Odisha Police SPO Recruitment 2026 is now officially open — the DIG of Police, Northern Range, Sambalpur has invited applications for 89 Special Police Officer (SPO) posts on a contractual basis. This guide is for retired Odisha Police personnel (ASI/SI/Inspector) aged up to 65 years who are seeking re-employment in the state police. This article covers every detail — vacancies, eligibility, pay, selection process, documents, and how to apply before the 31 October 2026 deadline.
Odisha Police SPO Recruitment 2026 offers 89 contractual Special Police Officer posts under DIG of Police, Northern Range, Sambalpur. Retired ASI, Sub-Inspectors, and Inspectors of Odisha Police aged below 65 years can apply offline and submit their application to the Range Office on or before 31 October 2026 at 5:30 PM. Selection test is scheduled for 10 November 2026 at 6:30 AM at Reserve Police Ground, Sambalpur.
- Recruiting Authority: DIG of Police, Northern Range, Sambalpur
- Post Name: Special Police Officer (SPO)
- Total Vacancies: 89 Posts
- Job Type: Contractual (1 Year)
- Eligibility: Retired ASI / Sub-Inspector / Inspector of Odisha Police
- Age Limit: Not more than 65 years as on date of advertisement
- Last Date to Apply: 31 October 2026 at 5:30 PM
- Selection Test Date: 10 November 2026 at 6:30 AM
- Selection Venue: Reserve Police Ground, Sambalpur
- Remuneration: As per Odisha Govt. Finance Department Memo No.24533/F dtd 22.09.2022
- Official Website: police.odisha.gov.in
📋 Table of Contents
- What Is Odisha Police SPO Recruitment 2026?
- Vacancy Details — District-Wise Breakdown
- Who Should Apply for Odisha Police SPO 2026?
- Remuneration and Pay Details
- Eligibility Criteria in Detail
- Selection Process — Step-by-Step
- How to Apply for Odisha Police SPO 2026
- Documents Required
- SPO vs Regular Police Constable — Key Differences
- Pros and Cons of SPO Contractual Post
- Important Terms and Concepts
- Important Dates and Timeline
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Odisha Police SPO Recruitment 2026?

The Odisha Police SPO Recruitment 2026 is a contractual re-employment programme that allows retired police officers to continue serving the state on a one-year contract. The post of Special Police Officer (SPO) is specifically designed for experienced retired personnel who bring institutional knowledge, local expertise, and proven discipline to field operations.
Under this latest notification issued by the DIG of Police, Northern Range, Sambalpur, a total of 89 vacancies are available across 5 districts — Jharsuguda, Baragada, Balangir, Sambalpur, and Subarnapur. Applicants must have served in Odisha Police in the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), Sub-Inspector (SI), or Inspector of Police and must meet a strict set of character and fitness requirements.
This recruitment is part of a state-wide Odisha Police contractual re-employment policy that has been active across multiple districts in 2026. Earlier in the year, 800+ SPO vacancies were notified under various ranges. This latest notification from the Northern Range adds 89 more seats for eligible retired officers to apply.
Vacancy Details — District-Wise Breakdown
All 89 posts fall under the jurisdiction of DIG of Police, Northern Range, Sambalpur. The vacancies are spread across 5 districts as shown in the official notification table below.
| Sl. No. | Range Office Address | District | No. of Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DIG of Police, NR, Sambalpur | Jharsuguda | 14 |
| 2 | Baragada | 18 | |
| 3 | Balangir | 20 | |
| 4 | Sambalpur | 28 | |
| 5 | Subarnapur | 09 | |
| TOTAL | 89 | ||
Sambalpur district has the highest vacancies at 28 posts, followed by Balangir (20) and Baragada (18). If you are a retired police officer from any of these districts, this is a prime opportunity for re-engagement close to home.
Who Should Apply for Odisha Police SPO 2026?
- 🎖️ Retired Inspectors of Odisha Police who superannuated with a clean, unblemished service record and are below 65 years of age.
- 🎖️ Retired Sub-Inspectors (SI) of Odisha Police who had very good or good CCR/PAR ratings continuously for 60 months before retirement.
- 🎖️ Retired Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASI) who wish to continue contributing to law and order in their home districts.
- 🏠 Permanent residents of Odisha who served in the state police and have since vacated their government quarter if allotted.
- 📋 Retired officers with no pending criminal cases or major departmental punishments on their service record.
- 💪 Physically fit retired officers who can walk 5 kilometres within one hour and are capable of 8-hour field duty, day or night.
- 📖 Odia-speaking retired officers who can read, write, and speak the language fluently.
- 🔁 Officers seeking one year of additional income through government-authorized contractual re-employment with official uniform and badge.
Remuneration and Pay Details for SPO 2026
The remuneration for Odisha Police SPO 2026 posts is fixed as per Government of Odisha, Finance Department Memo No.24533/F dated 22.09.2022. This official government circular sets the consolidated monthly remuneration for contractual employees in state government establishments.
| Pay Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Remuneration Type | Consolidated Monthly Contractual Pay |
| Pay Authority | Govt. of Odisha, Finance Department |
| Governing Memo | No.24533/F dated 22.09.2022 |
| Contract Duration | 1 Year (renewable as per policy) |
| Pension During Contract | Existing pension continues; SPO remuneration is additional income |
| Uniform Entitlement | Yes — as prescribed by DG & IG of Police, Odisha |
| Badge Entitlement | Yes — official SPO badge as prescribed |
A key advantage of the SPO post is that retired officers continue to receive their regular pension while also earning the contractual SPO remuneration — making it effectively a dual income arrangement during the one-year contract period. The Finance Department Memo No.24533/F (September 2022) sets the applicable rate; candidates should check the official notification and Odisha Finance Department portal for the exact current figures.
Retired police officers joining as SPOs continue receiving their regular retirement pension alongside the SPO contractual remuneration. This dual-income benefit makes the SPO posting financially attractive for eligible retirees. Confirm the exact monthly amount with the DIG Office, Sambalpur, or check the Odisha Finance Department portal at finance.odisha.gov.in.
Eligibility Criteria in Detail
The official notification specifies 10 eligibility conditions that every applicant must satisfy before appearing in the selection test. All conditions are equally mandatory — failure to meet even one results in disqualification.
- ✅ Must be a permanent resident of Odisha
- ✅ Age must be not more than 65 years as on the date of publication of the advertisement (October 2026)
- ✅ Must be able to speak, read, and write Odia
- ✅ Must have an unblemished service record throughout the career
- ✅ Must not have been convicted in any criminal case or awarded a major punishment in departmental proceedings
- ✅ Must have no criminal case pending against them
- ✅ Must not have more than one living spouse
- ✅ Must have worked in Odisha State Police in the rank of Asst. Sub-Inspector / Sub-Inspector / Inspector of Police
- ✅ Must have received a very good or good CCR/PAR rating continuously for 60 months before superannuation
- ✅ Must have vacated their government quarter if one was allotted during service
Applicants are also required to sign a re-employment agreement for contractual engagement for not more than one year. Persons with physical deformities are not eligible for appointment as the post requires active field duty.
Selection Process — Step-by-Step
The Odisha Police SPO selection process 2026 consists of 4 stages conducted on the same day at Reserve Police Ground, Sambalpur. All stages are eliminatory — failure at any stage ends the candidate’s candidature. The test is scheduled for 10 November 2026 at 6:30 AM.
- Document Verification: Officials verify original certificates including age proof, service record (CCR/PAR), discharge certificate, and character certificates. Incomplete or suspicious documents lead to immediate rejection.
- Medical Test: A Medical Board examines physical fitness. The Board’s decision is final and binding. Candidates found medically unfit are disqualified and cannot proceed further. Persons with physical deformities are ineligible.
- Physical Test: Qualifying candidates must cover 5 kilometres on foot within 1 hour. Candidates must be capable of 8-hour continuous field duty (day or night). Failure to complete the distance within the time limit leads to disqualification.
- Interview: Candidates who pass both medical and physical tests appear before the Selection Board. The Board tests suitability for the SPO post. The Selection Board has the final authority to select candidates for appointment.
Selected candidates must wear the uniform and badge prescribed by the DG & IG of Police, Odisha. They must also sign an agreement confirming contractual re-employment for up to one year.
How to Apply for Odisha Police SPO 2026
The application process for Odisha Police SPO 2026 is entirely offline. There is no online portal for this recruitment. Candidates must follow these steps precisely to ensure their application is accepted.
- Download the Application Form: Visit the official Odisha Police website at police.odisha.gov.in and download the prescribed application form (Performa) for SPO contractual employment. The form is also available in the official notification PDF.
- Fill the Application Form Completely: Fill in all required fields — name, date of birth, rank last held, organization retired from, last three posts held with dates, CCR/PAR details, criminal case history, and physical measurements. Fill in BLOCK LETTERS. Incomplete applications are summarily rejected.
- Attach All Required Documents: Attach self-attested photocopies of all mandatory documents (detailed in the Documents section below). Missing even one document disqualifies the application.
- Sign Both Declarations: The application form includes two declarations — (A) General Declaration confirming the truth of information provided, and (B) Physical Test Declaration confirming fitness and waiving liability for injuries during the physical test. Both must be signed.
- Submit to the Range Office: Submit the complete application to the Office of the DIG of Police, Northern Range, Sambalpur. Applications must physically reach the Range Office on or before 31 October 2026 at 5:30 PM. Applications received after this deadline will be summarily rejected.
Documents Required for Odisha Police SPO 2026
Candidates must submit self-attested copies of all the following documents along with the filled application form. Original documents must be carried to the selection test venue for verification.
- 📷 2 recent passport-size photographs (self-attested)
- 🪪 Age and qualification certificates (self-attested copies)
- 📄 Discharge Certificate (self-attested copy)
- 👥 Two character certificates attested by two different Group-B Gazetted Officers
- 📊 CCR/PAR records showing very good/good rating for 60 continuous months before superannuation
- 🏠 Residential proof confirming permanent Odisha domicile
- 🔖 Service record documents showing rank and period served
- 📋 No-objection/clearance certificate confirming no pending criminal cases or major departmental punishments
The application must be submitted in the prescribed proforma enclosed with the official notification. Applications submitted in any other format or missing mandatory fields will be rejected without review.
SPO Contractual Post vs Regular Active Police Service
Understanding the difference between the SPO contractual role and regular active police service helps retired officers set accurate expectations before applying.
| Parameter | Odisha Police SPO (Contractual) | Regular Active Police Service |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of Employment | Contractual — 1 year | Permanent (pensionable) |
| Eligibility | Retired ASI/SI/Inspector only | Fresh recruitment via OPRB |
| Age Limit | Up to 65 years | 18–25 years (general) |
| Salary/Remuneration | Fixed as per Finance Dept Memo 24533/F | Pay Scale as per 7th Pay Commission |
| Pension Eligibility | Existing pension continues | Pension after full service |
| Selection Process | Document check + Medical + Physical + Interview | Written exam + Physical + Medical |
| Renewal | Contract may be renewed | Permanent till retirement |
| Uniform | As prescribed by DG & IG Police | Standard Odisha Police uniform |
| Job Security | 1-year fixed, can be terminated | Permanent, protected by service rules |
| Best For | Retired officers below 65 seeking re-engagement | Fresh graduates seeking police career |
For retired Odisha Police officers below 65 with a clean service record, the SPO contractual post offers a valuable combination of continued public service, additional income alongside pension, and official recognition through uniform and badge. It is not a path back to permanent service — but it is a respected, structured re-employment option with government backing.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Odisha Police SPO Post
Retired officers considering the SPO post should weigh both sides before applying.
✅ Advantages (Pros)
- 💰 Dual income: Regular pension continues alongside the SPO contractual remuneration — two income streams simultaneously.
- 👮 Continued service identity: Official uniform and badge from DG & IG Police allows retired officers to maintain their professional identity.
- 🏠 Local posting: District-wise vacancies mean most applicants can serve close to their home district.
- 🔒 Government backing: Posts are under Odisha Police and governed by official Finance Department memo — remuneration is guaranteed.
⚠️ Disadvantages (Cons)
- ⏰ Short-term contract: Maximum 1 year — no long-term employment security beyond the contract period.
- 💪 Physical demands: Must walk 5 km in 1 hour and be capable of 8-hour field duty — demanding for officers in their 60s.
- 📋 Strict eligibility: Stringent CCR/PAR and service record requirements mean many retired officers may not qualify.
Important Terms and Concepts
Understanding these 8 key terms will help you navigate the Odisha Police SPO Recruitment 2026 notification more effectively.
- SPO (Special Police Officer): A contractually re-employed retired police official serving in Odisha Police for a fixed term, typically 1 year.
- CCR (Confidential Character Report): Annual performance evaluation of a police officer, used to assess service quality. Very Good/Good ratings are mandatory for SPO eligibility.
- PAR (Performance Appraisal Report): Updated format of CCR used in later service years. SPO applicants need continuous Good/Very Good PAR for 60 months before superannuation.
- Superannuation: The official retirement of a government officer upon reaching the prescribed age limit. For Odisha Police officers, this typically occurs between ages 58–60.
- DIG (Deputy Inspector General): A senior police officer rank. The DIG of Police, Northern Range, Sambalpur is the recruiting authority for this SPO notification.
- Finance Department Memo No.24533/F (22.09.2022): The Government of Odisha order that governs the consolidated monthly remuneration for contractual employees including SPOs.
- Contractual Re-employment: A government scheme allowing retired officers to return to service on a fixed-term contract without disturbing their pension benefits.
- Reserve Police Ground, Sambalpur: The designated venue for the SPO selection test on 10 November 2026, where all 4 stages (document verification, medical, physical, and interview) are conducted.
Important Dates and Timeline
| Event | Date / Deadline |
|---|---|
| Notification Published | 05 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply (Offline) | 31 October 2026 at 5:30 PM |
| Selection Test (All Stages) | 10 November 2026 at 6:30 AM |
| Selection Test Venue | Reserve Police Ground, Sambalpur |
| Contract Duration | 1 Year from date of appointment |
| Application Submission Address | O/o DIG of Police, NR, Sambalpur |
Note: Applications submitted after 31 October 2026 at 5:30 PM or in incomplete form will be summarily rejected without any intimation. Carry all original documents to the test venue on 10 November 2026.
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Odisha Police Website | police.odisha.gov.in |
| SPO Recruitment Notification & Application Form PDF | Download via Agrijob Telegram |
| Odisha Finance Department (Remuneration Memo) | finance.odisha.gov.in |
| Odisha Government Official Portal | odisha.gov.in |
| National Career Service Portal — Police Jobs | ncs.gov.in |
Conclusion
The Odisha Police SPO Recruitment 2026 for 89 posts under DIG of Police, Northern Range, Sambalpur is a genuine, time-bound opportunity for retired Odisha Police officers to re-engage with state security work on a structured contractual basis. With a clear selection process, government-backed remuneration, and district-wise postings, this recruitment suits eligible retired ASI, SI, and Inspector-level officers who meet all character and fitness standards.
The application deadline is 31 October 2026 at 5:30 PM — and selection test is on 10 November 2026. Download the prescribed form from police.odisha.gov.in, fill it completely, attach all documents, and submit to the Range Office in Sambalpur well before the deadline. Bookmark this page for any updates to the official notification.
- Odisha Police SPO Recruitment 2026 has 89 vacancies across 5 districts under DIG of Police, Northern Range, Sambalpur.
- Only retired ASI, Sub-Inspectors, and Inspectors of Odisha Police are eligible — age limit is 65 years.
- Remuneration is fixed as per Odisha Government Finance Department Memo No.24533/F dated 22.09.2022 — pension continues alongside.
- Last date to submit offline application is 31 October 2026 at 5:30 PM at the Range Office, Sambalpur.
- Selection test includes document verification, medical test, 5 km physical test within 1 hour, and interview on 10 November 2026.
- Download the application form and full notification from police.odisha.gov.in or via the Agrijob Telegram link above.
Frequently Asked Questions About Odisha Police SPO Recruitment 2026
What is the last date to apply for Odisha Police SPO Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the offline application for Odisha Police SPO Recruitment 2026 is 31 October 2026 at 5:30 PM. Applications must physically reach the O/o DIG of Police, Northern Range, Sambalpur by this deadline. Applications received after this time or incomplete applications will be summarily rejected without any notice.
What is the total number of vacancies in Odisha Police SPO Recruitment 2026 (Northern Range)?
There are 89 total vacancies for Special Police Officer (SPO) posts under this notification issued by the DIG of Police, Northern Range, Sambalpur. These are distributed across 5 districts: Jharsuguda (14), Baragada (18), Balangir (20), Sambalpur (28), and Subarnapur (9).
Who is eligible to apply for Odisha Police SPO 2026?
Only retired personnel of Odisha Police who served in the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), Sub-Inspector (SI), or Inspector of Police are eligible. They must be permanent Odisha residents, not more than 65 years old, able to read/write/speak Odia, have an unblemished service record, no pending criminal cases, very good/good CCR/PAR for 60 continuous months before retirement, and must have vacated their government quarter if allotted.
What is the selection process for Odisha Police SPO 2026?
The Odisha Police SPO 2026 selection process consists of 4 stages conducted on the same day: (1) Document Verification, (2) Medical Test by a Medical Board, (3) Physical Test requiring candidates to cover 5 km on foot within 1 hour, and (4) Interview before the Selection Board. The test is scheduled for 10 November 2026 at 6:30 AM at Reserve Police Ground, Sambalpur.
What is the salary for Odisha Police SPO 2026?
The remuneration for Odisha Police SPO 2026 posts is fixed as per the Government of Odisha, Finance Department Memo No.24533/F dated 22.09.2022. The exact monthly amount is governed by this official order. Importantly, this contractual remuneration is paid in addition to the retired officer’s regular pension — so selected candidates receive both pension and SPO pay simultaneously.
How long is the SPO contract for Odisha Police 2026?
The SPO post is a contractual engagement for a period of one year. Applicants must sign a re-employment agreement before joining. The contract is specific to the Northern Range under DIG of Police, Sambalpur, and is subject to government policy on contractual re-employment of retired state police officers.
Where to submit the application for Odisha Police SPO 2026?
The completed application form with all required documents must be submitted to the Office of the DIG of Police, Northern Range, Sambalpur. The application must reach the Range Office by 31 October 2026 at 5:30 PM. Applications sent by post must also arrive by this deadline — late postal applications will not be entertained.
Where can I get the Odisha Police SPO 2026 application form?
The application form and detailed advertisement are available on the official Odisha Police website at police.odisha.gov.in. The notification PDF containing the prescribed proforma is also available for download via the Agrijob Telegram notification link shared above in the Important Links section.
Is there any application fee for Odisha Police SPO Recruitment 2026?
The official notification for Odisha Police SPO Recruitment 2026 (Northern Range) does not mention any application fee. Candidates are required to simply submit the prescribed application form with self-attested documents to the Range Office, Sambalpur, without any fee payment. Always verify on police.odisha.gov.in for the latest official instructions.
This guide is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest information on Odisha Police SPO Recruitment 2026. Always cross-check critical dates and eligibility criteria at the official Odisha Police website: police.odisha.gov.in.
