OPSC APP Eligibility and Age Limit 2026

OPSC APP eligibility and age limit require an LLB from a recognised university, at least 2 years’ practice as an advocate, a pass in the Middle School Odia language test (or Matriculation with Odia as a subject), and an age between 21 and 42 years as on 1 January 2026. This is the eligibility criteria the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has fixed for the 172 posts of Assistant Public Prosecutor under Advertisement No. 09 of 2026-27.

Educational qualification and the 2-year practice requirement

A candidate must hold an LLB degree from a recognised university. On top of the degree, OPSC asks for at least 2 years’ practice as an advocate. This is shorter than some comparable recruitments; the Delhi Assistant Public Prosecutor recruitment conducted by UPSC, for comparison, asks for 3 years’ practice, as covered in our Delhi APP eligibility and age limit guide. For OPSC APP, the practice must be supported by a certificate from a District and Sessions Judge, along with your Bar Council enrolment details, so keep both ready well before you apply in a future cycle.

The Odia language requirement

OPSC also requires candidates to clear the Middle School Odia language test, or to have passed Matriculation with Odia as one of the subjects. This condition applies regardless of your educational background elsewhere, and it is a separate requirement from your LLB and your years of practice. If you did not study Odia at the Matriculation level, you will need to pass the Middle School Odia test to be eligible. Our dedicated guide, OPSC APP Odia language eligibility explained, covers what this test involves and what candidates without an Odia-medium background should plan for.

Age limit and relaxations

The general age band is 21 to 42 years, calculated as on 1 January 2026. Candidates from SEBC, SC and ST categories, women, and ex-servicemen get a 5-year relaxation. Candidates with a disability of 40 percent or more get a 10-year relaxation. Where more than one relaxation applies to the same candidate, the cumulative relaxation is capped at 15 years. Work out your own exact upper age limit carefully against these bands before assuming you qualify.

Common mistakes candidates make

• Assuming any LLB plus enrolment is enough, and overlooking the 2-year practice certificate requirement from a District and Sessions Judge.
• Forgetting the Odia language condition entirely, especially if coming from an all-India law college outside Odisha.
• Calculating age as on the application date rather than the cut-off of 1 January 2026.
• Missing that relaxations are cumulative but capped at 15 years, not simply added without a ceiling.

Frequently asked questions

What is the eligibility for OPSC APP 2026?

You need an LLB from a recognised university, at least 2 years’ practice as an advocate backed by a District and Sessions Judge’s certificate and Bar Council enrolment details, a pass in the Middle School Odia language test (or Matriculation with Odia as a subject), and an age of 21 to 42 years as on 1 January 2026.

What is the age limit for OPSC Assistant Public Prosecutor?

The general age limit is 21 to 42 years as on 1 January 2026, with a 5-year relaxation for SEBC, SC, ST, women and ex-servicemen, and a 10-year relaxation for PwD candidates with 40 percent or more disability, cumulative relaxation capped at 15 years.

Is Odia language compulsory for OPSC APP?

Yes. Candidates must either pass the Middle School Odia language test or have passed Matriculation with Odia as a subject, in addition to the educational and practice requirements.

How many years of practice are required for OPSC APP?

At least 2 years’ practice as an advocate, which must be supported by a certificate from a District and Sessions Judge along with your Bar Council enrolment details.

This page is for education and general information, not legal advice for a specific case. Law as on 2 November 2026.

Get the notes: OPSC APP Notes, ₹199.