Official Notification Summary: The Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC) has officially rescheduled the Preliminary Examination (CBRE Mode) for the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level or Equivalent Recruitment Examination for Specialist Posts/Services-2025 under Advertisement No. 728/OSSC. Originally scheduled for 24th September 2026, the exam will now be conducted on 25th September 2026 across designated examination centers in 3 daily sittings/shifts (Shift 1: 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Shift 2: 01:00 PM – 03:00 PM, and Shift 3: 04:30 PM – 06:30 PM). Eligible candidates can now download their Admission Letter (Admit Card) directly from the official portal (www.ossc.gov.in) from 19th September 2026 onwards using their User ID and Password. Check below for the revised shift timings, gate closure rules, 150-mark prelims pattern, negative marking, and direct download steps.
| OSSC CHSL Specialist Posts Recruitment 2025/2026: Key Overview | |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC), Govt. of Odisha |
| Advertisement Reference | Advertisement No. IIE-44/2025-728/OSSC (Post Code: 367) |
| Posts Covered | • Amin (District Offices – State Cadre, Water Resources): 15 Posts • Junior Fisheries Technical Assistant (JFTA): 15 Posts • Junior Forensic Attendant (State Forensic Science Lab): 94 Posts |
| Pay Scale | Group-C – Level-3 (Cell-1) of ORSP, 2017 |
| Total Notified Vacancies | 124 Posts (including 41 vacancies reserved for women) |
| Examination Stage | Stage-I: Preliminary Examination (CBRE Mode – Objective MCQs) |
| Rescheduled Exam Date | 25th September 2026 (Revised from 24th September) |
| Admission Letter Release Date | LIVE NOW (Available from 19th September 2026 onwards) |
| Daily Exam Shifts | 3 Daily Sittings (09:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 01:00 PM – 03:00 PM | 04:30 PM – 06:30 PM) |
| Total Questions & Marks | 150 Questions – 150 Marks (1 Mark each) |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) [Compensatory time for eligible PwD scribe candidates] |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 Marks deducted for each wrong answer |
| Medium of Examination | Bilingual (Both English and Odia) |
| Subsequent Stage | Stage-II Main Written Exam (Technical Paper – 200 Marks) for shortlisted candidates |
| Official OSSC Portal | www.ossc.gov.in |
1. OSSC CHSL Prelims Exam Pattern 2026 & Detailed Marks Scheme
As prescribed in Annexure-C of Advertisement No. 728/OSSC, the Preliminary Examination is an objective Computer Based Recruitment Examination (CBRE) consisting of 150 questions for a total of 150 marks with a testing duration of 2 hours (120 minutes). There is a penalty of 0.25 marks for each wrong response:
- Arithmetic (10th Standard Level): Evaluates fundamental numerical concepts including Number Systems, Fractions, Decimals, LCM & HCF, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Averages, Simple & Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, and Time & Work.
- Data Interpretation (10th Standard Level): Focuses on data evaluation from Charts, Graphs, Tables, and Data Sufficiency problems.
- Logical Reasoning, Analytical Ability & General Mental Ability: Tests Verbal and Non-Verbal reasoning, Analogies, Series Completion, Coding-Decoding, Decision Making, Blood Relations, and Spatial Reasoning.
- Current Events of National and International Importance: Evaluates awareness of major happenings, sports, cultural awards, science, and national governance policies.
- Computer / Internet Awareness: Focuses on computer fundamentals, hardware, operating systems, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email communication, and Internet navigation.
| Preliminary Exam Component | Question Type | Total Marks | Marking Scheme & Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic (10th Standard) | Objective Multiple Choice (MCQ) – CBRE Mode | 150 Questions (150 Marks) |
+1.0 Mark for correct answer -0.25 Mark for wrong answer Duration: 2 Hours (120 Mins) |
| Data Interpretation (Charts, Graphs, Tables) | |||
| Logical Reasoning & General Mental Ability | |||
| Current Events (National & International) | |||
| Computer & Internet Awareness | |||
| Grand Total (Stage-I Prelims Paper) | Single Composite Paper | 150 Marks | Language: Odia & English |
2. OSSC CHSL Rescheduled Shift Timings & Gate Closing Schedule (25 September 2026)
Pursuant to Notice No. 3427/OSSC dated 08.09.2026, the examination is organized in 3 daily shifts on 25th September 2026. Candidates must reach the test venue strictly in accordance with their reporting schedule. Entry will be strictly denied once the gates are closed:
| Exam Sitting / Shift | Candidate Reporting Time | Strict Gate Closing Time | Exam Timing & Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Sitting (Morning Shift) | 07:30 AM | 08:30 AM | 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM (2 Hours) |
| 2nd Sitting (Afternoon Shift) | 11:30 AM | 12:30 PM | 01:00 PM – 03:00 PM (2 Hours) |
| 3rd Sitting (Evening Shift) | 03:00 PM | 04:00 PM | 04:30 PM – 06:30 PM (2 Hours) |
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Download OSSC CHSL Admission Letter 2026
The Admission Letter for Advertisement No. 728/OSSC is hosted on the official OSSC candidate portal. Follow these direct steps to download and print your hall ticket:
Step 1: Open the Official OSSC Portal
Visit the official website of the Odisha Staff Selection Commission at www.ossc.gov.in.
Step 2: Navigate to Candidate Login
Click on the "Candidate Login" button located at the top-right corner of the homepage.
Step 3: Enter Your User Credentials
Enter your registered User ID / Username / Mobile Number and Password, enter the Captcha code, and click "Login".
Step 4: Download Admission Letter PDF
Click on "Download Admission Letter for Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Specialist Posts (Advt. 728/OSSC)". Save the PDF document and take at least 2 clear printouts on A4 paper.
4. Mandatory OSSC Exam Guidelines, Required Documents & Scribe Rules
The Commission enforces strict identity verification protocols at all designated CBRE testing centers:
- Printed copy of the official OSSC CHSL Admission Letter.
- Two recent passport-size color photographs.
- Original Valid Photo Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, e-Aadhaar with QR code, Voter ID, Driving License, PAN Card, or Passport). If the ID card does not show your complete Date of Birth, you must carry an additional original certificate (such as your 10th HSC certificate) showing the DOB.
- Written permission letter issued by the Commission (for PwD candidates utilizing scribe assistance).
PwD candidates with permanent disability ≥ 40% who applied for a scribe were required to email their prescribed request to ossc.od@nic.in by 21.09.2026. No candidate will be permitted to use a scribe without explicit written authorization issued by the Commission.
Mobile phones, Bluetooth earphones, smart watches, calculators, digital bands, pens, loose paper sheets, metallic jewelry, wallets, and bags are strictly barred inside the venue. No custody lockers are guaranteed by test centers.
5. OSSC CHSL Specialist Posts Selection Process & Shortlisting Ratio
The recruitment framework under Advertisement No. 728/OSSC is finalized through three structured statutory stages:
| Recruitment Stage | Evaluation Scheme | Total Marks | Shortlisting Ratio & Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage-I: Preliminary Exam | CBRE Mode – Objective Multiple Choice | 150 Marks (150 Qs) | Shortlisting minimum 5 times the category-wise vacancies for Mains |
| Stage-II: Main Written Exam | Technical Paper as per post qualification | 200 Marks | Shortlisting 2 times the vacancies for Certificate Verification |
| Stage-III: Certificate Verification | Scrutiny of original certificates & eligibility | Qualifying | Final merit selection based on Main Written marks |
| Normalisation Formula: Commission will adopt the standard normalisation formula published vide Notice No. 2444/OSSC dated 02.09.2021 for processing multi-batch CBRE test results. | |||
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – OSSC CHSL Prelims 2026
• 1st Sitting: Reporting at 07:30 AM | Gate Close at 08:30 AM | Exam 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• 2nd Sitting: Reporting at 11:30 AM | Gate Close at 12:30 PM | Exam 01:00 PM – 03:00 PM
• 3rd Sitting: Reporting at 03:00 PM | Gate Close at 04:00 PM | Exam 04:30 PM – 06:30 PM
Download OSSC CHSL Admission Letter 2026
Direct access to candidate login on the official OSSC portal for Advertisement No. 728/OSSC.
Download OSSC CHSL Admission Letter