The Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) has released the official notification for OSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2026. A total of 1518 vacancies have been announced for the post of Forest Guard in the Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha.
This recruitment is being conducted under the Combined Recruitment Examination (CRE-2025-II), which also includes posts like Forester and Excise Constable. The online registration process will begin on 07 January 2026, and the last date to apply online is 07 February 2026.
Table of Contents
Odisha Forest Guard Recruitment Notification Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) |
| Advt. No. | IIE-1212025-3220 |
| Post Name | Forest Guard, Excise Constable, and Forester |
| Total Vacancies | 1518 Posts |
| Department | Forest, Environment & Climate Change Dept. |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Odisha (District Cadre) |
| Notification Release Date | 30 December 2025 |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Start | 07 January 2026 |
| Online Registration End | 31 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 07 February 2026 |
| Exam Date | To be notified |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / SEBC | ₹500/- |
| SC / ST / PwD | Nil (Exempted) |
| Payment Mode | Online (Net Banking, Card, UPI) |
Age Limit
The age limit is calculated as on 01 January 2025.
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
Age Relaxation:
- SC / ST / SEBC / Women: 5 Years (Upper age limit extended to 37)
- PwD: 10 Years (Upper age limit extended to 42)
- Ex-Servicemen: As per government norms (total period of service rendered in defence)
Vacancy Details
A total of 896 vacancies are available for the Forest Guard post across various divisions in Odisha.
| Post Name | Group | Department | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forester | Group C | Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department | 47 |
| Forest Guard | Group C | Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department | 896 |
| Excise Constable | Group C | Excise Department, Government of Odisha | 575 |
| Grand Total | — | — | 1518 |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification:
- Candidates must have passed the High School Certificate Examination (10th Class) or equivalent from a recognised Board or Institution.
- Must be able to read, write, and speak Odia and have passed:
- Middle English School Examination with Odia as a language subject, OR
- Matriculation with Odia as the medium of examination in non-language subjects, OR
- Passed a test in Odia in the Middle English School Standard conducted by the School & Mass Education Department.
Application Process
- Click on the Apply Online link below.
- New Users: Click on “New User” to register.
- Registered Users: Click on “Registered User” to re-register for this specific post.
- Complete the Registration/Re-registration process between 07 Jan – 31 Jan 2026.
- Fill the online application form and upload documents.
- Pay the examination fee (if applicable).
- Submit the application form by 07 February 2026.
- Print the acknowledgement for future reference.
Important Links
| Link Type | URL |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | click here |
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | Visit Site |
PSM & PET details
Physical Standard Measurement (PSM)
Candidates must meet the minimum physical standards to be eligible for the recruitment. Candidates who fail to qualify in the Physical Standard Measurement (PSM) will be disqualified.
Minimum Physical Standards
| Category | Gender | Minimum Height | Minimum Chest (Unexpanded) | Chest Expansion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UR / SEBC / SC | Male | 168 cm | 81 cm | Up to 5 cm |
| ST | Male | 158 cm | 81 cm | Up to 5 cm |
| All Categories | Female | 153 cm | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
Note: Candidates suffering from colour blindness are not eligible for the post of Forest Guard.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Candidates who qualify for the Physical Standard Measurement (PSM) will be called for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET). The PET is qualifying in nature.
Walking Test Details
| Gender | Distance | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Male (All Categories) | 25 km | 4 hours |
| Female (All Categories) | 16 km | 4 hours |
Candidates who fail to complete the walking test within the prescribed time will be disqualified.
Selection Process
The selection procedure comprises the following stages:
Stage 1: Written Test
- Type: MCQ (OMR/CBRE Mode).
- Total Marks: 100 Marks.
- Duration: 1 Hour.
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
- Minimum Qualifying Marks: 35% for UR/SEBC, 30% for SC/ST/PwD/Ex-SM.
Stage 2: Physical Test (PSM & PET)
- Physical Standard Measurement (Height, Chest).
- Physical Efficiency Test (Walking).
- Qualifying in nature (No marks awarded).
Stage 3: Document Verification (DV)
- Verification of original certificates and validation of bio-data.
Final Merit List: Based on the total of marks secured in the Written Test only (candidates qualifying in Physical Test).
Job Profile & Responsibilities
Candidates selected for the OSSSC Forest Guard post will work under the Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha. This is a field-oriented job mainly focused on forest protection and conservation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Protecting forest areas from illegal cutting, poaching, and encroachment
- Regular patrolling of assigned forest beats
- Assisting senior forest officials during inspections and operations
- Preventing forest fires and helping in fire control activities
- Supporting wildlife conservation and afforestation work
- Maintaining basic records related to forest activities
Career Growth & Promotion
The Forest Guard post offers steady career growth through departmental promotions and service experience.
Promotion Hierarchy (Indicative):
- Forest Guard
- Forester
- Deputy Ranger
- Forest Ranger (through departmental exams and eligibility)
Career Growth Highlights:
- Regular promotions as per department rules
- Salary increments and DA revisions
- Opportunity to move into higher forest service posts
- Long-term job security and pension benefits
Salary & Benefit Details
Candidates selected for the OSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2026 will be appointed under Pay Level–4 as per the 7th Pay Commission.
Pay Structure
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level–4 |
| Pay Scale | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 |
| Basic Pay | ₹19,900 per month |
| Monthly Remuneration | As per the Government rules and applicable allowances |
Allowances & Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or Government accommodation
- Travel Allowance
- Medical facilities for self and dependents
- Provident Fund and pension benefits
- Paid leave and other state government benefits
FAQs: OSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2026
What is the start date for OSSSC Forest Guard registration 2026?
The online registration process for OSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2026 starts on 07 January 2026.
Can female candidates apply for OSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2026?
Yes. Female candidates are eligible and have separate physical standards and walking test requirements.
What is the salary of an OSSSC Forest Guard?
Selected candidates will be appointed under Pay Level-4 (₹19,900 – ₹63,200) along with DA, HRA, and other allowances as per government norms.
Is the OSSSC Forest Guard job permanent?
Yes. The Forest Guard post is a permanent government job under the Government of Odisha with job security and regular benefits.
Is there negative marking in the OSSSC Forest Guard written exam?
Yes. 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer in the written examination.
What is the educational qualification required for a Forest Guard?
Candidates must have passed the 10th Class (Matriculation) from a recognized board or institution.
conclusion
The OSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2026 is a good opportunity for candidates looking for a stable government job in the forest department. With a clear selection process, fixed pay under Pay Level-4, and long-term career growth, this recruitment is suitable for candidates who are physically fit and interested in field-based work.
Along with this recruitment, aspirants can also check other important job forms like the Bihar Police Havildar Clerk online form 2026, which is another promising option for candidates seeking a secure government career.
