OSSSC CRE is the Combined Recruitment Examination held by the Odisha Subordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC), based in Bhubaneswar. Through one exam, it fills many Group C posts in Odisha government departments, such as Revenue Inspector, Assistant Revenue Inspector, Amin and Junior Assistant.
The selection has a written exam and, for many posts, a practical computer skill test. Posts, stages and patterns have changed from cycle to cycle, so the current advertisement is the final guide.
- OSSSC CRE is one exam for many Group C posts in Odisha.
- Posts have included RI, ARI, Amin, ICDS Supervisor, Junior Assistant, VAW and SFS.
- Selection has had a written test and a qualifying computer skill test for many posts.
- Do not confuse OSSSC with OSSC, which holds the Odisha CGL and other exams.
OSSSC vs OSSC
Odisha has two different staff selection bodies:
| Point | OSSSC | OSSC |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Odisha Subordinate Staff Selection Commission | Odisha Staff Selection Commission |
| Main exams | Combined Recruitment Examination (CRE) and other exams for subordinate posts | Combined Graduate Level (CGL) and other exams |
| Typical posts | RI, ARI, Amin, Junior Assistant, Forest Guard | Assistant Section Officer and other graduate posts |
Check the website and the name on the advertisement before you apply.
Posts covered
Recent CRE advertisements have included posts such as:
- Revenue Inspector (RI) - land records and revenue work in a revenue circle.
- Assistant Revenue Inspector (ARI) and Amin - field survey and land measurement.
- Junior Assistant (JA) - office and clerical work in district offices.
- ICDS Supervisor - supervision of anganwadi centres (for women).
- Village Agriculture Worker (VAW) - farm extension work at village level.
- Statistical Field Surveyor (SFS) - data collection for surveys.
Some cycles have also included forest and excise posts. The posts and vacancies change with each advertisement.
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Eligibility
| Post | Qualification in recent notices |
|---|---|
| RI | Graduation in any subject, with knowledge of computer applications |
| ICDS Supervisor | Graduation in Arts, Science or Commerce; women only |
| Junior Assistant | Graduation, with computer skills |
| ARI and Amin | Class 12, or a diploma in engineering, with computer knowledge |
| VAW | Class 12 in science or agriculture-related vocational subjects |
| SFS | Class 12 |
Recent notices set a minimum age of 20 or 21 and an upper age limit of 42 years for these posts, with relaxation for SC, ST, SEBC, women (for some posts) and persons with disabilities. Candidates are also expected to know Odia as per state rules. Confirm every condition in the current notice.
Selection process
The stages have varied between cycles. In general:
- Written exam - an objective test. In some cycles it was a preliminary screening test followed by a main written exam; in others, one written exam formed the merit.
- Practical Skill Test in basic computer use - for posts such as RI, ARI, Amin and Junior Assistant. It has been qualifying, with a minimum of about 40% needed.
- Document verification and final merit list.
Read the selection section of your advertisement carefully, since it decides how much the first test counts.
Written exam pattern
The written test has been an objective paper of about 100 questions, covering:
| Area | Main topics |
|---|---|
| General Studies | History, polity, geography, economy, science, current affairs, and Odisha GK |
| Mathematics | Arithmetic up to Class 10 level - percentage, ratio, interest, mensuration |
| Reasoning | Series, coding, analogy, directions, blood relations |
| English | Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension |
| Odia | Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension |
| Computer awareness | Basics of computers, MS Office and the internet |
There has been negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer on four-option questions. The time and section-wise marks are given in each notice.
Computer skill test
The practical skill test checks real computer use. Tasks have included:
- Typing and formatting a short document in a word processor.
- Making a table with simple formulas in a spreadsheet.
- Basic work with files, folders, email and the internet.
It is qualifying, but failing it ends the chance for that post. Practise on a computer every week, not just from books.
Odisha GK to cover
- History - Kalinga war, Kharavela, the Ganga and Gajapati dynasties, Paika rebellion, the formation of Odisha in 1936.
- Culture - Odissi dance, Pattachitra, Rath Yatra, Konark and Lingaraj temples, major festivals.
- Geography - Mahanadi and other rivers, Chilika lake, Hirakud dam, Simlipal, minerals and ports.
- Government - major state schemes, districts and administration.
Since RI, ARI and Amin posts deal with land, basic terms of land records and revenue administration are useful too.
After selection
Selected candidates are posted mostly in district and block-level offices. A few points to know:
- Revenue Inspectors usually work under the Tahasildar, handling land records, mutation, certificates and revenue collection in a circle.
- ARI and Amin do field measurement and survey work, often outdoors.
- Junior Assistants handle files, accounts and data in government offices.
- The pay level, probation period and posting rules are given in the advertisement, so read the terms of appointment.
With service and departmental exams, these posts can lead to higher posts in the same department.
A simple study plan
| Phase | Focus |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1-4 | Arithmetic and reasoning basics, daily Odia and English grammar |
| Weeks 5-8 | General studies and Odisha GK, with topic tests |
| Weeks 9-10 | Computer awareness and weekly hands-on practice |
| Weeks 11-12 | Full mocks every two days and previous papers |
How to prepare
Mathematics. The level is close to Class 10. Learn short methods and practise speed.
Odia and English. Revise grammar rules and vocabulary, and read one passage daily in each language.
General studies. Cover national GK from standard books, then add Odisha-specific notes. Read current affairs of the last eight to ten months, including state news.
Exam-day plan. Attempt the sections you know best first, mark doubtful questions, and avoid guesswork because of negative marking.
Documents to keep ready
- Class 10 certificate for date of birth.
- Marksheets and certificates of the qualification asked for your post.
- Caste, EWS, non-creamy layer or disability certificate in the format given in the notice, where relevant.
- Domicile or residence proof if the notice asks for it.
- Photo identity proof, recent photographs and a signature scan for the online form.
Make sure your name and date of birth match across all documents. Category certificates must usually be valid on the closing date of the application.
Common mistakes
- Applying to OSSC instead of OSSSC, or the other way round.
- Ignoring the computer skill test.
- Skipping Odisha GK.
- Not checking post-wise qualifications before applying.
- Using an old pattern. Follow the latest OSSSC advertisement.
For other Odisha exams, see the OSSC CGL and OPSC OAS guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OSSSC CRE?
OSSSC CRE is the Combined Recruitment Examination of the Odisha Subordinate Staff Selection Commission. It fills many Group C posts such as Revenue Inspector, Assistant Revenue Inspector, Amin and Junior Assistant.
What is the difference between OSSSC and OSSC?
OSSSC is the Odisha Subordinate Staff Selection Commission, which holds the CRE for subordinate posts. OSSC is the Odisha Staff Selection Commission, which holds exams like the Odisha CGL.
What is the selection process of OSSSC CRE?
Recent cycles have had an objective written exam and, for posts such as RI, ARI, Amin and Junior Assistant, a qualifying practical computer skill test, followed by document verification. Some cycles also had a main written exam.
What is the age limit for OSSSC CRE?
Recent notices set a minimum age of 20 or 21 years and an upper limit of 42 years, with relaxation for reserved categories and others. Confirm in the current notice.
Is there negative marking in OSSSC CRE?
Yes. Recent cycles have cut 0.25 marks for each wrong answer on four-option questions. Check the current notice for the marking scheme.
Is the computer skill test counted in the OSSSC CRE merit?
No. It has been qualifying only, with a minimum of about 40% marks needed. The merit is based on the written exam.