OPSC Dental Surgeon Recruitment 2026: 124 Vacancies, Exam Dates & Syllabus

Are you a BDS graduate or a private dental practitioner looking for a stable and rewarding career in the government sector? The Odisha Public Service Commission has announced a massive opportunity.

The OPSC has released Advertisement No. 07 of 2025-26 for the recruitment of Dental Surgeons. With over a hundred vacancies available, this is the perfect time to step into a Group-A Junior Branch position under the Health and Family Welfare Department. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the exam schedule, eligibility requirements, syllabus, and the application process.

Overview of OPSC Dental Surgeon Recruitment

This recruitment drive is specifically for filling dental surgeon positions across Odisha. The positions are currently temporary but are likely to be made permanent. Selected candidates will be placed in Level-12, Cell-1 of the ORSP Rules, 2017. This comes with usual dearness and other allowances sanctioned by the Government of Odisha.

Before diving into the preparation strategy, let us look at the critical dates you need to mark on your calendar.

Important Dates to Remember

Vacancy Details

The commission has announced a total of 124 vacancies for the Dental Surgeon post. Here is the category-wise breakdown of the available seats:

Note: Out of the total vacancies, 5 posts are reserved for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and 1 post is reserved for Sports Persons.

Eligibility Criteria

Before you begin your application, you must ensure you meet the strict eligibility guidelines set by the commission.

1. Educational Qualifications

• You must hold a BDS or an equivalent degree from a Medical College or Institution recognized by the Dental Council of India.
• You must possess a valid Registration Certificate under the Dentist Act 1948.
• If you earned your degree from a foreign university, you need the required Conversion Certificates recognized by the DCI.

2. Age Limit

• You must be at least 21 years old and not older than 42 years as of January 1, 2026.
• This means your birth date should fall between January 2, 1984, and January 1, 2005.
• Age relaxations apply. There is a 5 year relaxation for SEBC, SC, ST, Women, and Ex-servicemen. PwD candidates get a 10 year relaxation.

3. Language Requirement

• You must be able to read, write, and speak Odia.
• If you have not passed a Middle School Examination in Odia, you must pass an Odia language test conducted by the Board of Secondary Education within 4 years of joining the service.

Exam Pattern and Selection Process

The selection process is straightforward and relies entirely on a Written Test. There is no mention of an interview stage.

• Total Marks: 200 marks.
• Number of Questions: 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
• Duration: 3 hours.
• Negative Marking: Yes. For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted.

Syllabus and Marks Distribution

The syllabus strictly follows the Dental Council of India (DCI) syllabus for BDS. To help you prioritize your studies, here is the official marks distribution across different dental disciplines:

How to Apply and Examination Fees

All applications must be submitted online. Applications sent through any other mode will be rejected.

Step by Step Process:

1. Visit the official OPSC website at https://opsc.gov.in.
2. Navigate to the online application link which will be active from March 17, 2026
3. Fill in your details carefully. The form is automated and will guide you based on your inputs
4. Upload clear scanned copies of your latest passport size photograph, full signature, and Left-hand Thumb Impression.
5. Pay the examination fee of Rupees 700. Candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwD categories do not need to pay this fee.

Important Points and Strategy Notes

• Mandatory Rural Service: Once selected, you must serve a minimum of 3 years in KBK, KBK+ or tribal sub-plan areas. If you fail to join your posting, you will be permanently debarred from state government service and your BDS bond amount will be recovered.
• Current Government Employees: If you are already working in a temporary or permanent government job, you must inform your Head of Office and obtain a "No Objection Certificate" well in advance.
• Tie-Breaking Rule: If two candidates get the same score in the written test, the one with higher marks in their BDS examination gets the higher rank. If BDS marks are also equal, the older candidate will be ranked higher.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When is the OPSC Dental Surgeon exam 2026?
The written examination is tentatively scheduled to be held on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

2. What is the upper age limit for the OPSC Dental Surgeon post?
The general upper age limit is 42 years as of January 1, 2026. Standard age relaxations apply for reserved categories.

3. Is there any negative marking in the OPSC written test?
Yes, there is a penalty for wrong answers. A deduction of 0.25 marks will be made for every incorrect answer.

4. Can other state candidates apply for this OPSC dental job?
Yes, Indian citizens can apply. However, candidates must be able to read, write, and speak Odia.

5. Do I need to pay the application fee if I am an ST candidate?
No, candidates belonging to the SC, ST, and PwD categories are exempt from paying the examination fee.