Odisha Subordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) has released a short notification — Advertisement No. IIE-54/2026-1896 dated 11 June 2026 — announcing one of the largest single-post healthcare recruitments in Odisha’s history: 5,989 Nursing Officer (Group-C) vacancies under the Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Odisha. These are District Cadre posts — meaning selected candidates will be posted and transferred only within the district they are recruited for, across all 30 district establishments under the respective Chief District Medical & Public Health Officers (CDM & PHOs). Candidates holding GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) Diploma or B.Sc. Nursing degree from an INC-recognised institution, along with a valid registration from the Odisha Nursing Council (or any State Nursing Council recognised by the Nursing Council of India), and proficiency in Odia language (Class 7 and above), can apply online from 13 June 2026. Last date: 13 July 2026. Selection via OMR-based Written Examination (100 MCQs, 100 marks, 2 hours) followed by Document Verification. Pay Scale: ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 per month (Pay Level-8, 7th CPC).
Quick Facts
| Total Posts | 5,989 |
| Districts | 30 |
| Last Date Apply | 13 July |
| Starting Pay | ₹29,200 |
| Exam Mode | OMR |
| Questions/Duration | 100 MCQs/2 Hrs |
Odia Language Proficiency — Non-Negotiable Requirement
This is a state government recruitment under the Government of Odisha. All candidates — whether from Odisha or from other states — must have passed Odia as a language subject at Class 7 standard or above from a recognised Board. This is a mandatory eligibility condition, not a qualifying test. Candidates who have not studied Odia as a subject at school must obtain an equivalent Odia language certificate from a recognised institution before applying. Additionally, selected candidates must be able to read and write Odia fluently — a critical requirement for communicating with patients and documenting records in Odisha’s district healthcare facilities.
1. Recruitment Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Odisha Subordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) — established under Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (Dist. Cadre) Rules, 2012 |
| Advertisement No. | IIE-54/2026-1896, dated 11 June 2026 (Short Notification) — Detailed Notification released by 12 June 2026 |
| Post Name | Nursing Officer — District Cadre | Group-C | Non-Gazetted |
| Department | Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Odisha |
| Reporting Authority | Chief District Medical & Public Health Officers (CDM & PHOs) across all 30 districts of Odisha |
| Total Vacancies | 5,989 posts — across all 30 district cadre establishments |
| Nature of Posts | District Cadre — posting and transfer within the concerned district only — candidates select their preferred district at application |
| Pay Level | Pay Level-8 (7th CPC/Odisha State Pay Matrix) — ₹29,200 to ₹92,300 per month |
| Online Registration Opens | 13 June 2026 (through OTR — One-Time Registration) |
| Last Date of Registration (OTR) | 06 July 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 13 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 13 July 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online only through OTR at osssc.gov.in — no offline/manual applications |
| Selection Process | Stage 1: Written Examination (OMR-Based) → Stage 2: Document Verification → Appointment |
| Exam Mode | Offline — OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) Based paper examination |
| Exam Structure | 100 MCQs — 100 marks — 2 hours duration — negative marking: 0.25 per wrong answer |
| Minimum Age | 21 years |
| Maximum Age | 38 years — with relaxation for SC/ST/SEBC/Women/PwD as per Odisha Govt. norms |
| Official Website | www.osssc.gov.in |
2. Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Short Notification Released | 11 June 2026 |
| Detailed Notification with Full Vacancy Breakup Released | By 12 June 2026 |
| Online Registration (OTR) & Application Submission Opens | 13 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Complete OTR (One-Time Registration) | 06 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application Form | 13 July 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | To Be Notified |
| Written Examination (OMR-Based) | To Be Notified |
| Result & Merit List | After Written Exam |
| Document Verification | After Result |
| Appointment | After DV |
All updates — detailed notification, admit card, exam date, result, DV schedule — published exclusively on www.osssc.gov.in. OSSSC communicates only through the official website and registered email. Keep your OTR login credentials and registered email active throughout the entire recruitment process.
3. Vacancy — Scale & Distribution
Nursing Officer — District Cadre, Group-C, Health & Family Welfare Department. These posts are placed under the administrative control of the respective Chief District Medical & Public Health Officers (CDM & PHOs) across all 30 districts. Selected candidates work in government health facilities — PHCs, CHCs, District Hospitals, and other public health establishments within their district. This is a permanent state government position with full service benefits under the Odisha Government.
All 30 Districts of Odisha
Angul, Balangir, Balasore, Bargarh, Bhadrak, Boudh, Cuttack, Deogarh, Dhenkanal, Gajapati, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Kendrapara, Kendujhar, Khordha, Koraput, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Nabarangpur, Nayagarh, Nuapada, Puri, Rayagada, Sambalpur, Subarnapur, Sundergarh
| Post | Total Vacancies | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Pay Range | Cadre Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Officer | 5,989 | Level-8 | ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 | District Cadre — Group-C |
District-wise and category-wise (UR/SC/ST/SEBC/EWS/Women/PwD/ExSM) breakup of 5,989 posts is available in the detailed notification PDF at osssc.gov.in. OSSSC typically allocates around 15–25% seats for Women (horizontal reservation), ~15% for SC, ~22.5% for SEBC (OBC equivalent in Odisha), ~5% for EWS, and ~5% for ST as per Odisha Government reservation policy. Verify exact category-wise numbers in the official detailed notification.
District Cadre — What It Means for You: Being a District Cadre post means your job is tied to a specific district of Odisha. You will be posted in government health institutions — PHCs, CHCs, Sub-Divisional Hospitals, and District Hospitals — within the district you select during application. Transfers can only happen within the same district. This provides geographic stability but requires candidates to be genuinely willing to serve in the district of their choice. In the online application, you will indicate your preferred district — OSSSC prepares separate district-wise merit lists accordingly.
4. Eligibility Criteria
GNM or B.Sc. Nursing (INC recognised) + Valid Nursing Council Registration + Odia at Class 7 + Age 21–38
Qualification Routes
| Route | Qualification | Duration | Level | Recognised by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route 1 | GNM Diploma — General Nursing and Midwifery, 3.5-year full-time programme incl. 6-month internship | 3.5 Years | Diploma | INC |
| Route 2 | B.Sc. Nursing — 4-year undergraduate programme, or Post-Basic B.Sc. Nursing (2 years for GNM holders) | 4 Years | Degree | INC/UGC |
Eligibility Conditions
| Condition | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizens only |
| Educational Qualification | Passed Class 10+2 (Higher Secondary) or equivalent from a recognised Board (CHSE Odisha, CBSE, ICSE, or equivalent) |
| Nursing Qualification | GNM Diploma or B.Sc. Nursing/Post-Basic B.Sc. Nursing from an INC-recognised institution. Courses from unrecognised or non-INC institutions are not eligible. |
| Nursing Council Registration | Valid registration certificate from the Odisha Nursing Council OR any State Nursing Council recognised by NCI, current and valid at time of application. Must be uploaded during application. |
| Odia Language Proficiency | Must have passed Odia as a language subject at Class 7 (Middle School) standard or above. Candidates without this must possess an equivalent Odia language certificate. |
| Minimum Age | 21 years as on cut-off date in the detailed notification |
| Maximum Age | 38 years for Unreserved/General category |
Age Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation | Effective Max. Age |
|---|---|---|
| SEBC | +5 years | 43 years |
| SC | +5 years | 43 years |
| ST | +5 years | 43 years |
| Women (All Categories) | +5 years over respective category limit | 43 years (UR Women)/48 years (SC/ST/SEBC Women) |
| PwD — General/UR | +10 years | 48 years |
| PwD — SEBC | +10 years over SEBC limit | 53 years |
| PwD — SC/ST | +15 years (cumulative with SC/ST relaxation) | 58 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per Odisha Government Ex-Servicemen rules | As applicable |
Exact age cut-off date is mentioned in the detailed notification at osssc.gov.in. Reservation benefits for SEBC/SC/ST/EWS are applicable only to Odisha domicile candidates in the respective categories.
Critical Eligibility Points
- Odisha Nursing Council/State Nursing Council registration must be valid at the time of application — expired registration leads to outright rejection. Renew before applying if lapsed.
- INC recognition of your institution is mandatory — check indiannursingcouncil.org to confirm your institution is recognised.
- Odia language at Class 7 or above is mandatory — checked at document verification — non-compliance leads to disqualification even after qualifying the written exam.
- All qualifications must be acquired before or on the last date of application submission (13 July 2026).
- SEBC certificate must be issued by the competent authority as per Odisha Government norms — certificates from other states are not valid.
5. Examination Pattern & Detailed Syllabus
OMR-based — 100 MCQs — 100 Marks — 2 Hours — Nursing subjects (60%) + General Knowledge & Odia (40%)
| Subject/Component | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| GNM/B.Sc. Nursing Subjects | 60 | 60 |
| General Knowledge & Current Affairs (Odisha-specific emphasis) | 20 | 20 |
| Odia Language & General English | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 MCQs | 100 Marks |
Exam Format: Mode: Offline OMR-Based | Duration: 2 Hours (120 minutes) | Negative Marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer | Medium: English and Odia | Each correct answer: 1 mark
Core Nursing Syllabus (60-Mark Domain Section)
| Component | Topic | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy & Physiology | Foundation Anatomy | Anatomical terms, body organisation, cells/tissues/organs, skeletal/muscular systems, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, nervous, urinary, reproductive, endocrine systems, sensory organs |
| Microbiology | Infection Science | Introduction to microbiology, types of micro-organisms, infection and transmission, immunity (natural vs acquired), sterilisation and disinfection, laboratory techniques |
| Psychology | Mind & Behaviour | Human behaviour, learning and memory, observation and perception, intelligence and EQ, personality theories, mental health nursing, therapeutic nurse-patient relationship |
| Sociology | Society & Health | Social systems and family structure, culture and health, social problems affecting healthcare, community participation, social welfare legislation, public health policy |
| Medical-Surgical & Community Nursing | Clinical Nursing | Fundamentals of nursing, nursing process, medical/surgical conditions, maternal and child health, community health nursing, primary healthcare, infection control, patient safety, ethics |
| Pharmacology & Nutrition | Drugs & Nutrition | Basic pharmacology, drug actions/interactions, administration routes, dosage calculation, nutrition principles, therapeutic diet, vitamins/minerals, nutritional disorders |
Exam Strategy: With 60 marks dedicated to nursing subjects, core clinical knowledge is the key differentiator. Focus on: (1) Anatomy & Physiology — body systems and functions; (2) Medical-Surgical Nursing — common conditions, nursing interventions, patient care; (3) Community Health Nursing — PHC operations, immunisation schedules, national health programmes in Odisha; (4) Pharmacology — drug classifications, calculations, common medications. The remaining 40 marks cover General Knowledge (Odisha geography, history, Chief Ministers, health schemes, national programmes) and Odia language (grammar, comprehension, vocabulary). With 0.25 negative marking, avoid random guessing.
6. Pay Scale & Service Benefits
Level-8 — ₹29,200–₹92,300/month — 7th CPC — full Odisha Govt. service benefits
| Component/Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale (7th CPC) | Pay Level-8 — ₹29,200 to ₹92,300 per month |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As applicable to Odisha Government employees — revised periodically |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | As per posting location classification (urban/semi-urban/rural districts) |
| Medical Benefits | As per Odisha Government Health Scheme — coverage for employee and family |
| Pension | NPS/Odisha State pension scheme as applicable to Group-C employees |
| Leave Benefits | Earned leave, casual leave, medical leave, maternity leave (for women) |
| Annual Increment | 3% annual increment as per 7th CPC pay matrix norms |
| Job Nature | Permanent Government employment — posting in PHCs, CHCs, Sub-Divisional Hospitals, District Hospitals within recruited district — may involve rotational shift duties incl. night shifts |
| Career Advancement | Staff Nurse → Senior Nursing Officer → Nursing Superintendent — via departmental exams and seniority |
Estimated gross in-hand salary at entry: approximately ₹38,000–₹45,000 per month including DA and HRA (varies by district/posting location) — permanent state government nursing employment with comprehensive service benefits and job security across Odisha’s public health network.
7. How to Apply Online — OTR + Application Process
One-Time Registration (OTR) first → then fill application → upload Nursing Council certificate → submit by 13 Jul 2026
OTR (One-Time Registration) — Mandatory First Step: OSSSC uses a One-Time Registration (OTR) system — every candidate must complete OTR once on osssc.gov.in. If you have already completed OTR for any previous OSSSC recruitment (Forester, RI, etc.), the same OTR credentials can be used. OTR involves creating a permanent profile with your personal details, educational qualifications, and photograph/signature, linked to your Aadhaar number. OTR registration closes on 06 July 2026 — candidates must complete OTR before this date, even if the application deadline is 13 July 2026.
- Complete OTR (One-Time Registration) at osssc.gov.in — visit www.osssc.gov.in → click One-Time Registration (OTR) on the homepage → if already registered, skip to Step 2. For new registration: enter Aadhaar number, verify with OTP, fill complete personal details, upload passport-size photograph (JPG, 20–50 KB) and scanned signature (JPG, 20–50 KB). Save your Registration ID and password securely.
- Login and Find the Nursing Officer Advertisement — log in using OTR credentials, locate Advertisement No. IIE-54/2026-1896 — Nursing Officer Recruitment 2026, click Apply Now. Verify auto-filled details carefully.
- Fill Application Details & Select Preferred District — complete: (a) nursing qualification details — institution, year of passing, marks, INC recognition; (b) Nursing Council Registration details — number, issuing council, validity date; (c) Odia language proof — class studied, Board, year; (d) preferred district selection — choose carefully, as district-wise merit lists are prepared separately and preference cannot usually be changed after submission; (e) category details with certificate number.
- Upload Required Documents — Valid Nursing Council Registration Certificate (most critical), GNM/B.Sc. Nursing marksheets/certificate (all years/semesters), 10+2 certificate and marksheet, category certificate if applicable (Odisha prescribed format), Odia language proof, any additional documents specified.
- Pay Application Fee & Submit — pay the prescribed fee (typically ₹100–₹200 for General/SEBC/EWS; Nil for SC/ST/PwD/Women — verify in the official detailed notification) via Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking. Review the complete application preview, click Final Submit, and download the confirmation with your Application Reference Number. Submit before 13 July 2026 — the system closes at midnight on the last date.
8. Documents Required
Upload during application — carry originals + self-attested copies at Document Verification
| # | Document | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aadhaar Card | OTR + DV |
| 2 | Passport-size photograph (colour, recent, plain background — JPG, 20–50 KB) | OTR Upload + DV |
| 3 | Scanned signature (black ink on white paper — JPG, 20–50 KB) | OTR Upload |
| 4 | Class 10 (Matriculation) certificate and marksheet | Application + DV |
| 5 | Class 12 (Higher Secondary/10+2) certificate and marksheet | Application + DV |
| 6 | GNM Certificate and all Year Marksheets, or B.Sc. Nursing Degree and all Semester Marksheets | Application Upload + DV |
| 7 | Valid Nursing Council Registration Certificate — most critical document | Application Upload + DV (Mandatory) |
| 8 | Odia Language Proof — school certificate/marksheet showing Odia as subject at Class 7 or above | Application + DV |
| 9 | Category Certificate — SC/ST/SEBC/EWS in Odisha Government prescribed format | Application + DV (if applicable) |
| 10 | PwD Disability Certificate — from Competent Medical Authority | Application + DV (PwD candidates) |
| 11 | Ex-Serviceman Certificate | Application + DV (ExSM candidates) |
| 12 | Application Reference Number/Confirmation Printout | Admit Card + Exam Hall + DV |
At Document Verification — carry all originals + minimum 2 self-attested photocopies. The Nursing Council registration certificate validity is verified at DV — if registration has lapsed by DV date, candidature is rejected. Category certificates must be in Odisha Government format — certificates from other states in non-prescribed formats are not accepted.
9. FAQs
| # | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | What is the total vacancy and which department is it under? | 5,989 Nursing Officer (District Cadre, Group-C) vacancies under the Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Odisha, recruited under the administrative control of CDM & PHOs across all 30 district establishments. One of the largest Nursing Officer recruitments in Odisha’s history. |
| 2 | What qualifications are needed? | Class 10+2 or equivalent; GNM Diploma or B.Sc. Nursing/Post-Basic B.Sc. Nursing from an INC-recognised institution; valid registration from the Odisha Nursing Council or NCI-recognised State Nursing Council; passed Odia as a language subject at Class 7 standard or above. |
| 3 | What are the important dates? | Short Notification: 11 June 2026. Detailed notification: by 12 June 2026. OTR & Application Opens: 13 June 2026. Last date for OTR: 06 July 2026. Last date to submit application: 13 July 2026. Admit card, exam date, and DV schedule to be announced separately. |
| 4 | What is the exam pattern and syllabus? | Offline OMR-based, 100 MCQs, 100 marks, 2 hours, negative marking 0.25 per wrong answer. 60 questions on GNM/B.Sc. Nursing subjects, 20 on General Knowledge & Current Affairs (Odisha-focus), 20 on Odia Language & General English. Merit list based on written exam marks, followed by Document Verification. |
| 5 | Is OTR mandatory? What if I already have one? | Yes, OTR is mandatory. If you already have OTR from a previous OSSSC recruitment, use the same credentials — no need to register again. New applicants must complete OTR by 06 July 2026, which is earlier than the application deadline (13 July). Missing the OTR deadline means you cannot apply even if the application form is open. |
| 6 | What does “District Cadre” mean? | Your service is tied to a specific district. You select your preferred district during application (cannot normally be changed after submission); OSSSC prepares separate district-wise merit lists; you’ll be posted in health facilities within your recruited district only; transfers are limited to within the same district. |
| 7 | What is the age limit and relaxations? | Minimum 21, maximum 38 years for General/Unreserved. SEBC/SC/ST: +5 years (max 43). Women: +5 years over category limit. PwD (General/UR): +10 years (max 48). PwD (SEBC): +10 years over SEBC limit (max 53). PwD (SC/ST): +15 years cumulative (max 58). Relaxations apply only to Odisha domicile candidates. |
| 8 | My Nursing Council registration has expired — can I still apply? | No — a valid, current Nursing Council registration is mandatory. Expired registration leads to outright rejection. Renew immediately with the Odisha Nursing Council (or applicable State Council) before applying. Candidates registered with an NCI-recognised State Nursing Council other than Odisha can also apply. |
| 9 | Can candidates from outside Odisha apply? | Yes, subject to: institution recognised by INC; valid registration from an NCI-recognised State Nursing Council; passed Odia at Class 7 standard or above (typically the most challenging condition for out-of-state candidates); meets the 21–38 age limit. Category-based relaxations apply only to Odisha domicile candidates — out-of-state candidates are treated as Unreserved/General. |
| 10 | What is the salary and career growth path? | Pay Level-8 (7th CPC), basic pay ₹29,200/month scaling to ₹92,300, with 3% annual increments, plus DA, HRA, medical benefits, leave benefits, NPS pension. Estimated gross in-hand at entry: ~₹38,000–₹45,000/month. Career progression: Staff Nurse → Senior Nursing Officer → Nursing Superintendent → Chief Nursing Officer through departmental promotions and seniority. |
Official Links & Resources
- OSSSC Official Website — osssc.gov.in (Homepage — Apply Online, OTR, All Notifications)
- OSSSC Notifications Page — Download Detailed Advertisement IIE-54/2026-1896
- OSSSC OTR (One-Time Registration) — Register or Login to Apply Online
- OSSSC Recruitment Advertisements — All Active Notifications and Recruitment Links
Key Information Summary
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Odisha Subordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) — Government of Odisha |
| Established under | Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (Dist. Cadre) Rules, 2012 vide G.A. Department Notification No. 10069/Gen. |
| Advertisement No. | IIE-54/2026-1896, dated 11 June 2026 |
| Post | Nursing Officer — District Cadre, Group-C |
| Department | Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Odisha |
| Total Vacancies | 5,989 posts across all 30 districts of Odisha |
| Application Period | 13 June 2026 to 13 July 2026 | OTR Registration Closes: 06 July 2026 |
| Pay Scale | Level-8 — ₹29,200 to ₹92,300 per month (7th CPC) |
| Official Website | www.osssc.gov.in |
All updates — detailed notification, admit card, exam schedule, result, document verification dates — published exclusively on www.osssc.gov.in. OSSSC does not use WhatsApp or unofficial channels for communication.
Critical Reminders Before Applying
- Nursing Council registration must be valid and current — check validity date immediately and renew if expired before applying
- OTR registration closes 06 July 2026 — earlier than the application deadline of 13 July — complete OTR well in advance
- Verify that your GNM or B.Sc. Nursing institution is INC-recognised at indiannursingcouncil.org before applying
- District preference once submitted cannot be changed — research each district’s healthcare infrastructure and living conditions before selecting
- Odia language at Class 7 or above is mandatory, not optional — verified at document checking — no exemption for any category
- Category benefits (SEBC/SC/ST) apply only to Odisha domicile candidates — out-of-state candidates are treated as General/UR category
- The official detailed notification PDF at osssc.gov.in contains district-wise and category-wise vacancy breakdowns — always refer to this for the most accurate information
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