The Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) has released the short notice for OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026. Applications are invited online for 238 District Cadre Group-C posts of Ophthalmic Officer in 29 district establishments under the Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Odisha (Advt. No. IIE-103/2026-3226/OSSSC, dated 30.10.2026). Online registration starts on 5 November 2026.
For optometry and ophthalmic students, the OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer vacancy 2026 is a rare chance to get a stable government job. The post sits at Pay Level-7 and has a clear promotion path up to Assistant Director.
Important update note (last updated 4 November 2026): This article is based on the OSSSC short notice and the Odisha Gazette notification for the Ophthalmic Service Cadre. The detailed advertisement is not out yet. Qualification, age limit, fee, selection process, syllabus and category-wise vacancies will be confirmed there. Anything marked “Expected” is not official. We will update this post as soon as the detailed advertisement is published.
OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer Recruitment 2026: Quick Summary
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) |
| Department | Health & Family Welfare Department, Govt. of Odisha |
| Post Name | Ophthalmic Officer (earlier called Ophthalmic Assistant) |
| Post Category | District Cadre, Group-C |
| Advertisement No. | IIE-103/2026-3226/OSSSC |
| Short Notice Date | 30.10.2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 238 |
| Job Location | 29 district establishments, Odisha |
| Pay Level | Level-7, ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 (ORSP Rules, 2017), as per the Gazette cadre notification |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Registration / Re-registration | 05.11.2026 to 29.11.2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 05.12.2026 |
| Official Website | www.osssc.gov.in |
| Detailed Advertisement | Will be published shortly |
OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Short advertisement released | 30.10.2026 |
| Online registration / re-registration starts | 05.11.2026 |
| Online registration / re-registration last date | 29.11.2026 |
| Online application submission starts | 05.11.2026 |
| Last date to submit online application | 05.12.2026 |
| Detailed advertisement | To be announced |
| Exam date and admit card | To be announced |
Do not miss this: registration closes on 29 November, a week before the application deadline of 5 December. Finish your OSSSC registration early and do not wait for the last week.
OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026: District-wise and Category-wise Seats
OSSSC has announced 238 vacancies in 29 district establishments. As the posts are district cadre, vacancies are tied to individual districts instead of one state-wide pool. The district-wise and category-wise split will be given in the detailed advertisement.
Category-wise seat allocation (to be updated):
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR (Unreserved) | To be updated |
| SEBC | To be updated |
| SC | To be updated |
| ST | To be updated |
| Total | 238 |
Reservation for women, PwD, ex-servicemen and sportspersons is applied as per Odisha Government rules. The detailed advertisement will show how these are distributed.
Ophthalmic Officer Salary 2026 and Career Growth in Odisha (OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026)
According to the Odisha Gazette notification (Health & Family Welfare Department, 16 March 2024), the entry-level Ophthalmic Officer is placed at Level-7 (₹25,500 – ₹81,100) under ORSP Rules, 2017. The detailed advertisement will confirm the pay and allowances for this recruitment.
The cadre has a full promotion ladder, which is a big reason this job is attractive:
| Designation | Pay Level / Scale | Sanctioned Posts | Promotion Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Director | Level-12, ₹56,100–1,76,500 | 1 | 5 years as Chief Ophthalmic Officer, or 25 years in the cadre with 1 year as Chief |
| Chief Ophthalmic Officer | Level-11, ₹47,600–1,51,100 | 15 | 5 years as Sr. Ophthalmic Officer Level-I, or 20 years in the cadre with 2 years as Sr. Officer Level-I |
| Sr. Ophthalmic Officer Level-I | Level-10, ₹44,900–1,42,400 | 53 | 5 years as Sr. Officer Level-II, or 15 years in the cadre with 2 years as Sr. Officer Level-II |
| Sr. Ophthalmic Officer Level-II | Level-9, ₹35,400–1,12,400 | 131 | 8 years as Ophthalmic Officer |
| Ophthalmic Officer | Level-7, ₹25,500–81,100 | 338 | Entry stage by direct recruitment |
The total cadre strength is 538 posts. The Gazette also confirms that the existing Ophthalmic Assistant post has been re-designated as Ophthalmic Officer.
OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer Eligibility 2026: Qualification, Age Limit and Nationality
The short notice does not state the eligibility conditions. Here is what is confirmed so far and what is still pending.
Educational Qualification (OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026)
The Gazette lists the entry-level qualification as +2 Science or equivalent, with a two-year Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Training Course or a Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant Course from a Government or Government-recognised institute of the State.
This is the baseline. The final qualification clause will appear in the detailed advertisement, and it is the only one that counts.
Age Limit (OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026)
Not announced yet. Age relaxation for reserved categories is expected as per Odisha Government rules.
Nationality, Domicile and Odia Language (Expected)
These are not in the short notice, so watch for them in the detailed advertisement. In recent OSSSC recruitments:
- Reservation and age relaxation were given only to reserved-category candidates who are permanent residents of Odisha and hold a domicile certificate.
- Candidates were expected to be able to read, write and speak Odia.
Can Diploma in Optometry or B.Sc. Optometry Candidates Apply for OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026?
Short answer: it is not confirmed yet. Please do not assume.
- The short notice is silent on qualification.
- The Gazette names +2 Science with a certified ophthalmic assistant / ophthalmic surgical assistant course from a Government or recognised institute of the State. It does not name Diploma in Optometry or B.Sc. Optometry.
- The Gazette says the Odisha Ophthalmic Service Cadre Rules will be framed later. The detailed advertisement will show whether optometry diploma or degree holders are accepted.
What you should do right now:
- Complete your OSSSC registration so you are ready when the detailed advertisement is out.
- When it is released, read the “Essential Qualification” clause carefully, especially any “equivalent” wording.
- If it is unclear, ask OSSSC directly: 0674-2597149 / 2597152 (Block No. 3 & 5, Unit-1, Bhubaneswar-751009).
- Do not pay any fee or final-submit until you are sure your qualification is accepted.
We will update this section with the exact answer once the detailed advertisement is out.
Can Candidates from Other States Apply for OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026?
Not confirmed yet. Two things to watch in the detailed advertisement:
- Course from “the State”: The Gazette says the qualifying course must be from a Government or recognised institute of the State. This reads as Odisha, so check whether the course must be from an Odisha institute.
- Domicile rules: In earlier OSSSC recruitments, out-of-state candidates could generally apply only under the unreserved category. Reservation and age relaxation need an Odisha domicile certificate.
Keep your category certificate and domicile certificate ready if you are from Odisha.
Can Freshers Apply for OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026?
Yes, freshers are expected to be eligible. The Gazette describes Ophthalmic Officer as the entry stage by direct recruitment and mentions no work experience. The short notice also asks for none. Confirm this in the detailed advertisement.
OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026 Selection Process
Not announced yet. For OSSSC district-cadre posts, the usual pattern is a written examination followed by certificate/document verification, with merit prepared as per the rules. Some posts also add a skill test or interview.
For reference, in recent OSSSC exams the minimum qualifying marks were 30% for reserved and special categories and 35% for all others. This may or may not apply here.
Expected exam pattern (not official):
| Stage | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Written exam (MCQ) | Optometry/ophthalmic technical section + general section |
| Document verification | Qualification, category, domicile, age proof |
| Final merit list | As per OSSSC and Odisha Government rules |
OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer Application Fee 2026 (OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026)
The short notice does not mention any fee. Recent OSSSC advertisements have been inconsistent. One 2025 advertisement charged ₹500 for General/SEBC, exempted SC/ST/PwD and refunded the fee to those who appeared in the exam. Another had no fee for any category. Wait for the official detailed advertisement.
How to Apply Online for OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026
Applications are accepted online only. Based on the notice, there are two stages: registration/re-registration and application submission. Exact screens may change once the detailed advertisement is out.
- Visit the official website www.osssc.gov.in.
- Complete online registration (new candidates) or re-registration (already registered candidates) by 29 November 2026.
- Log in and open the Ophthalmic Officer 2026 advertisement (IIE-103/2026-3226/OSSSC).
- Read the detailed advertisement completely: qualification, age, domicile and Odia language conditions.
- Fill in personal, educational and category details, and any district preference asked for.
- Upload your photo, signature and certificates in the required format.
- Pay the application fee if it applies to you.
- Submit before 5 December 2026 and save or print the confirmation.
Documents to keep ready (OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026):
- Class 10 certificate (date of birth proof)
- +2 Science marksheet and certificate
- Optometry / ophthalmic assistant course certificate and marksheets
- Caste/category certificate in Odisha Government format, if claiming
- Odisha domicile / permanent resident certificate
- Proof of Odia language qualification
- PwD, ex-servicemen or sports certificate, if applicable
- Passport-size photo, signature and a valid ID
- Council or professional registration details, if required
OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer Syllabus 2026 (Expected)
The official syllabus is not out. Based on the post and similar government optometry exams, prepare these areas first.
Part A: Optometry and Ophthalmic Subjects (Expected)
- Anatomy and physiology of the eye
- Physical, geometrical and visual optics
- Refraction and retinoscopy
- Ocular diseases and pathology
- Clinical optometry and ophthalmic instruments
- Binocular vision and squint
- Contact lenses and low vision
- Ophthalmic dispensing and lenses
- Ocular pharmacology and ocular emergencies
- Community eye health and public health
- Basic OT techniques, sterilisation and first aid
Part B: General Subjects (Expected)
- General awareness and current affairs
- Odisha general knowledge
- Basic reasoning and numerical ability
- English and Odia language
- Basic computer awareness
We will replace this with the official syllabus once OSSSC publishes it.
🩸 How to Prepare for OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026 with the Gov Job Preparation Course
Exam dates are not out, and that is the best time to start. The Gov Job Preparation course in the Optometry Notes & MCQs app by Smart Optometry Academy is built for government optometry and ophthalmic job exams. Smart Optometry Academy serves 20,000+ optometry students worldwide.
Follow this sequence, which has worked best for our students:
| Step | What to Study | Why This Step |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Subject-wise Theory Notes | Build a strong base first. Read each subject once and mark weak topics. |
| 2 | Premium Lectures & Fundamental Optometry Videos | Clear difficult concepts like optics and refraction by seeing them explained. |
| 3 | Subject-wise MCQs | Test each subject right after learning it and find gaps early. |
| 4 | Previous Year MCQs | Learn the exam style, repeated topics and difficulty level. |
| 5 | Non-Optometry MCQs | Cover the general section (GK, reasoning and similar topics) that recruitment exams often include. |
Tips for this sequence:
- Do not jump to MCQs before finishing notes. Practice works best on a clear base.
- Revise weak subjects after each MCQ set and re-attempt the questions you missed.
- Keep the last stage, Non-Optometry MCQs, for steady daily practice until the exam.
Start your preparation today:
- Course Overview: https://smartoptometryacademy.com/optometry-govt-job-exams-uccess-stories/
- Download the App (Optometry Notes & MCQs): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.robin.osvlt
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/smartoptometry-with-samir
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying
- Waiting for the last date. Registration closes on 29 November, earlier than the application deadline.
- Assuming eligibility. Do not rely on random websites for qualification or age limits. Read the official detailed advertisement.
- Wrong or missing certificates. Caste and domicile certificates must be in the format Odisha asks for.
- Mismatched details. Your name, date of birth and photo must match your certificates.
- Not saving the confirmation. Download and keep the final application copy.
OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026 FAQs
1. How many vacancies are there in OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026?
There are 238 District Cadre Group-C vacancies in 29 district establishments.
2. What is the last date to apply?
Registration/re-registration ends on 29.11.2026, and the application must be submitted by 05.12.2026.
3. Is the detailed notification out?
Not yet. OSSSC has said it will be published shortly on www.osssc.gov.in.
4. What is the qualification for OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer?
The Gazette lists +2 Science with a two-year Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Training Course or Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant Course from a Government or Government-recognised institute of the State. Wait for the detailed advertisement for the final clause.
5. Can Diploma in Optometry holders apply?
It is not confirmed. The Gazette does not name Diploma in Optometry. Check the detailed advertisement or call OSSSC before applying.
6. Can B.Sc. Optometry candidates apply?
Not confirmed either. It depends on the qualification and “equivalent” wording in the detailed advertisement.
7. Can candidates from other states apply?
Not confirmed. Watch the domicile conditions and whether the course must be from an institute “of the State”.
8. Can freshers apply?
Yes, freshers are expected to be eligible, as this is the entry-level post by direct recruitment with no experience mentioned.
9. What is the salary of an Ophthalmic Officer in Odisha?
The Gazette places the post at Pay Level-7 (₹25,500–81,100) under ORSP Rules, 2017.
10. Is Ophthalmic Officer the same as Ophthalmic Assistant?
Yes. The Gazette re-designates the Ophthalmic Assistant post as Ophthalmic Officer.
11. What is the selection process?
Not announced. A written exam followed by document verification is expected, based on OSSSC’s usual pattern.
12. Is there an application fee?
The short notice does not mention one. Wait for the detailed advertisement.
13. Is Odia language mandatory?
It has been required in recent OSSSC recruitments. Check the detailed advertisement for this post.
14. What is the promotion path after Ophthalmic Officer?
Sr. Ophthalmic Officer Level-II, then Level-I, then Chief Ophthalmic Officer, then Assistant Director.
15. How should I start preparing before the syllabus is out?
Start with theory notes and core optometry subjects. Follow the five-step Gov Job Preparation sequence above.
Final Words
The OSSSC Ophthalmic Officer 2026 recruitment is a strong opportunity for optometry and ophthalmic candidates, with 238 posts, Level-7 pay and a clear promotion ladder. Register early, keep your documents ready, and check the detailed advertisement carefully before applying. Start your preparation now with the Gov Job Preparation course in the Optometry Notes & MCQs app, and bookmark this page for updates.
We will update this article with eligibility, age limit, fee, selection process and syllabus as soon as OSSSC releases the detailed advertisement.
- Check Our Courses: Ophthalmic Instrumentation, Clinical Refraction, Contact Lens, Binocular Vision, Dispensing Optics, MCQs in Optometry
- Download our App “Optometry Notes & MCQs” from Google Play Store.
