The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has released the OPSC APP Recruitment 2026 notification for 172 Assistant Public Prosecutor (Group-B) posts under the Odisha State Prosecution Service.
The recruitment is open to eligible law graduates who have an LL.B. degree and at least two years of experience as a practising advocate, along with the required knowledge of Odia. The online application process will begin on 28 August 2026 and continue until 28 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
The selection process includes a Preliminary Examination, Main Written Examination and Personality Test/Interview. The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for 1 November 2026. Selected candidates will receive Level-10 pay with a starting basic salary of ₹44,900.
OPSC APP Recruitment 2026 (Advt. No. 09 of 2026-27) – Overview
Official Notification Out — 172 Assistant Public Prosecutor Posts | Apply Online 28 Aug – 28 Sep 2026
visit for latest job notification24.in
| Particulars | Details |
| Organization Name | Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) |
| Recruitment Name | Recruitment to the post of Assistant Public Prosecutor, Group-B, Odisha State Prosecution Service |
| Notification Number | Notice No. 4696/PSC, Dt. 20.08.2026 |
| Advertisement Number | Advertisement No. 09 of 2026-27 [(DR-III)(1E-06-2026/27)] |
| Post Name | Assistant Public Prosecutor (Group-B) |
| Department | Home Department, Government of Odisha |
| Total Vacancies | 172 (58-W) |
| Notification Release Date | 20 August 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online Mode Only (through e-Chayan portal) |
| Job Location | Courts across Odisha (Posting as per Home Department requirement) |
| Exam Venue | Kataka |
| Official Website | www.opsc.gov.in |
OPSC APP 2026 Official Notification — Key Highlights
| Notification Name | Detailed Notification Advt. No. 09 of 2026-27 — OPSC Assistant Public Prosecutor Recruitment 2026 |
| Notification Type | Direct Recruitment via Preliminary Exam + Main (Written) Exam + Personality Test/Interview |
| Governing Rules | Odisha State Prosecution Service Rules, 1997 (and its amendments); Odisha Payment of Recruitment Examination Fees and Refund Rules, 2025 |
| Pay Level | Level-10 of Pay Matrix under ORSP Rules, 2017 |
Important Dates 2026
- Official Notification Release: 20 August 2026
- Online Application & Fee Payment Link Opens: 28 August 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online & Pay Fee: 28 September 2026 (5:00 P.M.)
- Preliminary Examination Date: 01 November 2026 (Sunday), tentative
- Exam Venue: Kataka
- Provisional Answer Key Upload: Immediately after Prelims (objection window given online)
- Main (Written) Examination & Personality Test: To be notified after Prelims result
- Age & Qualification Reckoned As On: 01 January 2026
Note: The Preliminary Examination date is currently tentative as per the notification — candidates must keep checking the official website for the confirmed schedule and centre details closer to the exam date.
Eligibility — Nationality & Other Conditions
- Candidate must be a citizen of India
- Must be of good character, sound physical and mental health, good physique and active habits, and free from organic defects or bodily infirmities that could impair the due discharge of duties (except for Persons with Disabilities, for whom this clause does not apply)
- A married candidate with more than one living spouse is not eligible, unless specifically exempted by the State Government under applicable personal law
- Government servants (temporary or permanent) may apply if they meet the qualification/age criteria, but must inform their Head of Office in writing and produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the time of document verification — obtaining the NOC in advance is strongly advised
- Candidates debarred by OPSC, any State PSC, or UPSC for a specified period from appearing at any examination/viva voce are not eligible to apply during that period
Age Limit (As on 01.01.2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 42 Years
- Date of Birth: Born not earlier than 02.01.1984 and not later than 01.01.2005 (both dates inclusive)
Age Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation |
| SEBC / SC / ST / Women / Ex-Servicemen | 5 Years |
| Persons with Disabilities (40% or more permanent disability) | 10 Years |
| PwD belonging to SEBC/SC/ST (Cumulative) | 15 Years |
Note: If a candidate falls under more than one relaxation category, only the single most beneficial relaxation is granted. Age relaxation is not permissible for PwD candidates with less than 40% permanent disability, and beyond the provisions above, the prescribed age limits cannot be relaxed under any circumstances.
Educational Qualification
| Post | Required Qualification |
| Assistant Public Prosecutor | Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LL.B.) from a recognized University, plus at least 2 years of experience as a practising Advocate (Certificate required from the concerned District & Sessions Judge in the prescribed format at Annexure-B, along with the Certificate of Enrolment under the Bar Council of India/State Bar Council) |
Knowledge of Odia Language (Mandatory)
A candidate must be able to speak, read and write Odia, and must have passed either:
- The Middle School standard language test in Odia conducted by the Board of Secondary Education, Odisha; OR
- The Matriculation (Class-X/10th standard) Examination with Odia as a subject
Important: Not furnishing proof of the Odia language requirement by the closing date of application is one of the specific grounds for rejection of application.
Application Fee
| SC / ST / PwD (40% or more disability) | Exempted (No Fee) |
| All Other Candidates (UR/SEBC) | ₹700/- |
| Fee Payment Window | 28 August 2026 to 28 September 2026 (5:00 P.M.) |
| Fee Payment Methods | Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, Wallet (Online mode only) |
| Refund Policy | Fee is refunded only to candidates who actually appear in the Preliminary Examination, processed to the original mode of payment after completion of the exam |
Note: Applications submitted without payment of the requisite fee (except SC/ST/PwD candidates) will be treated as incomplete and summarily rejected. Candidates must also furnish bank account details (Account Number, IFSC Code, Account Holder Name, Bank Branch) in the application, to be used only if refund via the original payment mode fails due to technical glitches.
OPSC APP Vacancy 2026 — Category-Wise Breakup
| Category | No. of Vacancies |
| UR (Unreserved) | 86 (29-W) |
| SEBC | 23 (08-W) |
| SC | 27 (09-W) |
| ST | 36 (12-W) |
| Grand Total | 172 (58-W) |
Sub-Category Reservation (Ex-Servicemen, Sports Persons & PwD)
| Sub-Category | Posts Reserved |
| Ex-Servicemen | 09 (05 + 04 carry forward from last recruitment) |
| Sports Person | 02 |
| Persons with Disability (40% or more) | 08 (07 + 01 carry forward from last recruitment) |
PwD Category-Wise Disability Breakup
| PwD Category | Types of Disabilities | Vacancy |
| Cat-I | Blind (B), Low Vision (LV) | 01 |
| Cat-II | Hard of Hearing (HH) | 02 |
| Cat-III | One Leg/Arm, Both Arms/Legs, Leprosy Cured, Dwarfism, Acid Attack Victims, etc. | 02 |
| Cat-IV | Specific Learning Disability (SLD), Multiple Disability (MD) | 03 |
Note: Persons with Temporary Disability are not eligible for reservation. Ex-Servicemen, Sports Persons and PwD candidates are adjusted against the category to which they belong (i.e., these are not additional/separate vacancies). Vacancies are subject to change by the Government without notice, and this advertisement does not bind the Government to make an appointment. In case of non-availability of eligible women candidates in a category, unfilled women’s vacancies will be filled by eligible male candidates of the same category; exchange of reservation between SC and ST is not permitted.
OPSC APP 2026 Salary & Pay Scale
| Component | Details |
| Pay Level | Level-10 of Pay Matrix under ORSP Rules, 2017 |
| Starting Basic Pay | ₹44,900/- |
| Additional Allowances | Dearness Allowance (DA) and other allowances as sanctioned by the Government of Odisha from time to time |
| Pension Scheme | Covered under the Contributory (National) Pension Scheme — Old Pension Rules not applicable, as appointment is after 01.01.2005. NPS enrolment is mandatory for all recommended candidates at the time of joining. |
Selection Process 2026 — 3-Stage Examination
- Stage 1: Preliminary Examination — Objective/MCQ, screening test only, 100 Marks
- Stage 2: Main (Written) Examination — Subjective & Descriptive, 4 Papers, 600 Marks
- Stage 3: Personality Test / Interview — 50 Marks
- Final Merit: Based on combined Main Examination + Interview marks (out of 650) — Prelims marks are NOT counted toward the final Select List
Overall Marks Distribution
| Component | Marks |
| Preliminary Examination (Objective Type) | 100 |
| Main Examination — Written (Subjective & Descriptive) | 600 |
| Main Examination — Interview | 50 |
| Total (Main + Interview, used for merit) | 650 |
Preliminary Examination Pattern
| Component | Details |
| Questions | 100 (MCQ, OMR/CBT mode) |
| Full Marks | 100 (1 mark each) |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Negative Marking | 25% deducted per wrong answer; zero mark for unattempted questions |
| Shortlisting Ratio for Mains | Up to 10 times the number of vacancies per category (as per merit and qualifying marks fixed by the Commission) |
Preliminary Examination Syllabus (Standard: LL.B. Course)
- The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and Bharatiya Nagarika Surakhya Sanhita, 2023
- The Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
- The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
Main (Written) Examination — 4 Papers, 600 Marks
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
| Paper-I | General English (Translation, Essay, Précis Writing, Comprehension) | 150 | 2.5 Hours |
| Paper-II | Criminal Major Laws (CrPC/BNSS, Evidence Act/BSA, IPC/BNS) | 150 | 3 Hours |
| Paper-III | Criminal Minor Laws (16 special/local Acts — see below) | 150 | 3 Hours |
| Paper-IV | Miscellaneous Laws (Drafting, Torts, Contract Act, Transfer of Property Act, Limitation Act, Interpretation of Statutes) | 150 | 3 Hours |
Note: Papers are Subjective/Descriptive type. Candidates answer all papers in English, except the Translation-into-Odia portion of Paper-I. General English is at Degree Course standard; all other papers are at LL.B. Course standard. The Commission fixes qualifying marks for each paper and/or aggregate; candidates meeting the qualifying marks are shortlisted for interview in the ratio of 1:2 (subject to a minimum of 5) with reference to category-wise vacancies.
Paper-III: Criminal Minor Laws — Acts Covered
- The Arms Act, 1959 and Rules framed thereunder
- The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
- The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
- The Odisha Excise Act, 2008 & Rules framed thereunder
- The Explosives Act, 1884 and Explosive Substances Act, 1908
- The Odisha Electricity Supply Line Material (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1989
- The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
- The Odisha Forest Act, 1972 and The Orissa Timber and Other Forest Produce Transit Rules, 1980
- The Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008
- The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956
- The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 & Rules framed thereunder
- The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
- The Odisha Minor Minerals (Prevention of Theft, Smuggling and Other Unlawful Activities) Act, 1989
- The Probation of Offenders Act, 1958
- The Odisha Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1960
- The Wild Life Protection Act, 1972
Personality Test / Interview — 50 Marks
Candidates who clear the qualifying marks in the Main Written Examination will be called for the Personality Test/Interview, which carries 50 marks. Marks secured in the interview, combined with the Main Written Examination marks (total 650), form the basis of the final Select List — Prelims marks play no role in the final merit computation.
How to Apply Online for OPSC APP Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official OPSC website — www.opsc.gov.in
- Go to the e-Chayan portal / recruitment notification link for Advertisement No. 09 of 2026-27
- Complete the online Registration process to generate a unique Permanent Public Service Account Number (PPSAN)
- Log in and fill the online application form with personal, educational and category details carefully
- Upload scanned Photograph, Signature, and Left-Hand Thumb Impression (LTI) — must be clearly identifiable, or the application is liable to be rejected
- Fill educational qualification details (marks/percentage for HSC to LL.B. Degree, excluding extra optional subject marks)
- Verify the submitted application copy carefully — if any correction is needed, the candidate must cancel and re-apply within the last date, as there is no separate edit window
- Pay the applicable examination fee through the online payment gateway (not applicable for SC/ST/PwD)
- Submit the form and take a printout of the finally submitted Registration and Application forms, signed under the declaration, for future reference
Documents Required for OPSC APP Application 2026
- H.S.C. or equivalent Certificate (proof of date of birth) issued by the concerned Board/Council
- Intermediate / +2 Examination Certificate
- Bachelor’s Degree Certificate from a recognized University
- Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LL.B.) Certificate from a recognized University/College/Institution
- Mark-sheets for all examinations from HSC to LL.B. Degree (including any fail marks, if applicable)
- Certificate of Enrolment under the Bar Council of India or State Bar Council
- Certificate from the concerned District Judge confirming 2 years of experience as a practising Advocate (prescribed format at Annexure-B)
- Two original character certificates from two respectable persons, one of whom must be a Government Servant not below Group-B Service
- Four recent passport-size photographs (unsigned and unattested, within six months)
- Caste Certificate by birth for SEBC/SC/ST claims, in prescribed format (SEBC certificate must be issued on or after 29.08.2023 — valid for 3 years only)
- Odia Test Pass Certificate issued by the School Principal/Head Master or Board of Secondary Education
- Permanent Disability Certificate (40% or more) for PwD candidates, issued by the concerned Medical Board
- Sports Identity Card/Certificate issued by the Director of Sports, Odisha (only as per GA Department Resolution No. 24808/GA, dt. 18.11.1985 — participation certificates or prizes are NOT accepted)
- Release Certificate for Ex-Servicemen candidates (as per Odisha Ex-Servicemen Rules, 1985) along with a self-declared Affidavit
- No Objection Certificate from Competent Authority/Head of Office, wherever applicable
- Proof of Identity — Aadhaar / EPIC / Driving Licence / Passport / PAN Card
Note: Only self-declared/scanned copies are to be uploaded initially — original certificates must not be attached with the online application. Originals along with self-attested photocopies (marked “Submitted by me and Certified as genuine and has not been cancelled” with full signature and date) are required only at the time of document verification for candidates who qualify the Main Written Examination.
Grounds for Rejection of Application — Be Careful
- Incomplete online application form, including non-uploading of required documents
- Non-submission of hard copy at document verification stage, or declaration not signed with full signature
- Not passing/furnishing evidence of the Odia Test by the closing date
- Not meeting the prescribed age limit as on 01.01.2026 (no relaxation for PwD candidates below 40% disability)
- Not possessing the requisite qualification (LL.B. + 2 years practising experience) by the closing date
- Non-submission of required certificates/documents, or non-payment of examination fee (where applicable)
- Submission of false information, forged or manipulated certificates regarding qualification, experience, age, or category status
- Any certificate (Degree, LL.B., Bar Council Enrolment, Experience, Caste, Odia Test, Sports, Disability, Ex-Servicemen Release) issued after the closing date of application will not be entertained
Warning: Candidates found submitting forged or manipulated documents will be debarred from OPSC examinations for a specified period; those adopting unfair means in the Written Examination will be permanently debarred from any examination conducted by OPSC, besides facing potential criminal prosecution.
Job Profile — What an Assistant Public Prosecutor Does
- Represents the State in criminal trials before Magistrate and Sessions Courts, conducting prosecution on behalf of the Government of Odisha
- Examines and cross-examines witnesses, presents evidence, and argues points of law during criminal proceedings
- Works closely with the Investigating Officer (Police) to ensure cases are prosecuted effectively based on the chargesheet and evidence collected
- Reviews cases under special/local Acts (Excise, Arms, POCSO/Juvenile Justice, NDPS-linked matters, Motor Vehicles, Forest & Wildlife offences, etc.) alongside general criminal law matters
- Drafts petitions, replies, and legal opinions as required by the Directorate of Prosecution, Odisha
- Posting can be at any court/district across Odisha, based on departmental requirement
OPSC APP 2026 Preparation Strategy
- Master the three core criminal law codes first — CrPC/BNSS, IPC/BNS, and Evidence Act/BSA form the backbone of both Prelims and Paper-II of Mains; since India transitioned to the new criminal codes, be equally comfortable with old and new provisions and their mapping
- Don’t neglect Criminal Minor Laws (Paper-III) — this paper covers 16 distinct special Acts; build short notes on each Act’s key provisions, punishments, and procedural aspects rather than trying to master full bare Acts
- Practice legal drafting regularly for Paper-IV — petitions, pleadings, and argument drafting need practice to write concisely within time limits
- General English preparation should include Odia-to-English and English-to-Odia translation practice, precis writing, and comprehension — since this is at Degree standard, not LL.B. standard
- Prepare for the interview early since it carries 50 marks — practice articulating legal reasoning clearly and stay updated on recent landmark judgments and criminal law amendments
- Avoid negative marking traps in Prelims — with 25% deduction per wrong answer, attempt only questions you’re reasonably confident about
- Since your 2 years of practising experience must be certified by a District Judge, start collecting your practice records and court appearance proof well in advance to avoid last-minute documentation issues
important links |
|
| Apply Online (Advt. No. 09 of 2026-27) | click here (Active 28 Aug – 28 Sep 2026) |
| Download Official Notification PDF | click here |
| Official Website | click here |
| OPSC Facilitation Counter | 0671-2304141 / 2305611 (Ext. 207), 10:30 AM–1:30 PM & 2:00 PM–5:00 PM |
| OPSC Technical Support | 0671-2304707, 10:30 AM–1:30 PM & 2:00 PM–5:00 PM |
| Grievance Email | opsc@nic.in (complaints within 7 days of examination only) |
| firstjob24 jobs | click here |
| join whatsapp channel | click here |
| susbscribe on youtube | click here |
FAQs
1. What makes OPSC APP Recruitment 2026 different from a normal law graduate recruitment?
This recruitment is specifically for the Assistant Public Prosecutor post, so an LL.B. degree alone is not enough. Candidates also need at least two years of practising advocate experience and must meet the prescribed Odia language requirement.
2. How many Assistant Public Prosecutor posts are available in OPSC APP Recruitment 2026?
OPSC has announced 172 Assistant Public Prosecutor vacancies, including 58 posts reserved for women.
3. What is the most important eligibility condition for an APP candidate?
Apart from the LL.B. degree, the candidate must have at least two years of experience as a practising advocate. The experience has to be supported by the prescribed certificate from the concerned District & Sessions Judge.
4. Is knowledge of Odia compulsory for OPSC APP Recruitment?
Yes. Candidates must be able to speak, read and write Odia and must provide acceptable proof of meeting the prescribed Odia language requirement.
5. What is the OPSC APP application fee?
Candidates who are required to pay the examination fee must pay ₹700. SC, ST and PwD candidates covered by the exemption are not required to pay the fee. The fee paid by eligible candidates is refundable after they actually appear in the Preliminary Examination.
6. Does the Preliminary Exam decide the final selection?
No. The Preliminary Examination is a screening test. Final merit is prepared from the Main Written Examination and Personality Test/Interview, not from Prelims marks.
7. How many marks are used for the final merit list?
The Main Written Examination carries 600 marks, while the Personality Test/Interview carries 50 marks. Therefore, the final merit is based on 650 marks.
8. Which subjects should APP candidates focus on first?
Candidates should give priority to the major criminal laws, including CrPC/BNSS, IPC/BNS and Evidence Act/BSA, because criminal law forms an important part of both the Preliminary and Main examinations.
9. Why should candidates prepare for the Main Exam from the beginning?
The Main Examination is descriptive and carries 600 marks, making it the most important stage for final merit. Candidates who prepare only for the objective Preliminary Exam may find it difficult to develop the writing speed and legal-answer structure required for Mains.
10. When is the OPSC APP Preliminary Examination scheduled?
The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for 1 November 2026. Candidates should wait for the Commission’s confirmed examination programme and continue checking the official OPSC website.
11. What salary will an Assistant Public Prosecutor receive?
The post carries Level-10 pay with a starting basic pay of ₹44,900, along with applicable allowances under Odisha Government rules.
12. Where should candidates check official OPSC APP updates?
Candidates should rely on the official Odisha Public Service Commission website for the application link, notices, examination programme, admit card and other official updates. OPSC also provides separate candidate sections for advertisements, admission certificates, results and examination syllabi.