GSSSB Occupational Therapist Class-III Recruitment 2026: Complete Notification Guide

GSSSB Recruitment 2026 – Overview

Gujarat Gaun Seva Pasandgi Mandal (GSSSB) has released Advertisement No. 372/2025-26 for the direct recruitment of Occupational Therapist, Class-III. A total of 7 vacancies are available under the Health & Family Welfare Department. This is a state-level competitive examination conducted through Computer Based Recruitment Test (CBRT) or OMR mode. Eligible candidates holding a Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy can apply online through the OJAS portal within the specified dates for these government posts in Gujarat.

Eligibility, Selection Process & Key Highlights

Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy from a recognized university. The selection will be based solely on a competitive written examination divided into two parts. Successful candidates will be appointed on a fixed pay scale for the first five years, after which they will be placed in Pay Level-7 as per the 7th Pay Commission. It is crucial for applicants to note the cut-off date for all eligibility criteria is 13 February 2026, and the application process is entirely online with no offline mode available.

About Important Dates of GSSSB Occupational Therapist Recruitment 2026

The Important Dates for the GSSSB Occupational Therapist recruitment define a concise application window. Candidates have from 30 January to 13 February 2026 to submit their online forms, with a grace period until 16 February for fee payment. A critical point often missed is the "cut-off date" of 13 February 2026. This is the reference date for calculating age, checking qualification completion, and validating all certificates. Your eligibility is locked on this date, not the date of application. Since there is no correction window mentioned, any mistake in the form after final submission is irreversible, making accuracy on the first attempt paramount. The exam date and admit card release will be announced later, so candidates must regularly check the official GSSSB website for updates.

About Application Fees of GSSSB Occupational Therapist Recruitment 2026

The Application Fee structure follows the standard Gujarat government pattern, offering a concession for reserved categories, women, PwD candidates, and Ex-Servicemen. The key detail here is the unique refund policy. Unlike many exams where the fee is non-refundable, GSSSB will refund the fee only to candidates who actually appear for the examination. This means if your application is rejected, or if you are absent on exam day, you will not get your money back. This policy incentivizes serious candidates. Payment is exclusively online through the OJAS portal using digital methods; no cash, cheque, or demand draft payments are accepted. Ensure you keep the fee payment receipt safely until the entire recruitment process concludes.

About Vacancy Details of GSSSB Occupational Therapist Recruitment 2026

The total number of vacancies for the Occupational Therapist, Class-III post is 07. This is a consolidated figure distributed across various reservation categories. When a vacancy count is this specific, competition is highly focused. Candidates should not assume these numbers are tentative; they are the final advertised posts. However, GSSSB reserves the right to increase or decrease these numbers based on administrative requirements or the outcome of any related court cases. It's important to view your chances within your specific category (General, ST, SEBC, etc.) as shown in the category-wise breakdown, rather than against the total pool of 07. For specialized posts like this, even a few vacancies represent a significant career opportunity within the Gujarat state health services.

About Eligibility Criteria of GSSSB Occupational Therapist Recruitment 2026

The eligibility criteria are threefold. First, the essential educational qualification is a Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy. The degree must be from a university established by an Act of Parliament/State Legislature or an institution deemed a university under the UGC Act. Degrees from private institutions not recognized by UGC or the respective government will lead to rejection. Second, there are two mandatory additional qualifications: basic computer knowledge (as per GCSR) and adequate knowledge of Gujarati or Hindi or both. These are not optional; you must possess and later prove you meet these criteria. Third, the nationality clause mostly pertains to Indian citizens, but it references specific state service rules which may include certain other eligible categories. Candidates must ensure their degree name exactly matches the prescribed qualification.

About Category Wise Posts of GSSSB Occupational Therapist Recruitment 2026

The category-wise distribution shows a total of 07 posts, with the majority (05) in the Unreserved (General) category. There is 01 post each for ST, SEBC, and PwD candidates. Notably, there are no vacancies advertised for SC and EWS categories in this specific recruitment. The 01 PwD post is a horizontal reservation, meaning it will be adjusted within the vertical categories (UR, ST, SEBC) based on the roster point. Furthermore, 01 post is reserved for women horizontally. A critical rule applies here: if an eligible woman candidate is not available for this reserved post, it will be filled by a male candidate of the same social category. This distribution underscores the importance of applying under the correct category with a valid, format-prescribed certificate issued by the competent authority of Gujarat state.

About Exam Pattern of GSSSB Occupational Therapist Recruitment 2026

The exam pattern is designed to test both general aptitude and subject-specific expertise. The single paper is split into two distinct parts with separate qualifying thresholds. This is the most crucial aspect: you must score a minimum of 40% in both Part-A and Part-B individually. Even if your total aggregate is high, failing to secure 40% in either part will lead to disqualification. Part-A covers standard competitive exam topics, while Part-B delves deep into Occupational Therapy theory and application. The ¼ negative marking per wrong answer means blind guessing is risky; strategic attempt is key. The time limit of 3 minutes per mark (approx.) requires good speed and accuracy. Understanding this pattern is essential for creating an effective study plan that allocates time to clear both qualifying sections.

About Physical Eligibility Criteria of GSSSB Occupational Therapist Recruitment 2026

The Physical Eligibility Criteria are specifically outlined for candidates applying under the Persons with Disability (PwD) reservation. The notification lists the specific types of disabilities that are considered suitable for the role of an Occupational Therapist. This is a "list of permitted disabilities" – if your disability is not mentioned here, you may not be eligible for the PwD quota even with a valid certificate. Conditions like Spinal Deformity or Injury are permitted only if they are "without neurological dysfunction," meaning they don't affect nerve function. The benchmark disability must be 40% or more. PwD candidates are also entitled to a scribe facility and compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour during the exam, subject to prior approval from GSSSB. These provisions ensure the recruitment process is accessible.

About Salary of GSSSB Occupational Therapist Recruitment 2026

The salary structure follows a two-phase model common in recent Gujarat government recruitments. For the first five years, you will be on a Fixed Pay of ₹49,600. This is a consolidated amount, but it typically includes basic pay and grade pay, with dearness allowance calculated on it. Upon completion of five years of satisfactory service, you will be placed in the regular Pay Level-7 of the 7th CPC matrix, with the corresponding pay band and annual increments. This transition is not automatic; it is contingent upon a positive performance review. The initial fixed pay is competitive for entry-level therapist roles. Candidates should note the disclaimer regarding Supreme Court cases, which means the final terms are subject to the outcome of those proceedings, though this is a standard legal clause.

About Syllabus of GSSSB Occupational Therapist Recruitment 2026

The syllabus is bifurcated into General Ability and Professional Knowledge. For Part-A, the focus should be on speed and accuracy in Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude, as these are scoring sections. The Constitution and Current Affairs section requires studying the broad structure of the Indian Constitution and staying updated on major events from the past 6-12 months. The language comprehension tests basic proficiency, not literary skill. For Part-B (Occupational Therapy), this is where specialization matters most. The syllabus implies a comprehensive coverage of the B.O.T. curriculum. Preparation should involve standard textbooks, university notes, and recent advancements in therapeutic techniques. Since both parts have individual qualifying marks, a balanced preparation strategy is non-negotiable. Neglecting General Studies because you are a subject expert (or vice versa) is a common pitfall that leads to failure.

About How to Fill Application Form for GSSSB Occupational Therapist Recruitment 2026

The application process is exclusively online via the OJAS portal. The most critical step is Step 6: Confirmation. Once you click the "Confirm Application" button, no changes can be made to your details—not even a spelling correction. Therefore, triple-check every entry, especially your name (as per certificate), date of birth, category, qualification details, and contact information, before confirming. The photo and signature uploads have strict size and dimension limits; failure to adhere will lead to technical rejection. Use a recent, professional-looking photograph with a plain white background. After fee payment, the process is complete. Always download and save the PDF of your application and payment receipt; you will need them for the document verification stage and to generate your admit card later.

About Mode of Selection of GSSSB Occupational Therapist Recruitment 2026

The selection is a straightforward, merit-based process centered on the written exam. There is no interview stage. Your rank in the exam is the sole determinant for the provisional merit list. Importantly, being in the merit list does not guarantee a job; it only qualifies you for the next stage. Approximately twice the number of candidates as there are vacancies will be called for document verification. This is a crucial screening step where your original certificates are checked against the claims in your application. Any discrepancy leads to disqualification, and the next candidate in line is considered. Final appointment is contingent upon passing a medical examination and completing any mandatory training prescribed by the department. The process emphasizes transparency and verification at every step.

About Documents Required for GSSSB Occupational Therapist Recruitment 2026

The list of documents required is extensive and must be prepared in advance. The key is validity and format. For caste certificates, only those issued by the competent authority of the Government of Gujarat in the prescribed format are acceptable. Certificates from other states will be rejected. The Non-Creamy Layer certificate for SEBC candidates has a specific validity window: it must be issued between 1 April 2023 and 13 February 2026. For married women applying under SEBC, the NCL certificate must be based on parents' income, not the husband's. The PwD certificate must be as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Start gathering these documents early to avoid last-minute hurdles, as obtaining some certificates can take time.

Beyond the standard details, the GSSSB notification for Occupational Therapist contains several critical clauses that candidates must understand to avoid disqualification and ensure a smooth application process.

Critical Warnings on Application and Certificates

The notification explicitly warns that providing wrong or false information will lead to rejection at any stage, even after appointment, with potential legal consequences. Your category (UR/SC/ST/SEBC/EWS/PwD) cannot be changed after the application is confirmed. Submitting multiple applications will result in only the last confirmed application being considered; all others will be rejected. A major pitfall is the photograph mismatch between the uploaded image, the admit card, and your appearance at the exam/verification center—this leads to immediate disqualification. All certificates must be valid as of the cut-off date (13 February 2026). For SEBC candidates, the Non-Creamy Layer certificate validity period (01 April 2023 to 13 February 2026) is strictly enforced, and for married women, it must be based on parents' income, a rule often overlooked.

Examination Qualifying Standards and Post-Selection Formalities

Clearing the written exam is just one hurdle. Candidates must understand the dual qualifying standard: a minimum of 40% in both Part-A and Part-B separately. High aggregate marks are irrelevant if you fail in one part. Importantly, qualifying the exam does not guarantee an appointment. Appointment is subject to vacancy availability, verification, medical fitness, and training completion. Selected candidates will be on a fixed pay for five years before moving to the regular pay scale, contingent on satisfactory service. Mandatory training after appointment is a condition of service. The final pay and conditions are also subject to the outcome of specific Supreme Court cases, a standard legal disclaimer.

Special Provisions for PwD and Other Categories

The notification details specific provisions for Persons with Disability (PwD) candidates. Eligible PwD candidates are entitled to a scribe and compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour of exam time. However, this facility requires prior application and approval from GSSSB; it is not automatic. The list of permitted disabilities for this post is specific; candidates must ensure their disability type is included. For candidates claiming Sports or Widow quota benefits, a 5% marks addition is applicable, subject to stringent conditions and certificate validity. Ex-servicemen candidates have specific document requirements, including the Discharge Book. Understanding and complying with these special provisions is essential for candidates claiming such benefits.

Practical Advice for First-Time OJAS Applicants

For candidates applying through the OJAS portal for the first time, several practical tips can prevent errors. The portal can experience high traffic close to deadlines, so complete the application well in advance. Have scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and all certificates (within size limits) ready before starting. When filling the form, keep all original documents handy for reference. The 'Save' button allows you to save a draft, but the application is only submitted after the final confirmation and fee payment. After submission, use the 'View/Print Application' feature to download your final form. All future communications, including admit card release, will be via the GSSSB website and your registered email/mobile; ensure they are active and checked regularly.