OPSC AAO Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern, Download PDF

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has officially released the OPSC AAO Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern along with the notification for Assistant Agriculture Officer recruitment. A total of 118 vacancies have been announced this year. To prepare effectively, candidates must clearly understand the updated syllabus and marking scheme. A well-planned strategy based on the official syllabus can greatly enhance accuracy and overall exam performance.

OPSC AAO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026

The OPSC AAO Syllabus 2026 is designed at the bachelor’s degree level in Agriculture and Horticulture. It focuses on testing candidates’ conceptual understanding of core agricultural subjects, applied knowledge, and practical awareness required for field-level responsibilities.

The OPSC AAO Exam Pattern 2026 follows an objective-type written examination format with negative marking, followed by a Personality Test. Understanding the structure of papers, weightage of topics, and marking rules is essential to avoid unnecessary deductions and maximize the final score.

OPSC AAO 2026 Recruitment: Overview

Before going into detailed information about the selection process, exam pattern, and syllabus, candidates should review the key highlights of the OPSC AAO examination to understand the overall framework of the recruitment process.

OPSC AAO Selection Process 2026

The selection process for OPSC Assistant Agriculture Officer is conducted in multiple stages to assess both academic knowledge and overall suitability for the post. Each stage plays a crucial role in determining the final merit list.

The selection process includes:

• Written Examination (MCQ-based)
• Personality Test (Interview)

Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks set by the Commission in the written examination to be shortlisted for the interview stage. The final merit list is prepared based on the combined marks obtained in the written examination and the interview.

OPSC AAO Exam Pattern 2026

Before reviewing the detailed exam pattern table, candidates should note that the written examination consists of two separate papers, both focused entirely on Agriculture-related subjects. Each paper is evaluated independently and carries equal weightage.

The exam emphasizes accuracy, as negative marking is applicable. Therefore, candidates should attempt questions only when reasonably confident.

Written Examination Pattern

Marking Scheme:

• +1 mark for each correct answer
• –0.25 mark for each wrong answer
• No marks deducted for unattempted questions

OPSC AAO Syllabus 2026

The OPSC AAO syllabus is comprehensive and covers all major disciplines of Agriculture and allied sciences. It is divided paper-wise and unit-wise to ensure balanced coverage of theoretical and practical aspects.

Candidates should study each unit thoroughly, as questions can be asked from any section without preference to a single topic.

OPSC AAO Syllabus for Paper I

Paper I primarily focuses on crop production, horticulture, plant protection, and environmental aspects of agriculture.

Unit I – Agronomy

• Agronomy
• Farming Systems and Sustainable Agriculture
• Principles of Organic Farming
• Crop Production Technology

Unit II – Horticulture

• Production Technology of Fruit Crops
• Production Technology of Vegetable Crops
• Production Technology of Floriculture Crops

Unit III – Plant Protection

• Plant Pathology and Microbiology
• Diseases of Field Crops
• Diseases of Horticultural Crops
• Entomology
• Nematode Pests of Horticultural Crops and Their Management

Unit IV – Allied Agricultural Sciences

• Agriculture and Sericulture
• Agro-Meteorology and Climate Change
• Forestry

OPSC AAO Syllabus for Paper II

Paper II focuses on soil science, crop improvement, agricultural extension, economics, and modern agricultural practices.

Unit I – Soil Science and Technology

• Geoinformatics and Nano-technology
• Fundamentals of Soil Science
• Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management
• Problematic Soils and Their Management

Unit II – Crop Improvement

• Principles of Seed Technology
• Genetics and Plant Breeding
• Introductory Crop Physiology

Unit III – Extension and Economics

• Agricultural Extension Education
• Agricultural Economics
• Statistical Methods
• Agri-Business Management
• Agricultural Marketing, Trade, and Prices

Unit IV – Agriculture Development

• Agriculture Heritage
• Farmer Empowerment Schemes

OPSC AAO Preparation Strategy 2026

A smart and exam-oriented preparation strategy is essential to crack the OPSC AAO 2026 examination, especially due to the wide syllabus and presence of negative marking. Candidates should focus on building conceptual clarity first and then move towards exam-level practice.

Step-by-Step Preparation Approach

Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly

Begin preparation by carefully reading the official OPSC AAO syllabus for both papers. Identify overlapping topics such as soil science, agronomy, and extension education to optimize study time.

Prioritize Core Subjects

• Focus more on high-weightage and frequently asked areas like:
• Agronomy and Crop Production
• Soil Science and Nutrient Management
• Plant Pathology and Entomology
• Agricultural Economics and Extension Education

Practical Preparation Tips

• Study from standard B.Sc. Agriculture textbooks rather than multiple sources
• Make short notes for formulas, definitions, and management practices
• Use diagrams and flowcharts for topics like crop physiology and soil classification
• Practice topic-wise MCQs after completing each unit

Mock Tests and Revision Strategy

• Attempt full-length mock tests to improve speed and time management
• Analyze each mock test to identify weak areas and revise them immediately
• Avoid blind guessing due to negative marking
• Dedicate the final weeks only to revision and practice, not new topics

A disciplined routine, consistent revision, and regular MCQ practice will significantly improve performance and help candidates secure a place in the final merit list.