OPSC Assistant Professor Provisional Answer Key 2026 Released
The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has officially published the Provisional Answer Key 2026 for the recruitment examination of Assistant Professor in the disciplines of Mechanical Engineering and Chemical Engineering under Advertisement No. 35 of 2023-24. Candidates who appeared for the written examination conducted across various designated centers in Odisha can now access and download the provisional answer key directly from the official OPSC portal (opsc.gov.in).
The release of the provisional answer key serves as an important step towards ensuring transparency in the evaluation process. It provides candidates with an opportunity to review the official response key, compare it against their attempted answers, estimate their probable written marks, and submit formal objections if any discrepancies or errors are identified.
Overview & Notification Background
The recruitment drive for Assistant Professors in Engineering disciplines was initiated under Advertisement No. 35 of 2023-24 to fulfill faculty positions in government engineering institutions and colleges across Odisha. Following the successful completion of the competitive examination, the commission has made available the subject-wise provisional key for Mechanical and Chemical Engineering streams.
| Recruitment Body | Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Assistant Professor (Mechanical & Chemical Engineering) |
| Advt. No. | 35 of 2023-24 |
| Document Type | Provisional Answer Key 2026 |
| Official Web Portal | www.opsc.gov.in |
| Mode of Challenge | Online / Official Format Submission |
Vacancies Breakdown & Educational Eligibility Criteria
The Assistant Professor positions were advertised across key engineering branches to recruit qualified faculty members. To be eligible for consideration, candidates were required to meet specific educational and professional qualifications:
- Educational Qualifications: Candidates must hold a Master’s Degree (B.E./B.Tech and M.E./M.Tech) in Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering with First Class or equivalent in appropriate branch. Ph.D. holders or NET/GATE qualified candidates were given due consideration as per UGC/AICTE norms.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in Odia language (reading, writing, and speaking) is mandatory as per Odisha Civil Services recruitment rules.
How to Download OPSC Assistant Professor Answer Key 2026
Candidates can follow the step-by-step procedure detailed below to download the provisional response key from the official OPSC website:
- Visit the official portal of the Odisha Public Service Commission at www.opsc.gov.in.
- Navigate to the 'What's New' section on the homepage.
- Locate and click on the link titled "Provisional Answer Key - Recruitment to the post of Assistant Professor (Mechanical & Chemical Engineering) (Advt. No. 35 of 2023-24)".
- A PDF file containing the set-wise answer keys (Set A, B, C, D) for Mechanical and Chemical Engineering will open on the screen.
- Download the PDF file and save it for future reference.
- Compare your marked responses against the official key to calculate your estimated written test score.
Objection Submission Process & Guidelines
If candidates detect any factual inaccuracies, incorrect options, or ambiguous questions in the provisional answer key, they are allowed to submit formal representations/objections within the stipulated timeframe prescribed by OPSC.
Important Guidelines for Raising Objections:
- Submission Mode: Objections must be submitted online or through the prescribed mode specified in the official notice issued by the Commission.
- Documentary Proof: Every objection raised must be backed by valid textual references, standard textbooks, or peer-reviewed scientific journals. Unsubstantiated claims will be rejected without review.
- Time Limit: Objections received after the specified deadline will not be entertained under any circumstances.
- Final Answer Key: A panel of subject experts appointed by OPSC will review all submitted objections. Based on their expert assessment, necessary corrections will be made, and the Final Answer Key along with the written examination result will be published.
Selection Process & Next Steps
The recruitment process for OPSC Assistant Professor involves multiple evaluation stages as per prescribed recruitment rules:
- Written Examination: Objective/descriptive test evaluating domain knowledge in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering.
- Answer Key Challenge & Evaluation: Resolution of candidate objections and evaluation of answer sheets based on the final key.
- Document Verification & Interview/Viva-Voce: Candidates shortlisted on the basis of written merit are called for verification of original certificates and professional credentials.
- Final Merit List: Preparation of the final merit list based on overall performance in the selection process.
Pay Scale & Remuneration Structure
Appointed candidates will join as Assistant Professors under the Higher Education / Skill Development & Technical Education Department of Odisha, drawing a competitive salary structure under Pay Level 10 of the 7th Pay Commission, along with standard state allowances including DA, HRA, and Medical Benefits.