OPSC ASCO Recruitment 2024: Check Eligibility & Apply for Assistant Soil Conservation Officer posts

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has released the official notification for the recruitment of Assistant Soil Conservation Officers (ASCO) in 2024. This recruitment drive aims to fill 81 vacancies within the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, addressing critical needs in soil conservation across the state.

If you’re passionate about agriculture and soil conservation, this is your chance to make a difference in Odisha’s agricultural landscape. In this article, we’ll dive into all the details you need to know about the OPSC ASCO Recruitment 2024, including eligibility criteria, application process, and tips to increase your chances of success.

Table of Contents

OPSC ASCO Recruitment 2024

Name of the State	Odisha
Department Name	Odisha Public Service Commission
Name of the Post	Assistant Soil Conservation Officer (ASCO)
Total Number of Vacancies	81
Starting Date to Apply	July 16, 2024
Last Date to Apply	August 16, 2024
Official Website to Apply	opsc.gov.in

Vacancy Details

The OPSC has carefully allocated the 81 ASCO positions across different categories to ensure fair representation. Here’s the breakdown of vacancies:

Category	No. of Vacancies
Unreserved	45 (15 for women)
SEBC	11 (3 for women)
Scheduled Caste	08 (3 for women)
Scheduled Tribe	17 (6 for women)
Total	81 (27 for women)

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualifications

You need to possess at least one of the following degrees from a recognized institution or university:

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
Bachelor of Science in Horticulture
Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Forestry

If you’re in your final year of any of these programs, make sure to complete your degree before the application deadline to be eligible.

Age Limit

As of January 1, 2024, candidates must fall within the age range of 21 to 38 years. However, the OPSC offers age relaxation for certain categories:

SC, ST, SEBC candidates: 5 years of relaxation
Ex-servicemen and women: 5 years of relaxation
Persons with Disabilities (PwD) with 40% or more disability: 10 years of relaxation
PwD candidates from SC or ST backgrounds: 15 years of relaxation

Remember, these relaxations apply to the upper age limit only. The minimum age requirement of 21 years remains the same for all candidates.

Selection Process

Stage 1: Written Examination

The first hurdle is a written examination. Here’s what you need to know:

Format: Objective-type questions
Subjects covered: Agriculture, Horticulture, Agricultural Engineering, and Forestry
Duration: To be announced in the exam notification
Syllabus: Check the official OPSC website for detailed syllabus information

Stage 2: Interview

If you clear the written exam, you’ll be invited for an interview.

Your overall suitability for the ASCO position
In-depth knowledge of soil conservation practices
Your ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios
Communication skills and problem-solving abilities

Important Dates

Application Start Date: July 16, 2024
Application End Date: August 16, 2024

Application Fee

The recruitment process is free, so candidates can apply for positions without having to pay any fees.

How to Apply for OPSC ASCO Recruitment 2024?

Now that you know if you’re eligible, let’s walk through the application process step by step:

Visit the official OPSC website at opsc.gov.in
Look for the “Apply Online” section on the homepage
Find and click on the link for Assistant Soil Conservation Officer (ASCO) Recruitment 2024
Register yourself by providing the necessary details
Fill out the application form accurately, including your educational qualifications and personal information
Upload the required documents (educational certificates, age proof, etc.)
Review your application form carefully to ensure all details are correct
Submit the application form
Take a printout of the submitted application for future reference