Odia, passing Odia as a language subject in the Class VII examination from a recognised school or passing the Odia language examination prescribed by the Government of Odisha or Central Government.
Candidates who have not passed Odia in the prescribed manner may submit the alternative documents specified in the notification, subject to the applicable conditions.
OPSC Scientific Officer Application Fee 2026
Candidates belonging to the SC, ST and PwD categories are exempted from payment of the examination fee.
Other candidates are required to pay an examination fee of Rs. 700 through the online mode while filling the application form. The notification states that the examination fee will be refunded only to candidates who actually appear in both Paper-I and Paper-II of the Written Examination.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| SC/ST/PwD | Nil |
| Other Candidates | Rs. 700 |
OPSC Scientific Officer Selection Process 2026
The selection of candidates for the Scientific Officer posts will be made on the basis of a Written Examination and Personality Test/Viva Voce.
| Selection Stage | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|
| Written Examination | 400 |
| Personality Test/Viva Voce | 50 |
| Total | 450 |
OPSC Scientific Officer Exam Pattern 2026
The Written Examination consists of two papers: Paper-I and Paper-II. Both papers are objective-type multiple-choice question papers.
Paper-I
| Part | Subject | Questions/Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-A | General English | 50 Marks | 90 Minutes |
| Part-B | General Awareness, General Aptitude and Reasoning | 50 Marks | |
| Total | 100 Marks | 90 Minutes |
Paper-I contains 100 questions carrying one mark each. Part-A covers General English, while Part-B covers General Awareness, General Aptitude and Reasoning.
Paper-II
Paper-II is specific to the division selected by the candidate and consists of 150 questions carrying two marks each.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-II | Division-Specific Subject | 150 | 300 | 150 Minutes |
The standard of questions in Paper-II is at the Master's Degree level. The detailed syllabus for each division is provided in Annexure-B of the notification.
Negative Marking
There is negative marking in both Paper-I and Paper-II. A deduction of 25% of the marks allotted to each question will be made for every wrong answer.
OPSC Scientific Officer Paper-I Syllabus 2026
General English
General English includes questions on synonyms, antonyms, use of common phrases and idioms, appropriate prepositions and comprehension, ordering of words in a sentence, ordering of sentences, spotting of errors, use of appropriate and qualifying words and number of questions on spelling.
General Awareness, General Aptitude and Reasoning
This section covers questions relating to the candidate's general psychology and general awareness. Topics include current affairs, general awareness on Science, current affairs, Geography, History of India and Odisha, Indian Constitution, Socio-Economic and Developmental issues, Human Rights, fundamentals of Computer, number of questions and other areas prescribed in the syllabus.
OPSC Scientific Officer Paper-II Syllabus 2026
Paper-II is division-specific and is based on the Master's Degree level syllabus. The notification provides separate detailed syllabi for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Forensic Psychology, Cyber Forensic, Toxicology, Ballistics, Serology, DNA and Document divisions.
Biology Division
The Biology syllabus covers areas including cell structure, molecules and their interaction, human anatomy and physiology, ecology, environment and microbiology, biosystematics, taxonomy, animal classification and genetics. It also includes tools and techniques in biology, forensic techniques, physical evidence collection and packaging, microscopy, examination of body fluids and their stains, immunological tests, forensic genetics and DNA fingerprinting, wildlife forensics, forensic entomology, chemical and anatomical examination of plants, biochemistry, molecular genetics, development, reproduction, musculoskeletal system, endocrinology and immunity.
Chemistry Division
The Chemistry syllabus covers analytical chemistry, statistical analysis, group theory, electrochemistry, analysis of unknown samples, reaction mechanisms, periodic reactions and photochemistry, inorganic chemistry, transition elements, spectroscopy and other techniques, chromatography and electrophoresis, basic organic chemistry, proteins, environmental pollution, paints and pigments, dyes, analysis of illicit liquor, metals and alloys, alkaloids, medicinal chemistry, narcotics, forensic toxicological examination, extraction and isolation of poisons and pharmacology.
Cyber Forensic Division
The Cyber Forensic syllabus includes computer fundamentals and operating systems, computer networks and internet concepts, cyber security, analyst application security, database management systems, information system security and cryptography, malware analysis, machine learning and big data analysis, ethical hacking and wireless hacking, multimedia forensics and image processing, mobile forensics and mobile technology, computer forensics and DVR forensics, network forensics and cloud forensics, modern digital and digital text forensics, cyber crimes and IT Act and other related areas.
Forensic Psychology Division
The Forensic Psychology syllabus includes the central and peripheral nervous systems, perception and learning, memory and thinking, intelligence and personality, motivation and emotion, social psychology, human development and stress and coping, psychopathology and interventions, research methodology, psychological testing, forensic psychology, forensic psychological assessment and investigation techniques, psychological disorders and criminal behaviour, psychology of the court-room and legal aspects in forensic psychology and polygraph.
Physics Division
The Physics syllabus covers mechanics, oscillations, waves, electromagnetism, optics, quantum physics, solid state physics, nuclear physics, electronics and forensic physics. The forensic physics component includes examination of physical evidence, accident cases, physical evidence analysis, glass, paints, soil, fibres, fire and explosive-related evidence, building materials and voice analysis.
Toxicology Division
The Toxicology syllabus includes analytical chemistry, statistical analysis, group theory, electrochemistry, analysis of unknown samples, spectroscopy, chromatography and electrophoresis, basic organic chemistry, proteins, forensic toxicological examination, methods of extraction and isolation of poisons from viscera and biological specimens, pharmacology, volatile poisons, toxic metals and non-metallic anions, analysis of acidic and neutral drugs in biological fluids and methods of analysis of organic poisons.
Ballistics Division
The Ballistics syllabus covers mechanics, oscillations, electromagnetism, optics, solid state physics, quantum physics, electronics and detailed forensic ballistics topics. The forensic ballistics component includes firearms and ammunition, internal and external ballistics, firearm identification, cartridge and projectile examination, firing mechanisms, velocity determination, comparison of firearms and ammunition, gunshot wounds, explosive-related examination and other forensic ballistics topics.
Document Division
The Document Division syllabus includes document examination, disputed document examination, identification of documents, examination of handwriting, signatures and alterations, ink and paper examination, printing and typing examination, erasures, chemical and physical erasures, examination of typewriters, photocopiers, printers, printed documents, currency notes, passports, visas, identity cards, examination of credit and debit cards and other security documents.
OPSC Scientific Officer Exam Date 2027
The OPSC notification states that the Written Examination for Scientific Officer posts will be held on 17 January 2027 (Sunday). The detailed examination schedule and examination centre will be notified separately by the Commission. The written examination will be held at Katak/Bhubaneswar, as stated in the notification.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 28 October 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 06 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Registration and Fee Payment | 26 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Submission of Registered Online Application | 26 November 2026 |
| Written Examination | 17 January 2027 |
How to Apply for OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can submit the application online through the official website of the Odisha Public Service Commission.
- Visit the official OPSC website at opsc.gov.in.
- Read the Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026-27 notification carefully.
- Check the educational qualification for the division you intend to apply for.
- Register through the OPSC online application portal.
- Fill in the required personal, educational and other details.
- Select one division only.
- Upload the required photograph, signature and documents.
- Pay the applicable examination fee through the online payment mode.
- Review the complete application carefully before submission.
- Submit the application form before the closing date.
- Take a printout/save a copy of the submitted application for future reference.
The Commission advises candidates to submit the online application well before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical problems. Candidates must ensure that all information and uploaded documents are correct before final submission.
Documents Required for OPSC Scientific Officer Application 2026
Candidates are required to upload the prescribed documents along with the online application. The notification lists documents including:
- High School Certificate or equivalent certificate showing date of birth
- Intermediate/+2 Examination Certificate
- Bachelor's Degree Certificate
- Master's Degree Certificate in the concerned division or other prescribed Master's Degree
- Marksheets supporting the educational qualifications
- Required category certificate, wherever applicable
- Odia Test Pass Certificate, wherever applicable
- Permanent Disability Certificate, wherever applicable
- Ex-Serviceman claim documents, wherever applicable
- Release Certificate, wherever applicable
- No Objection Certificate, wherever applicable
- Photo identity document
The Commission states that the relevant documents should be merged into a single PDF within the prescribed file-size limit before uploading with the online application.
OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026 Important Instructions
- A candidate can apply for one division only.
- Candidates must satisfy the prescribed minimum educational qualification and 55% aggregate marks requirement.
- Age will be calculated as on 01 January 2026.
- SC, ST and PwD candidates are exempted from the Rs. 700 examination fee.
- Other candidates have to pay Rs. 700.
- There is negative marking of 25% of the marks allotted to each wrong answer in both papers.
- False or misleading information can result in cancellation of candidature and other action as prescribed.
- Applications found incomplete or defective can be rejected.
- Certificates and original documents will be verified during the recruitment process.
- Candidates must fulfil the prescribed eligibility conditions by the relevant cut-off date.
- The Commission may reject candidature at any stage if the candidate is found ineligible.
- Candidates must submit the online application before the closing date and time.
OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026 Rejection Grounds
The Commission has specified several grounds on which an application may be rejected. These include incomplete online applications, failure to upload required documents, non-submission of the hard copy where required at the appropriate stage, unsigned declarations, not fulfilling the age limit or educational qualification, non-payment of applicable examination fee, failure to provide required certificates, submission of false or fabricated information and submission of more than one application.
The notification further states that an application/candidature can be rejected at any stage of the recruitment process if a discrepancy is detected.
OPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026 Official Website
Candidates can obtain the official notification, application link, examination updates, admission certificate and result-related information through the official Odisha Public Service Commission website.
