OSSSC Village Agriculture Worker Eligibility Criteria 2026: Qualification & Age Limit

The Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) recruits Village Agriculture Workers (VAWs) to bolster agricultural outreach and support at the field level. It is imperative that prospective candidates thoroughly review the OSSSC Village Agriculture Worker eligibility criteria, as applications that fail to meet these specific requirements are subject to disqualification during the selection process.

OSSSC Village Agriculture Worker Eligibility Criteria 2026

The VAW role is tailored for individuals with a background in agricultural studies. The OSSSC eligibility framework encompasses strict mandates regarding education, age, language, and statutory compliance. You must meet all conditions defined for the Odisha Village Agriculture Worker Recruitment 2026 before the closing date of the online application process.

Overview of OSSSC Village Agriculture Worker Eligibility Criteria 2026

To ensure the selection of highly capable and qualified professionals, the OSSSC has established comprehensive eligibility standards. These criteria cover educational qualifications, age boundaries, permissible relaxations, and mandatory language proficiency. A concise summary of these requirements is provided below for your guidance.

OSSSC Village Agriculture Worker Eligibility Criteria 2026

Candidates should meticulously review every aspect of the OSSSC VAW eligibility criteria. Eligibility is based on a holistic assessment; therefore, applicants must satisfy all stated requirements collectively to be considered for the role.

Educational Qualification for OSSSC VAW 2026

Educational qualification is the foundational requirement for the Village Agriculture Worker position. OSSSC prescribes specific agriculture-related academic credentials to ensure that all selected candidates possess the necessary technical expertise.

To qualify for this recruitment, applicants must meet the following minimum educational standards:

• Passed +2 Science or +2 Vocational Course in Agriculture-related subjects
• Accepted subject streams include:
  • Crop Production (CP)
  • Horticulture (HORT)
  • Repair and Maintenance of Power-Driven Farm Machinery (PDFM)
• The qualification must be obtained from a recognised Board, Council, or Institution

Desirable Qualification

Beyond the mandatory prerequisites, the OSSSC identifies desirable qualifications that may provide candidates with a distinct advantage during the selection process.

• Candidates holding a Diploma in Agriculture (Polytechnic) under the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) are given preference
• Such candidates are awarded 5% extra marks based on the marks secured in the Written Examination

This additional recognition serves to incentivize and reward candidates who possess advanced agricultural training and significant field-based experience.

OSSSC VAW Age Limit

Age eligibility is designed to ensure that candidates are at a career stage suitable for the rigorous, hands-on field responsibilities required of a Village Agriculture Worker.

According to the official recruitment guidelines:

• Minimum Age: 21 years
• Maximum Age: 42 years

For the purpose of this notification, candidate age will be calculated as of January 1, 2025.

Candidates outside the specified age bracket are ineligible unless they qualify for age relaxation under the applicable reserved categories.

OSSSC Village Agriculture Worker Age Relaxation

OSSSC provides upper age relaxation for reserved and special category candidates in compliance with government directives, ensuring equitable access to state employment opportunities.

Important Note:
Candidates qualifying for multiple age relaxation categories may claim only one, selecting the option that offers the greatest benefit.

Odia Language Proficiency Requirement

Because the VAW role requires frequent communication with local farmers and regional officials, strong proficiency in the Odia language is mandatory.

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak Odia, and must fulfill one of the established language proficiency benchmarks:

• Passed Middle English School Examination with Odia as a subject
• Passed Matriculation or equivalent examination with Odia as the medium of instruction
• Passed Odia as a language subject in Class VII or above from a government-recognised institution
• Passed a special Odia test conducted by the School & Mass Education Department

Other Mandatory Eligibility Conditions

In addition to specific education and age requirements, candidates must satisfy the general eligibility conditions mandated by the OSSSC.

• Must be a citizen of India
• Must possess good moral character
• If married, the candidate must not have more than one spouse living, unless permitted under personal law
• PwD candidates must have:
  • Permanent Disability Certificate
  • Minimum 40% benchmark disability
  • Valid UDID / Disability Certificate issued by a competent authority
• Candidates with temporary disability are not eligible
• All eligibility conditions must be fulfilled by the last date of online application submission