The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has officially released a fresh notification announcing a Special Recruitment drive for the post of Assistant Fisheries Officer (Group-B) under the Odisha Fisheries Service Cadre. Operating under the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department of the Government of Odisha, this recruitment cycle brings an excellent career opportunity for qualified professionals looking to establish themselves in a reputable state government role. Eligible candidates who possess a deep interest in fishery science and meet the specific criteria can submit their applications online starting from July 24, 2026, through the official portal.
Read Also: OPSC AHO Recruitment 2026 Notification
OPSC AFO Recruitment 2026 Online Form: Overview
This overview section provides a quick snapshot of the latest Assistant Fisheries Officer recruitment announced by the Odisha Public Service Commission. Candidates can check the important details regarding the recruitment process, salary, vacancies, application dates, and examination schedule below.
The OPSC Advertisement No. 05 of 2026-27 invites eligible candidates under the Special Recruitment Drive. The important details are provided in the table below.
| Recruitment Parameters | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) |
| Department | Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department, Odisha |
| Post Name | Assistant Fisheries Officer (Group-B) |
| Advertisement Number | No. 05 of 2026-27 |
| Total Vacancies | 44 Posts (13 reserved for Women) |
| Salary | Rs. 44,900/- (Level-10 of ORSP Rules, 2017) |
| Application Dates | 24 July 2026 to 24 August 2026 (Till 5:00 PM) |
| Written Examination | 26 September 2026 (Saturday) |
Detailed Vacancy Breakup & Reservation
The recruitment is being conducted exclusively for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates. Reservation for Women, Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and Ex-Servicemen will be applicable as per Government of Odisha rules.
- Scheduled Tribe (ST): 43 Vacancies (13 reserved for Women).
- Scheduled Caste (SC): 01 Vacancy.
- Ex-Servicemen: 01 Vacancy (Adjusted within the respective category).
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD): 02 Vacancies (01 for Visually Impaired and 01 for Hearing Impaired, adjusted within the parent category).
Eligibility Criteria for Odisha Assistant Fisheries Officer (AFO) Vacancy 2026
Candidates must carefully check the eligibility conditions before submitting the online application. Those who do not satisfy the required criteria on the closing date of the application will not be considered for recruitment.
Age Limit
Applicants should be at least 21 years old and should not exceed 47 years of age as on 1 January 2026. Candidates must have been born between 2 January 1979 and 1 January 2005 (both dates inclusive). Eligible PwD candidates belonging to SC/ST categories are entitled to an additional age relaxation of 10 years as per government rules.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Fishery Science (B.F.Sc.) from a recognized university in India or abroad. They should also possess a valid Fishery Registration Certificate during the document verification process.
Odia Language Requirement
Applicants must be able to read, write, and speak the Odia language. They should satisfy any one of the following conditions:
- Passed Middle School Examination with Odia as a subject.
- Passed Matriculation or equivalent examination with Odia as the medium of examination in non-language subjects.
- Passed Class VII with Odia as a language subject from a recognized institution.
- Passed the Odia Language Test conducted by the School & Mass Education Department, Government of Odisha.
Examination Fees
OPSC AFO Selection Process & Exam Pattern
The selection process for the OPSC Assistant Fisheries Officer (AFO) Recruitment 2026 consists of a Written Examination followed by a Viva Voce (Interview). Candidates must qualify in the written examination to be shortlisted for the interview.
The written examination carries 800 marks, while the interview carries 100 marks. The complete exam pattern is given below.
| Examination | Question Type | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Objective (MCQ) | 200 | 400 | 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Paper-II | Objective (MCQ) | 200 | 400 | 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Viva Voce (Interview) | Oral Test | — | 100 | As Scheduled |
| Total | Written + Interview | 400 MCQs | 900 Marks | 5 Hours (Written) |
Each correct answer carries 2 marks. There is no negative marking for wrong answers. Candidates who qualify in the written examination will be called for the Viva Voce Test in the prescribed ratio decided by the Commission.
OPSC AFO Syllabus 2026
The written examination consists of two papers covering various subjects related to Fisheries Science. Candidates should prepare all the topics thoroughly to score well in the examination.
Paper-I Syllabus
- Fresh Water Aquaculture: Nursery, rearing and grow-out pond management, composite fish culture, sewage-fed fish farming.
- Aquaculture in Reservoirs: Reservoir limnology, morpho-edaphic index, fish stocking, cage and pen culture.
- Ornamental Fish Production: Aquarium maintenance, breeding techniques, ornamental fish trade.
- Genetics and Breeding: Mendelian genetics, chromosome manipulation, gynogenesis, androgenesis, selective breeding.
- Finfish Hatchery Management: Hypophysation, pituitary extract, Chinese hatchery, larval rearing.
- Fish Nutrition & Feed Technology: Feed formulation, pelleted feed, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), deficiency diseases.
- Coastal Aquaculture & Mariculture: Sea farming, shellfish culture, seaweed cultivation.
- Taxonomy of Finfish: Fish identification, morphometric and meristic characters, DNA barcoding.
- Anatomy & Biology of Finfish: Digestive, circulatory and reproductive systems, age determination.
- Inland Fisheries: Riverine fisheries, floodplain fisheries, estuarine fisheries, cold-water fisheries.
- Physiology of Finfish & Shellfish: Osmoregulation, metabolism, respiration and stress physiology.
- Marine Fisheries: EEZ resources, pelagic and demersal fisheries, remote sensing applications.
- Information & Communication Technology: Computer basics, networking, MS Office and communication systems.
- Fisheries Extension Education: Transfer of Technology (TOT), rural sociology, NGOs and SHGs.
- Fisheries Co-operatives & Marketing: NABARD, fisheries credit, seafood marketing and exports.
- Fisheries Policy & Law: Indian Fisheries Act, Environmental Protection Act, CRZ Guidelines and Law of the Sea.
Paper-II Syllabus
- Fish & Shellfish Pathology: Diseases, diagnosis, host-pathogen interaction and stress management.
- Microbial & Parasitic Diseases: Viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic diseases, biosecurity and quarantine.
- Pharmacology: Drug administration, dosage, pharmacokinetics, withdrawal period and resistance.
- Fish Toxicology: Toxic substances, pesticide effects, MRL and treatment methods.
- Soil & Water Chemistry: pH, DO, alkalinity, hardness, soil analysis and liming.
- Limnology: Aquatic ecosystems, productivity and plankton ecology.
- Marine Biology: Marine ecosystem, intertidal zones, adaptation, mud banks and red tides.
- Aquatic Ecology, Biodiversity & Disaster Management: Biodiversity conservation, energy flow, cyclone and tsunami management.
- Fish in Nutrition: Nutritional value of fish, amino acids, proteins and lipids.
- Fish Products & Value Addition: Fish preservation, drying, smoking, surimi and HACCP.
- Fish By-products & Waste Utilization: Fish meal, fish silage, chitin, chitosan and agar production.
- Aquaculture Engineering: Fish farm layout, pond construction, aerators and pumps.
- Fishing Craft Technology: Boat design, displacement, stability and construction materials.
- Fishing Gear Technology: Fishing nets, trawl systems, Tex/Denier system and mesh regulations.
How to Apply Online for OPSC AFO Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the official OPSC website. Applications submitted through any other mode will not be accepted.
- Visit the official OPSC website at www.opsc.gov.in.
- Click on the Assistant Fisheries Officer (Group-B) Recruitment 2026 link.
- Register yourself by creating a Permanent Public Service Account Number (PPSAN).
- Fill in the online application form carefully with all required personal, educational, and category details.
- Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph, signature, and Left Hand Thumb Impression (LTI).
- Upload the required documents, including the B.F.Sc. Degree Certificate, Odia language certificate, caste certificate, and other supporting documents.
- Review all the details carefully before final submission.
- Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference.
Important Links
| Particular | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| Apply Online | Apply Here |
| Official Website | https://www.opsc.gov.in |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the last date to apply for OPSC AFO Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 24 August 2026 up to 5:00 PM.
2. Is there any application fee?
No. As per the official notification, candidates are exempted from paying any application or examination fee.
3. What is the educational qualification required?
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Fishery Science (B.F.Sc.) from a recognized university.
4. Is there any negative marking in the written examination?
No. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
5. When will the written examination be held?
The written examination is scheduled for 26 September 2026 (Saturday).
Conclusion
The OPSC Assistant Fisheries Officer Recruitment 2026 is an excellent opportunity for eligible SC and ST Fishery Science graduates seeking a government job in Odisha. With a starting salary of Rs. 44,900/- under Level-10 Pay Matrix, the post offers career growth, job security, and attractive government benefits. Interested candidates should complete their online application well before the last date and keep all required documents ready to avoid any last-minute issues.