The ICDS has announced a recruitment drive for Anganwadi Helpers across eleven centers in Nandahandy district of Nabarangpur, Odisha, offering employment opportunities for eligible local women, particularly from ST, SC, and marginalized communities.
Applications must be submitted online between January 4 and January 8, 2026, for candidates aged 18–35 with at least Class XII education, Odia language proficiency, local residency, and willingness to support childcare, nutrition, and meal preparation services.
Selection will be merit-based on Class XII marks with additional weightage for widows, orphaned girls, separated/divorced women, and higher qualifications. Selected candidates will receive a monthly honorarium of ₹5,000 on a contractual basis and must attend document verification on January 20, 2026. The drive aims to strengthen grassroots child nutrition and development services while promoting women’s empowerment in rural and tribal communities.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Authority | Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), Odisha |
| Post Name | Anganwadi Helper |
| District | Nandahandy, Nabarangpur |
| Total Centers | 11 Anganwadi Centers |
| Notification No. & Date | No. 13/2026, dated 3 January 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Official Website | engagement-awc.odisha.gov.in |
| Application Dates | 4 January 2026 to 8 January 2026 |
| Eligibility Age | 18–35 years (as on 1 January 2026) |
| Educational Qualification | Minimum Class XII (10+2) |
| Selection Method | Merit-based (Class XII marks + category weightage) |
| Preferred Categories | ST, SC, widows, orphaned, separated/divorced women |
| Language Requirement | Odia (read & write) |
| Honorarium | ₹5,000 per month |
| Job Nature | Temporary, contractual |
| Document Verification Date | 20 January 2026 |
| Verification Time | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Verification Venue | District Child Development Project Office |
Anganwadi Helper Recruitment Drive in Odisha: Opportunities for Women in Nandahandy District
The Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) has opened exciting employment opportunities for eligible women across Nandahandy district in Nabarangpur, Odisha. The District Child Development Project Office has announced the recruitment of Anganwadi Helpers across eleven strategic centers to strengthen childcare and nutritional services in rural and tribal communities.
An Introduction to the Anganwadi System
Anganwadi centers serve as the foundational pillars of India’s nutrition and early childhood development framework. These grassroots facilities provide comprehensive services including meal preparation, health monitoring, and developmental support for children aged zero to six years and pregnant and lactating mothers.
The Anganwadi Helper position is critical in supporting the primary Anganwadi Worker, ensuring seamless service delivery to vulnerable populations.
Key Recruitment Details and Timeline
The notification (No. 13/2026, dated January 3, 2026) invites qualified female candidates to apply online through the official portal http://engagement-awc.odisha.gov.in. The application window runs from January 4, 2026 to January 8, 2026, making it essential for interested candidates to act promptly.
Importantly, applications submitted via postal services will not be considered. All submissions must be completed exclusively through the online portal, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the selection process.
Recruitment Centers and Locations
The recruitment drive encompasses eleven Anganwadi centers spread across multiple gram panchayats. These centers are strategically located in areas including:
- Nishnahandy-2 and Kadamguda (Nishnahandy Gram Panchayat)
- Goziaguda (Dahna Gram Panchayat)
- Koiguda Harijan Sahi and Sindhiguda-3 (Sindhiguda Gram Panchayat)
- Sagarmunda and Kantabariiguda (Dangarabheja Gram Panchayat)
- Mestri-2 and Siraguda (Mestri Gram Panchayat)
- Chauriyaguda (Jagannathpur Gram Panchayat)
- Kaktisil (Jhadbanduguda Gram Panchayat)
Each center covers specific house-numbered boundaries within its respective service area, ensuring targeted community engagement.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply
To qualify for the Anganwadi Helper position, candidates must meet the following essential requirements:
Residency and Community Preferences: Candidates must be permanent residents of the Anganwadi center’s service area. Given that all these centers operate in tribal and scheduled caste/scheduled tribe-dominated regions, preference will be given to women belonging to Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), or other marginalized communities in these areas.
Age Requirements: Candidates must be between 18 and 35 years of age as of January 1, 2026. This age bracket ensures that selected helpers possess the physical capacity and mental agility required for this demanding role.
Educational Qualifications: A minimum qualification of Class XII (10+2) completion is mandatory. Merit selection will be based on marks obtained in the Class XII examination. Additional weightage is awarded to candidates belonging to specific categories, including widows, orphaned girls, separated or divorced women, and candidates with higher educational qualifications.
Language Competency: Candidates must demonstrate reading and writing proficiency in Odia, ensuring effective communication with local communities and official documentation.
Commitment to Service: Applicants must express willingness to cook meals for children and provide daily operational support to Anganwadi center staff, demonstrating genuine commitment to community welfare.
Merit-Based Selection with Affirmative Action
The selection process adopts a transparent merit-based approach with special provisions for marginalized categories. While selections are primarily based on Class XII marks, candidates in the following categories receive additional marks as per government Anganwadi Helper selection guidelines:
- Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates
- Widows
- Orphaned girls without biological or legal parents
- Separated, divorced, or abandoned women
- Candidates with higher educational qualifications beyond Class XII
This multi-dimensional approach ensures that socio-economically disadvantaged groups receive equitable opportunities while maintaining merit-based accountability.
Required Documentation
To proceed with the application, candidates must upload original copies of the following documents through the online portal:
- Permanent Residency Certificate: Issued by the local Tahsildar, with a validity period of five years as per government regulations.
- Caste Certificate: Obtained from the local Tahsildar, essential for SC/ST verification.
- Educational Certificates and Mark Sheets: Complete copies of all qualifications and the Class XII mark sheet.
- Age Proof: Class X (Matriculation) certificate or equivalent proof.
- Special Circumstance Documentation: For widows, orphaned girls, separated/divorced women, or any other special categories, relevant supporting documents must be submitted.
Compensation and Service Terms
Selected candidates will be appointed in a temporary, honorarium-based contractual capacity. The monthly honorarium begins at ₹5,000 (five thousand rupees), providing modest but meaningful financial support. Importantly, this position does not entail permanent employment or pensionable benefits, but rather represents a vital community service opportunity with flexible contractual terms.
Verification and Document Checking Process
After the application deadline, the District Child Development Office will initiate the verification phase. Candidates must appear in person with all original certificates and documents on the scheduled date (January 20, 2026) between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM at the office premises.
Critical point: Failure to appear for document verification or failure to produce original documents will result in automatic rejection of the application. This requirement emphasizes the importance of timely submission and genuine documentation.
Administrative Flexibility
The recruitment notification retains administrative flexibility, allowing the implementing authority to modify, suspend, or cancel the recruitment process if the government issues updated directives or guidelines. No prior notice will be required for such administrative decisions, which is standard practice in government recruitment procedures.
Significance for Rural Communities
This recruitment drive holds particular significance for rural and tribal Odisha. Anganwadi Helpers play an indispensable role in:
- Nutritional Support: Ensuring children receive balanced meals crucial for cognitive development and physical growth.
- Community Healthcare: Assisting with health monitoring and awareness campaigns.
- Female Empowerment: Creating sustainable employment opportunities for women in underserved rural areas.
- Social Welfare Administration: Strengthening grassroots implementation of national nutrition and child development schemes.
Conclusion
The Anganwadi Helper recruitment in Nandahandy district represents a meaningful opportunity for qualified women to contribute to child development and community welfare. With its emphasis on merit-based selection combined with affirmative action for marginalized communities, the recruitment framework reflects India’s commitment to inclusive governance.
Interested candidates are urged to complete their online applications before the January 8, 2026 deadline and prepare thoroughly for the document verification phase, ensuring they represent an important link in the chain of early childhood care and development services.
FAQs
What is the Anganwadi Helper recruitment in Nandahandy district?
It is a recruitment drive by the ICDS, Odisha, to appoint Anganwadi Helpers in 11 Anganwadi centers across Nandahandy district, Nabarangpur, to support child nutrition and welfare services.
Who can apply for the Anganwadi Helper post?
Eligible female candidates who are permanent residents of the respective Anganwadi center area and meet age, education, and other criteria can apply.
What is the minimum educational qualification required?
Applicants must have passed Class XII (10+2) from a recognized board.
What is the age limit for applicants?
Candidates must be between 18 and 35 years of age as on 1 January 2026.
Are men eligible to apply for this recruitment?
No, only female candidates are eligible for the Anganwadi Helper post.
Is local residency mandatory for applying?
Yes, the candidate must be a permanent resident of the concerned Anganwadi center service area.
Which communities are given preference in selection?
Preference is given to candidates belonging to Scheduled Tribe (ST), Scheduled Caste (SC), and other marginalized communities in the area.
Are widows or divorced women given any relaxation or preference?
Yes, widows, orphaned girls, separated or divorced women receive additional weightage in the merit list as per guidelines.
What is the selection process for Anganwadi Helper posts?
Selection is merit-based, primarily considering Class XII marks along with additional weightage for specific categories.
Is there any written examination or interview?
No written test or interview is conducted; selection is based on academic merit and document verification.
What is the mode of application?
Applications must be submitted online only through the official Odisha Anganwadi engagement portal.
Can applications be submitted offline or by post?
No, offline or postal applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.
What are the important application dates?
The online application window is from 4 January 2026 to 8 January 2026.
What documents are required during application?
Candidates must upload residency certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), educational certificates, age proof, and documents for special categories.
Who issues the permanent residency certificate?
The permanent residency certificate must be issued by the local Tahsildar and should be valid as per government norms.
Is knowledge of the Odia language compulsory?
Yes, candidates must be able to read and write in Odia for effective communication and record keeping.
What is the monthly honorarium for Anganwadi Helpers?
Selected candidates will receive a monthly honorarium of ₹5,000.
Is the Anganwadi Helper post permanent?
No, the post is temporary and contractual in nature and does not carry pension or permanent service benefits.
What are the main duties of an Anganwadi Helper?
Duties include assisting the Anganwadi Worker, cooking meals, maintaining cleanliness, and supporting childcare and nutrition activities.
When will document verification take place?
Document verification is scheduled for 20 January 2026.
Where will document verification be conducted?
Verification will be held at the District Child Development Project Office.
What happens if a candidate fails to attend document verification?
Failure to appear for verification or produce original documents will lead to automatic rejection of the application.
Can higher educational qualifications improve selection chances?
Yes, candidates with qualifications higher than Class XII may receive additional merit weightage.
Can the recruitment process be cancelled or modified?
Yes, the authority reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the recruitment as per government instructions without prior notice.
Why is this recruitment important for rural communities?
It strengthens child nutrition, healthcare support, early childhood development, and provides employment opportunities for rural women.
Where can candidates find official updates and apply online?
All official information and the application form are available on the Odisha Anganwadi engagement portal at engagement-awc.odisha.gov.in.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.