OPSC OMAS Eligibility 2026: Age Limit, Qualification and Relaxation

OPSC OMAS eligibility depends on three main conditions: a bachelor's degree, basic computer knowledge, and age within the limit on the stated reference date. Odisha Public Service Commission conducts the exam to recruit Group A and Group B officers to the Odisha Municipal Administrative Service under the Housing and Urban Development Department.

This page sets out the qualification rules from the OMAS Rules, 2016, the age limit used in the previous cycle (OMAS-2021, Advertisement No. 06 of 2022-23), how the 2025 age-limit change may affect the next cycle, the category relaxations, and the common reasons candidates are disqualified. No new OMAS advertisement has been issued as of October 2026, so confirm every condition in the next notification before applying.

Table of Contents

OPSC OMAS eligibility at a glance

Educational qualification

Schedule II of the Odisha Municipal Administrative Service (Method of Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2016 sets the qualification for the posts filled through OPSC:

• Any discipline: No specific subject or minimum percentage is prescribed. Arts, science, commerce and professional graduates are all eligible.

• Result deadline: You should hold the degree by the date the advertisement specifies, usually the last date of application. Check whether final-year students are allowed in the next notification.

• Computer proof: Keep a certificate, diploma or degree in computers ready. A degree that included computer applications as a subject may count, but check the advertisement wording.

You can read the full schedule in the official OMAS Rules, 2016 published by the Housing and Urban Development Department.

Age limit

In the OMAS-2021 cycle, candidates had to be at least 21 and not more than 38 years old as on 1 January 2022. That meant a date of birth not earlier than 2 January 1984 and not later than 1 January 2001.

In 2025, the Government of Odisha raised the general upper age limit for direct recruitment to state posts to 42 years. Recent OPSC advertisements, such as the Odisha Civil Services Examination 2025, use 21 to 42 years. The next OMAS advertisement is likely to follow the same limit, but this is not confirmed until OPSC publishes it. The reference date will also be stated in the advertisement.

Age relaxation

These are the usual Odisha government relaxations and apply only to candidates whose category status is recognised in Odisha. Candidates from reserved categories of other states generally apply as unreserved. The OMAS advertisement will state the exact relaxations and any cap on the maximum age.

Nationality, language and other conditions

• Nationality: You must be a citizen of India.

• Odia language: Odisha state posts generally require the ability to read, write and speak Odia. The advertisement states the accepted proof, such as having passed Odia at a set school level or a language test.

• Physical and mental fitness: The OMAS Rules require selected candidates to be physically fit and of sound mind, and to pass a medical board examination.

• Character: You must have good character. Conduct certificates are checked at verification.

If you are close to the upper age limit, start preparing now rather than waiting for the notification. You can take OPSC OMAS practice tests on Testkart to check where you stand.

Who is not eligible

• Without computer proof: Graduates who cannot show basic computer knowledge as the advertisement requires.

• Outside the age window: Candidates above the upper limit on the reference date after any relaxation they are entitled to.

• Degree not complete in time: Candidates whose degree result is declared after the deadline set in the advertisement.

• Invalid category claims: Candidates claiming a relaxation without a certificate from the competent authority of Odisha.

Fee and documents

The application fee is set in each advertisement, with exemption for SC, ST and PwD candidates of Odisha in recent OPSC notices. Keep these ready before you apply: your matriculation certificate for date of birth, your graduation certificate and marksheets, your computer certificate, a caste or disability certificate if applicable, and a recent photograph and signature in the specified format. The OPSC OMAS exam guide covers fees and the application steps.

Official notices are posted on the OPSC official website.