The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has officially released Advertisement No. 10 of 2026-27 inviting online applications from qualified candidates for the post of Geologist in Group-A (Junior Branch) under the Department of Water Resources. Candidates holding a Master's degree in Geology, Applied Geology, or Earth Science can register for this state government career opportunity.
This recruitment drive aims to select eligible candidates for 05 positions within the Odisha Ground Water Geologist Service. The registration portal opens on September 8, 2026, and will accept submissions until October 8, 2026 (5:00 PM). The written examination is scheduled for November 15, 2026. Detailed eligibility conditions, selection procedures, exam structure, and application guidelines are outlined below.
OPSC Geologist Recruitment 2026 Overview
This section provides a summary of key advertisement details released by the commission. Candidates can quickly review the essential recruitment highlights in the structured table below.
| Recruitment Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) |
| Department | Department of Water Resources, Govt. of Odisha |
| Post Name | Geologist, Group-A (JB) |
| Advertisement No. | 10 of 2026-27 |
| Total Vacancies | 05 (01-Woman) |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 56,100/- (Level 12, Cell 1 under ORSP Rules, 2017) |
| Application Start Date | 08.09.2026 |
| Application Closing Date | 08.10.2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Written Examination Date | 15.11.2026 (Sunday) |
| Official Website | www.opsc.gov.in |
Category-Wise Vacancy Details
The total reservation breakdown for the 05 advertised Geologist posts is provided below. One position is reserved for women, and specific reservations exist for Persons with Disabilities (PwD).
- Unreserved (UR): 04 Posts (01 post reserved for Women)
- Scheduled Caste (SC): 01 Post
- Total Vacancies: 05 Posts (01-W)
- PwD Reservation: 01 post is reserved for Hard of Hearing (HH) candidates with permanent disability of 40% or more, to be adjusted against their respective category.
Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit & Qualification
Candidates must fulfill specific educational and age requirement standards as of the cutoff dates mentioned in the notification. Ensure all criteria are met before starting the online application.
1. Educational Qualification
- Must hold at least a Second-Class Master's Degree in Geology, Applied Geology, or Earth Science from a recognized University in India.
- Must be able to read, write, and speak Odia. The candidate must have passed Class VII/M.E. standard or High School Examination with Odia as a language subject.
2. Age Limit (As of 01.01.2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 years (born not later than 1st January 2005).
- Maximum Age: 42 years (born not earlier than 2nd January 1984).
- Upper Age Relaxation: 5 years relaxation for SC, Women, and Ex-Servicemen. 10 years relaxation for PwD candidates (cumulative up to 15 years for PwD-SC candidates).
Application Fee & Refund Terms
The OPSC details specific examination fee requirements along with conditions for refund upon appearing for the exams. Fee details per category are listed below.
| Category | Application Fee | Refund Terms |
|---|---|---|
| UR / General Candidates | Rs. 700/- | Refundable only if the candidate actually appears in both Paper-I and Paper-II of the written exam. |
| SC, ST, and PwD (Odisha) | Exempted (NIL) | Not Applicable |
Refunds for eligible candidates will be credited back automatically to the original payment mode used during registration.
Odisha Geologist Salary Structure 2026 (ORSP 2017)
Selection Process & Exam Pattern
Selection for the OPSC Geologist recruitment consists of two main stages: a Written Examination (Objective MCQ Type) and a Personality Test/Interview.
Stage 1: Written Examination (450 Marks)
The written exam will feature two papers conducted using Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) answer sheets.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | No. of Questions | Duration | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General Studies & Awareness | 150 | 75 MCQs | 1.5 Hours | +2 for correct; -25% (0.5 mark) negative marking for wrong |
| Paper-II | Geology (Specialization) | 300 | 150 MCQs | 3.0 Hours | +2 for correct; -25% (0.5 mark) negative marking for wrong |
Stage 2: Personality Test / Interview (50 Marks)
Candidates shortlisted based on aggregate cutoff marks in the written test will be called for the Personality Test in a 1:2 ratio relative to category vacancies. The final Select List is published based on total marks out of 500.
Key Syllabus Topics for Written Exam
The syllabus for the examination covers general awareness and specialized Bachelor-level geological topics. Review the main paper subjects below.
- Paper-I (General Studies & Awareness): Current Affairs, Sports, History, Geography, General Science, Political Science, Economics, Sociology, Astrophysics, and Space Science.
- Paper-II (Geology): Geomorphology, Remote Sensing, Structural Geology, Geodynamics, Stratigraphy, Palaeontology, Igneous/Sedimentology/Metamorphic Petrology, Rock Mechanics, GIS, and Ground Water Hydrology.
How to Apply Online for OPSC Geologist Recruitment
Follow these step-by-step instructions to register and complete your online application form on the official portal. Applications submitted through other modes will be rejected.
- Visit the official portal of OPSC at www.opsc.gov.in.
- Navigate to the "Apply Online" section and select Advertisement No. 10 of 2026-27.
- Complete the initial registration process to generate your unique Permanent Public Service Account Number (PPSAN).
- Upload clear scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph, full specimen signature, and Left-hand Thumb Impression (LTI).
- Fill in educational records, personal information, and Odia language passing proof accurately.
- Pay the required application fee of Rs. 700 via Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI (if applicable).
- Verify all entered details, submit the application, and download/print the finally submitted registration form for future document verification.
Important Links
| Link Description | URL / Action Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification (PDF) | Download Advertisement No. 10 of 2026-27 |
| Apply Online Link | Click Here to Apply Online |
| Official Website | Visit OPSC Portal |
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Join WhatsApp Channel Join Telegram ChannelFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the last date to submit the OPSC Geologist application form?
The last date for submitting registered online applications is October 8, 2026, till 5:00 PM.
Q2. What is the date of the OPSC Geologist written examination?
The written examination is scheduled to be held on November 15, 2026 (Sunday) at Kataka and/or Bhubaneswar centres.
Q3. Is there any negative marking in the written test?
Yes, 25% of the allotted marks (0.5 mark) will be deducted for every wrong answer in both Paper-I and Paper-II.
Q4. Who is eligible to claim a refund of the application fee?
General/UR candidates who pay the Rs. 700 fee and actually appear in both papers of the written exam will receive a full refund back to their original payment source.
Conclusion
The OPSC Geologist recruitment presents a great career path for postgraduate Geology and Earth Science graduates seeking a Group-A post in the Odisha Water Resources Department. Eligible aspirants are encouraged to complete their online registration well before the deadline of October 8, 2026, to avoid last-minute portal rush. Prepare systematically according to the prescribed syllabus for the upcoming exam on November 15, 2026.