Odisha Staff Selection Commission has opened 646 Group-B technical vacancies across civil engineering, architecture, media, and drafting roles. The dominant share goes to Junior Engineers, but eligibility, field workload, and a two-stage technical exam mean this notification deserves a careful read before you hit apply.
When a single state-level notification bundles 606 Junior Engineer seats under three major departments, it draws attention across Odisha and beyond. The OSSC Combined Technical Services Recruitment Examination 2025 is one of the most substantial technical recruitment drives the commission has released in recent years. Diploma civil engineers make up the primary target group, with postings spread across Water Resources, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, and Municipal Administration departments. The remaining 40 vacancies cover Architectural Assistants, media-side roles under Information and Public Relations, and drafting posts in Rural Works. Salary sits at Level-9 of ORSP 2017 for JE and equivalent posts, which translates to a starting basic of roughly ₹35,400 with state government allowances added on top. The field workload is real, transfers within Odisha are part of the deal, and the preliminary plus main technical exam combo means preparation cannot be taken lightly. A candidate with a Diploma in Civil Engineering and a genuine interest in public infrastructure work will find strong reasons to apply. Those eyeing this purely as a fallback while waiting for something bigger should weigh the exam effort against their actual career goals.
Before applying, check the suitability and competition level explained below — many candidates apply without fully reviewing eligibility or job structure. Diploma holders in Civil Engineering are the dominant eligible group here, and the JE posts are the real draw. Non-engineering posts like Cameraman, Photographer, and Video Film Editor have very limited seats (1-2 each) and require specific media qualifications. The ₹35,400 base pay under Level-9 is standard for Group-B technical roles. Field postings and statewide transfers apply to all cadre posts. The two-stage written exam has negative marking, which adds preparation pressure beyond just eligibility clearance.
OSSC Combined Technical Services Recruitment Examination 2025 Key Facts Summary
OSSC CTSRE 2025 invites online applications for 646 Group-B and Group-C technical vacancies across 11 services under multiple Odisha government departments. The last date for online application submission is 02 July 2026.
- Post Name: Junior Engineer (Civil), Architectural Assistant, Cameraman, Photographer, Sound Recordist, Mechanic, Video Film Editor, Junior Draughtsman (Civil), Tracer (State Cadre Field)
- Total Vacancy: 646 posts (606 Junior Engineer vacancies across three departments and 40 vacancies for other technical posts)
- Qualification: Diploma in Civil Engineering for JE posts; post-specific diploma, technical qualification, or degree required for media and drafting posts; Odia language proficiency mandatory
- Salary: ₹35,400 basic pay under Level-9 (ORSP 2017) for JE and most Group-B posts; ₹29,200 for Junior Draughtsman; ₹18,000 for Tracer
- Last Date: 02 July 2026 for final application submission; application editing allowed until 05 July 2026
- Job Type: Regular Odisha Government job with statewide posting liability
OSSC CTSRE 2025 Important Dates
Advertisement No.: IIE-92/2025-905/OSSC
The application window gives candidates just over a month from registration to final submission. OSSC advises submitting well before the deadline, as server load typically spikes in the final days. No hard-copy submission is required — the entire process runs online at www.ossc.gov.in. Fee payment must be completed before the June 29 cut-off, even if you plan to submit the form in early July.
OSSC CTSRE 2025 Vacancy Breakdown
The Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water department alone accounts for 450 JE vacancies, making it the single largest opportunity in this cycle. SC and ST categories have strong representation across JE posts — reserved candidates should check their category-specific seats carefully before choosing post preference order, as allotment follows merit-cum-preference and cannot be reversed after final selection.
Preparing seriously for OSSC CTSRE 2025 JE Civil and technical posts? The exam includes both preliminary aptitude screening and technical subject questions, so using a structured objective book can significantly improve preparation speed, revision quality, and MCQ accuracy.
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OSSC CTSRE 2025 Eligibility Criteria
The upper age limit of 42 years applies to unreserved candidates, with a 5-year relaxation for SC, ST, SEBC, and all women candidates. PwD candidates get 10 years of age relaxation. An important general requirement across all posts: candidates must read, write, and speak Odia fluently, with specific proof of Odia medium study or Odia as a language subject. All qualification certificates must be in hand on or before the form submission deadline — there is no grace period for degree completion.
OSSC CTSRE 2025 Salary Structure
The Level-9 starting pay of ₹35,400 grows with DA, HRA, and other Odisha state government allowances. Actual in-hand salary varies depending on posting location, deductions, and applicable allowances. Promotions to Assistant Engineer and then Executive Engineer are possible over time, though timelines vary by department and vacancy availability. Junior Draughtsman and Tracer posts carry considerably lower pay, so candidates should compare long-term career prospects before applying.
OSSC CTSRE 2025 Selection Process
The preliminary exam functions primarily as a filter — general subjects at Class 10 standard with negative marking. Clearing it comfortably puts you in the main exam, where your technical knowledge actually matters. The technical syllabus for JE Civil is extensive, covering structural mechanics, geotechnical engineering, construction technology, irrigation, surveying, highway engineering, and more. Preparation time of three to five months for someone with a fresh diploma background is realistic. The exam can be conducted in OMR or CBRE mode; Odia and English mediums are both available, with medium choice locked after submission.
OSSC CTSRE 2025 Job Location
All positions carry state cadre status, meaning transfers within Odisha are part of the job contract. JE posts under Panchayati Raj often involve postings in remote blocks and rural areas, which aligns with the nature of drinking water infrastructure work. Urban postings under Municipal Administration are more likely for those candidates, though not guaranteed. Anyone expecting a hometown posting should understand that transfer requests typically involve several years of service first.
OSSC CTSRE 2025 Responsibilities
JE Civil work under Municipal Administration involves both indoor design tasks and outdoor site inspections, often in challenging conditions. The advertisement explicitly notes that JE posts under Municipal Administration can involve work in hot and dusty environments, with mobility being a functional requirement. Water Resources JEs manage supervision of dams, canal maintenance, and rural water supply schemes — field exposure is the core of the job, not a minor part. Media posts under I&PR are more office-centric but may involve coverage assignments at odd hours and on short notice.
OSSC CTSRE 2025 Application Fee
The ₹500 fee is effectively refundable for those who appear in the preliminary exam, which softens the financial commitment for general category candidates. Payment goes through the Odisha Treasury portal linked to the online application. Candidates must provide valid bank account details for the refund — incorrect account information will not be corrected by OSSC after submission. Applications without fee payment from eligible non-exempt candidates will be summarily rejected.
OSSC CTSRE 2025 Apply Mode
One application per candidate is strictly enforced. Multiple submissions, even with different registration numbers, result in cancellation of all applications and potential permanent debarment. Candidates currently in state or central government service must upload a No Objection Certificate. The medium of examination — Odia or English — must be chosen at the time of form submission and cannot be changed afterwards. Read through the form preview carefully before final submission, as corrections are allowed only within the edit window ending July 5.
OSSC CTSRE 2025 Competition Analysis
With 646 total vacancies, this is among the larger technical recruitments OSSC has issued recently. The 606 JE Civil seats are significant and will attract a very high volume of diploma holders from across Odisha. Past OSSC technical exams have seen applicant-to-vacancy ratios well above 30:1 for JE posts. The preliminary filter alone will eliminate the majority of applicants before the technical paper. A strong command over the JE Civil technical syllabus — particularly structural design, surveying, and estimation — is what separates shortlisted candidates in the main exam. Media and drafting posts, with single-digit or near-zero vacancies, carry substantially higher effective competition per seat.
OSSC CTSRE 2025 Comparison with Similar Opportunities
State PSC and SSC CGL offer better overall pay scale access for engineering graduates, but this exam requires only a diploma, making it accessible far earlier in one’s career. OSSC JE posts compare favourably with OPSC AEE in terms of effort-to-entry ratio — the OSSC exam is significantly less rigorous than a PSC interview process. Railway JE salaries under Level-6 (₹35,400) match this notification’s Level-9 starting pay, but central government postings offer different allowance structures and service conditions. For Odisha-based diploma holders who prefer to serve within the state, this is one of the most direct and substantial options available.
OSSC CTSRE 2025 Career Reality Check
Job stability is solid — regular appointment under state rules, pension under NPS, and defined service conditions. Promotion to Assistant Engineer is possible but depends on department vacancy positions and seniority, which can mean long waits in some cadres. Field JE roles in Panchayati Raj and Water Resources often involve physically demanding outdoor work, pressure during monsoon project execution, and accountability for contractor supervision. Urban postings under Municipal Administration involve less remote travel but carry coordination pressures with local government bodies. Career growth is predictable rather than fast-paced, which suits candidates looking for stability more than rapid advancement.
Should You Apply for OSSC CTSRE 2025?
Diploma civil engineers between 21 and 42 who are comfortable with field-based state government work and want a stable career in Odisha will find this worth a serious push. The 606 JE vacancies are meaningful, and the refundable exam fee reduces the financial risk of trying. Candidates already preparing for central-level JE exams like SSC JE can overlap significant syllabus portions here, making dual preparation viable. Those holding only a BE or BTech degree are technically ineligible for JE posts here — the Diploma requirement is the stated benchmark. Media professionals eyeing Cameraman or Photographer seats should weigh whether 1-2 seats across general and ST category justify the full exam cycle investment. For Tracer and Junior Draughtsman aspirants, the Level-5 and Level-8 pay respectively should be compared against private-sector AutoCAD drafting opportunities before committing.
More Opportunities and Career Guides on OdishaJobsDesk
Not eligible for this post? Explore other latest government job opportunities with different qualifications, lower competition, or online application options below.
Last date to apply online for OSSC CTSRE 2025 recruitment is 29 June 2026. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted by the commission.
Action Tip: Complete registration and final submission at least 3–5 days before the closing date to avoid heavy traffic, payment failures, or form correction mistakes.
Apply Online, Download Official Notification PDF & Important Links
OSSC CTSRE 2025 FAQ
What is the last date to apply for OSSC CTSRE 2025?
Online application forms can be submitted until 02 July 2026. The editing window stays open until 05 July 2026. Fee registration must be completed by 29 June 2026.
Which post has the most vacancies in OSSC CTSRE 2025?
Junior Engineer (Civil) under the Director, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department has 450 vacancies, the largest share in this notification.
Is a BE degree acceptable instead of a Diploma for JE posts?
The notification specifies a Diploma in Civil Engineering from a recognized institution. BE or BTech degree holders are not listed as eligible for the JE posts in this advertisement.
What is the negative marking penalty in the OSSC CTSRE 2025 Preliminary Exam?
0.25 marks (one-fourth) are deducted for each wrong answer in the MCQ-based Preliminary Examination. The Main Technical Exam follows a similar pattern with 1/4 deduction if four options are given per question.
Can a candidate apply for more than one post in OSSC CTSRE 2025?
Yes, candidates eligible for multiple posts can apply and must provide a preference order. Final allotment is based on merit-cum-preference and is binding — no changes are permitted after the commission makes its decision.
Are SC and ST candidates exempt from the examination fee?
Yes. SC, ST, and PwD candidates do not pay any examination fee. General and SEBC candidates pay ₹500, which is refunded upon appearing in the Stage I examination.
What documents are needed at the time of certificate verification?
Original academic certificates, marksheets, date of birth proof (HSC certificate), caste certificate (for reserved categories), computer proficiency certificate, AutoCAD certificate where applicable, NOC from employer for government servants, and a valid disability certificate for PwD candidates are among the key documents required.
OSSC CTSRE 2025 Final Verdict
OSSC CTSRE 2025 is a genuine and large-scale opportunity for diploma civil engineers in Odisha. The JE posts carry reasonable Group-B pay, real job security, and direct entry into state infrastructure work. The two-stage exam format demands focused technical preparation, and the field workload of JE roles is not light. Media and drafting vacancies are too few to warrant significant standalone effort unless a candidate has very targeted skills and limited alternative routes. Statewide transfer commitments are real. Within those parameters, the JE Civil application carries strong merit for the right profile — a diploma holder comfortable with Odisha postings and willing to invest two to four months of serious exam preparation.
Meera Joshi is the author and content curator at PSPCL Exam. She focuses on providing clear, accurate, and up-to-date information related to government jobs, exams, results, and admit cards. With a strong interest in the education and career sector, she aims to simplify complex updates so aspirants can easily stay informed and prepared.