Table of ContentsClick to view all sections
- Key Highlights of OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer Recruitment 2026
- How Many Vacancies Are in OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer Recruitment 2026?
- Who Is Eligible for OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer Recruitment 2026?
- What Is the Age Limit for OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026?
- What Is the Salary for OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026?
- What Is the Application Fee for OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026?
- What Is the Selection Process for OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026?
- What Are the Important Dates for OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer Recruitment 2026?
- How to Apply Online for OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026?
- Documents and Checks Before Submission
- Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Preparation and Next Steps
- Final Takeaway
- OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026 Essential Links
OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer Recruitment 2026: 238 District Cadre Posts, Eligibility, Pay and District List
OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer Recruitment 2026 is for 238 District Cadre Group-C posts under Odisha’s Health & Family Welfare Department. Applications are online, with registration or re-registration closing on 29 November 2026 and the application deadline on 5 December 2026. Before applying, check that you have the required +2 Science qualification, recognised ophthalmic training and valid Odisha Council registration.
The details below summarise the recruitment information provided for Advertisement No. IIE-103/2026-3282/OSSSC. Use the official OSSSC portal and advertisement page to confirm the notice, any amendments and the live application instructions before submitting your form.
Key Highlights of OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer Recruitment 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Recruiting body | Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) |
| Department | Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Odisha |
| Advertisement number | IIE-103/2026-3282/OSSSC, dated 5 November 2026 |
| Post | Ophthalmic Officer, District Cadre, Group-C |
| Vacancies | 238 across 29 districts |
| Pay | Level-7, Cell-01; pay scale ₹25,500–₹81,100 |
| Application method | Online |
| Application deadline | 5 December 2026 |
How Many Vacancies Are in OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer Recruitment 2026?
The recruitment covers 238 posts across 29 district cadres. The district figures below add up to 238. A district preference in the form does not guarantee selection or posting in that district; the selection list is district-wise and based on merit and the applicable choices.
| District | Posts | District | Posts | District | Posts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anugola | 6 | Baragada | 11 | Bhadrak | 4 |
| Baleshwar | 10 | Balangir | 13 | Boudh | 4 |
| Kataka | 8 | Debagada | 2 | Dhenkanal | 8 |
| Gajapati | 7 | Ganjam | 15 | Jagatsinghpur | 7 |
| Jajpur | 3 | Jharsuguda | 4 | Kalahandi | 13 |
| Kandhamala | 12 | Kendrapada | 3 | Kendujhar | 13 |
| Khordha | 3 | Koraput | 10 | Malkangiri | 5 |
| Mayurbhanj | 18 | Nuapada | 2 | Nabarangpur | 7 |
| Nayagada | 4 | Puri | 11 | Rayagada | 8 |
| Sambalpur | 11 | Sundaragada | 16 |
Category figures need checking: the available recruitment summary lists UR 84, ST 44, SC 16 and SEBC 21, with women’s figures shown separately as 39, 23, 6 and 5 respectively. The four category totals add up to 165, not 238. It also identifies 11 special-category seats—1 Ex-Serviceman, 5 Hearing Impaired and 5 One Leg Affected—but those figures do not resolve the difference. Check the official vacancy annexure for the complete, current category-wise breakup rather than relying on these partial figures.
Who Is Eligible for OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer Recruitment 2026?
The listed qualification conditions generally apply as on 5 November 2026, the advertisement date. Odisha Ophthalmic Officers’ Council registration is required to be valid on the date you submit the online application.
| Requirement | What applicants need |
|---|---|
| Education | Passed +2 Science or an equivalent examination. |
| Professional training | A two-year certified Ophthalmic Assistant Training Course or Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant Course from a government or government-recognised institution in Odisha. |
| Registration | Valid registration certificate from the Ophthalmic Officers’ Council in the State of Odisha. Upload the certificate online. |
| Odia language | Must be able to read, write and speak Odia. |
| Citizenship and character | Must be a citizen of India and of good character. |
| Marriage condition | A married applicant must not have more than one spouse living, unless the Government grants an exemption. |
| Experience | No work-experience requirement is listed in the recruitment details. |
The listed ways to establish Odia-language ability include passing a Middle School examination with Odia as a language subject; passing Matriculation with Odia as the medium for non-language subjects; having Odia as a language subject in the Class VII final examination; or passing the M.E. School Standard Odia test conducted by the School & Mass Education Department. Confirm the accepted proof and document format in the official notice.
PwD and other conditions to check
- Temporary disability is not accepted for the PwD claim described in the notice. The disability must be permanent and at least 40%, supported by the required original UDID card or certificate; the claim is also subject to assessment by a Medical Assessment Board.
- Serving defence personnel are not eligible if more than six months remain before retirement or discharge on the last application date.
- Ex-Servicemen must provide an undertaking that they have not taken re-employment under the Government of Odisha. An Ex-Serviceman already holding a regular State civil post may receive age relaxation but is not eligible for the Ex-Servicemen reservation.
- Contractual Ophthalmic Assistants working under the OSH&FW Society or a scheme must be ready to provide appointment letters if claiming the specified age limit.
- A candidate debarred by the Commission cannot appear during the period of debarment. False information, unfair means or failure to follow Commission instructions can lead to disqualification or debarment, including after appointment.
What Is the Age Limit for OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026?
The age is reckoned on 5 November 2026. The date of birth recorded in the HSC certificate issued by the Board of Secondary Education, Odisha, or an equivalent certificate from a recognised Board, Council or University is used for age verification.
| Category or condition | Age limit stated |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 21 years |
| General upper age | 42 years |
| SC, ST, SEBC and women | Five years’ relaxation over the general upper age |
| PwD | Ten years’ relaxation over the general upper age |
| Contractual Ophthalmic Assistant under OSH&FW Society or a scheme | Upper age of 45 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Relaxation equal to the period of defence service, subject to the notice |
The notice summary says only one age relaxation is allowed, whichever is more beneficial, and that PwD applicants belonging to SC, ST or SEBC may receive the applicable cumulative relaxation. Check the exact calculation and proof required against the official notification before applying.
What Is the Salary for OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026?
The post carries Pay Matrix Level-7, Cell-01, under the ORSP Rules, 2017, with a stated scale of ₹25,500–₹81,100. The entry basic pay is ₹25,500 per month. The information available here does not specify allowances or an in-hand salary, so do not treat the basic pay as the final take-home amount.
What Is the Application Fee for OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026?
| Applicant category | Fee | Payment and refund information |
|---|---|---|
| UR, SEBC and other non-exempt applicants | ₹500 | Online payment by Net Banking, credit card, debit card or UPI. The fee is refunded to candidates who appear for the examination, to the account used for payment. |
| SC, ST and PwD | Exempt | No application fee is payable, according to the recruitment details. |
No fee refund is due to a fee-paying candidate who does not appear for the test. If a payment is cancelled and no Confirmation Page is generated, the stated instruction is to allow up to 48 hours for the transaction refund and then pay again if necessary. Keep the payment record and check the portal before making a second payment.
What Is the Selection Process for OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026?
Selection is based on a written test followed by screening and document verification. A physical counselling stage may be held if the Commission decides to conduct one. The final provisional select list is district-wise.
| Written-test component | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Subjects in the COA/COSA syllabus | 60 | 60 |
| Practical skills | 25 | 25 |
| Arithmetic, HSC standard | 10 | 10 |
| English, HSC standard | 5 | 5 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
- The paper is two hours long and has objective questions. The test may use OMR or computer-based response mode; the exact mode is to be notified.
- Each wrong answer attracts a penalty of one-fourth of the marks assigned to that question. Selecting more than one answer is treated as wrong; there is no penalty for an unanswered question.
- Minimum qualifying marks are 30% for ST, SC, PwD, Ex-Servicemen and Sportsperson candidates, and 35% for other candidates.
- Qualified candidates are screened for document verification. The number called is stated as at least 1.25 times the vacancies, category-wise.
- Document verification is conducted by the Chief District Medical & Public Health Officers before the District Level Board. Missing the verification appointment results in rejection of candidature.
- Exam centres can be selected from up to three district preferences, but the Commission may allot another centre. Admission letters are to be downloaded from the OSSSC website; no printed copy is sent.
- The Commission may hold an additional re-test or cancel any part of the process. The details provided state that no re-test is offered for missing the allotted test date or shift.
For a tie, the stated order is higher marks in the COA/COSA course, older age, higher +2 marks, and then the Commission’s decision. The information available does not provide a detailed subject-by-subject syllabus; check the official notice and any later syllabus or exam update.
What Are the Important Dates for OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer Recruitment 2026?
| Event | Date or status |
|---|---|
| Advertisement date | 5 November 2026 |
| Registration/re-registration opens | 5 November 2026 |
| Registration/re-registration closes | 29 November 2026 |
| Online application opens | 5 November 2026 |
| Last date to submit online application | 5 December 2026 |
| Written examination | To be announced through a notice or admission letter |
Registration or re-registration is not the same as submitting the application. Complete both stages, where applicable, and obtain the Confirmation Page before the deadline.
How to Apply Online for OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026?
Apply through the official OSSSC website and follow the recruitment-specific instructions displayed there. The sequence below reflects the application process described in the recruitment information; confirm the current portal prompts before submitting.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Prepare | Keep your personal email address and mobile number available, along with education, training and Council-registration details. |
| 2. Register | If you are a new OSSSC applicant, use “Apply Online” on the Commission website and register by 29 November 2026. |
| 3. Re-register if needed | If you already have an OSSSC account from another recruitment, log in and choose the relevant re-registration option by 29 November 2026. |
| 4. Complete the application | Log in, enter the required details and arrange district preferences in your preferred order. A preference does not guarantee a district posting. |
| 5. Upload documents | Upload the required certificates, including the valid Odisha Ophthalmic Officers’ Council registration certificate, and the prescribed photograph and signature files. |
| 6. Pay the fee, if applicable | Pay ₹500 online if you are not in an exempt category. Save the transaction record. |
| 7. Submit and retain proof | Submit by 5 December 2026, then download or print the Confirmation Page and keep a copy. |
The stated file-size ranges are 20–100 KB for a passport-size colour photograph and 20–50 KB for a signature scan. Check the portal for file type, dimensions and any updated upload requirements. Incomplete forms, applications submitted by a method other than online, or multiple applications may be rejected or lead to cancellation.
Documents and Checks Before Submission
- +2 Science or equivalent certificate and marks details.
- Certificate for the required two-year Ophthalmic Assistant or Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant course.
- Valid Odisha Ophthalmic Officers’ Council registration certificate.
- Odia-language qualification proof accepted under the notice.
- Category, PwD, Ex-Serviceman or other supporting documents, if claiming a relevant benefit.
- Appointment letter, if claiming the specified age provision for a contractual Ophthalmic Assistant.
- Prescribed photograph and signature scans, plus access to your own email and mobile number.
This is a practical checklist, not a substitute for the official document list. Use the notification to confirm which files must be uploaded and which originals must be produced at verification.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Registering but not completing the separate application and final submission.
- Waiting until the deadline to resolve an account, payment or upload issue.
- Using an expired or invalid Council registration certificate on the application date.
- Entering district preferences without checking the vacancy annexure or assuming a preference guarantees posting.
- Claiming age relaxation or reservation without the required proof.
- Submitting duplicate forms, incorrect information or scans outside the portal’s specifications.
- Failing to download the Confirmation Page or keep proof of payment.
Preparation and Next Steps
Start with the course subjects covered in the COA/COSA syllabus and set aside regular practice for the 25-mark practical-skills section. Add HSC-level arithmetic and English practice, and use timed mock tests to get used to the two-hour limit and negative marking. Since the detailed syllabus and test mode may be updated, check the OSSSC portal for later notices, exam-centre instructions, admission-letter availability and answer-key information.
Final Takeaway
This recruitment offers 238 district-cadre Ophthalmic Officer posts with Level-7 pay, but eligibility depends on the specified +2 Science background, two-year recognised training and Odisha Council registration. Complete registration by 29 November and submit the application by 5 December 2026. Before relying on any category total or special reservation figure, verify the official vacancy annexure: the category figures available in the summary do not add up to the advertised total of 238.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are available?
There are 238 District Cadre Group-C Ophthalmic Officer posts across 29 districts, according to the recruitment information.
What is the last date to apply?
The online application deadline is 5 December 2026. Registration or re-registration closes earlier, on 29 November 2026.
What qualifications are required?
Applicants need +2 Science or an equivalent qualification, the specified two-year Ophthalmic Assistant or Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant course from an eligible institution in Odisha, and valid registration with the Odisha Ophthalmic Officers’ Council.
Is Odia-language ability compulsory?
Yes. Candidates must be able to read, write and speak Odia and provide accepted proof as specified in the official notice.
What is the age limit?
The stated general age range begins at 21 years, with a general upper limit of 42 years. Relaxations apply to specified categories and conditions; the age is reckoned on 5 November 2026.
What is the pay scale?
The post is in Pay Matrix Level-7, Cell-01, with a stated scale of ₹25,500–₹81,100 and entry basic pay of ₹25,500 per month. The available details do not specify the final in-hand salary.
Is there a written examination?
Yes. The stated written test is a two-hour, 100-mark objective paper covering course subjects, practical skills, HSC-level arithmetic and English. The exact test mode is to be announced.
Is the application fee refundable?
The stated fee is ₹500 for non-exempt applicants, with SC, ST and PwD candidates exempt. The fee is refunded to fee-paying candidates who appear for the examination; candidates who do not appear are not entitled to a refund.
Where can I check the official notification and apply?
Use the official OSSSC website and its advertisements page. Check those pages for the complete notification, current application link and any amendments.
OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026 Essential Links
| Resource | Official link |
|---|---|
| OSSSC official website | https://www.osssc.gov.in/ |
| OSSSC advertisements and notices | https://www.osssc.gov.in/Pages/Advertisements.aspx |
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