OSSC Welfare Extension Officer

OSSC WEO: A Career in Social Transformation

The Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC) Welfare Extension Officer (WEO) examination is a significant opportunity for graduates to build a career in the social welfare sector of the Odisha government. As a WEO, you will be a key functionary at the grassroots level, responsible for implementing various government welfare schemes related to social security, tribal development, and empowerment of underprivileged sections. This Group-B post under the ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department offers a unique chance to make a tangible impact on society, combined with the security and prestige of a government job.

Life and Career as a Welfare Extension Officer

A career as a WEO is deeply fulfilling, offering a blend of fieldwork and administrative responsibilities, along with job security and growth.

Salary and Benefits: The post of Welfare Extension Officer is a Group-B position with an initial pay scale of ₹25,300 per month under the consolidated pay scheme. After the contract period, they are regularized into a pay scale of Level 9 (₹35,400 - ₹1,12,400). The benefits include:

• Dearness Allowance (DA) and House Rent Allowance (HRA) upon regularization.
• Medical facilities and leave benefits.
• A secure pension under the National Pension System (NPS).

Job Profile and Career Growth: A WEO works at the block level, overseeing the implementation of welfare programs, conducting surveys, and ensuring that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries. It involves extensive touring within the assigned area. The career progression is well-defined, with promotions to the posts of Sub-Divisional Welfare Officer and District Welfare Officer (DWO) based on seniority and performance, offering a clear path for advancement in the state administrative services.

OSSC WEO Selection Process

The selection process for the Welfare Extension Officer is a multi-stage procedure designed to select capable and dedicated candidates.

• Stage 1: Preliminary Examination: This is a qualifying test (screening) consisting of a single paper with 100 multiple-choice questions on General Studies, similar to other Group B/C exams. Marks from this stage are not used for the final ranking.
• Stage 2: Main Written Examination: This is the crucial stage for merit ranking. It consists of two papers:
  • Paper I: Language (Odia and English) - This paper is qualifying in nature.
  • Paper II: General Studies - This paper includes topics like Indian Constitution, Indian Economy, Odisha Economy, History, Geography, Environment, and Reasoning.
• Stage 3: Certificate Verification: Candidates who qualify in the main examination are called for the verification of their original academic and other requisite documents.

Key Eligibility Criteria

• Education: A candidate must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Arts, Science, or Commerce or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university.
• Language: The candidate must be able to read, write, and speak Odia and must have passed the Middle School Examination with Odia as a language subject.
• Age Limit: The age limit is typically 21 to 38 years, with relaxations for reserved categories as per Odisha government rules.

How to Apply for the OSSC WEO Exam

The application for the OSSC WEO post is submitted online through the commission's official portal.

1. Visit OSSC Website: Go to the official website of the Odisha Staff Selection Commission at www.ossc.gov.in.
2. One-Time Registration: New users must first register on the portal by providing their basic details to create a unique username and password.
3. Find the Advertisement: In the "What's New" section or under the 'Recruitment' tab, find the link for the recruitment of Welfare Extension Officers.
4. Login and Apply: Log in with your credentials and click on the 'Apply Online' link for the WEO post. Fill in the required details in the application form.
5. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other necessary documents as per the prescribed guidelines.
6. Final Submission: There is usually no application fee for OSSC recruitments. Review the application form carefully before the final submission. Download and print a copy of the submitted application for your records.