OSSSC Forester Forest Guard and Excise Constable Recruitment 2026

With 1,518 vacancies across three posts, the Odisha Subordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) has launched one of the biggest state government recruitment drives in Odisha for 2026. Whether you want to join the forest department as a Forester or Forest Guard, or serve in law enforcement as an Excise Constable, this recruitment has a role for candidates from Class 10 pass to Class 12 Science graduates. Apply online before 08 March 2026.

What's Inside

• Who Can Apply
• Total Vacancies
• Salary Details
• Selection Process
• Exam Pattern
• Preparation Tips
• How to Apply
• Important Dates
• Career Growth
• FAQs

Who Can Apply

The eligibility conditions are different for each post, so check carefully which post you qualify for before you apply.

• Forester: You must have passed Class 12 (Intermediate) with Science subjects from a recognised board. You also need basic computer skills (knowledge of MS Office and internet use).
• Forest Guard: You need to have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) from a recognised board. This is the most accessible post in this recruitment.
• Excise Constable: You must have passed Class 12 (Intermediate) from a recognised board in any stream.
• All posts: Knowledge of Odia language is required. You must be domiciled in Odisha.

Age Limit (as on 01 January 2025):

• Forester and Forest Guard: 18 to 32 years
• Excise Constable: 21 to 32 years

Total Vacancies

There are 1,518 posts in total across three positions. Here is the post-wise breakdown:

The posting is on a district cadre basis, which means you will be posted within Odisha. Category-wise vacancy breakdowns (SC/ST/OBC/General) will be available in the official notification PDF.

Salary Details

Here is a clear picture of what you can expect to earn in each post under the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix.

Forester — Pay Level 7

Forest Guard and Excise Constable — Pay Level 4

Your actual take-home salary will be slightly lower after deductions like the National Pension System (NPS) contribution and any applicable taxes. Allowances are calculated as per the Odisha government's pay rules and the 7th Pay Commission recommendations.

Selection Process

The selection happens in four stages. You need to clear each stage to move to the next one.

1. Written Test — An objective type (MCQ) exam with 100 questions for 100 marks. There is negative marking.
2. Physical Standard Measurement (PSM) — Your height, chest measurement, and weight are checked as per the post requirements.
3. Physical Efficiency Test (PET) — A physical fitness test. The tasks are different depending on the post (details in the Exam Pattern section below).
4. Document Verification — Verification of your original certificates.
5. Counselling — Final round for district-wise posting allocation.

Note: The Written Test is qualifying in nature for shortlisting, and the final merit list is prepared based on the combined performance across stages as per OSSSC rules.

Exam Pattern

The written exam is the same format for all three posts. Here is what you need to know:

Subject-wise breakdown:

Physical Efficiency Test (PET) requirements:

Check the official notification PDF for PET requirements for women candidates and post-wise Physical Standard Measurement (PSM) details.

Preparation Tips for OSSSC Forester Forest Guard Excise Constable Exam

The written exam has 100 questions in 90 minutes — that is about 54 seconds per question. You need to be quick and accurate. Here is how to prepare smartly:

• Focus on Computer Knowledge — It carries 20 marks. Topics usually include MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), basic internet use, and operating system fundamentals. This is often an easy-scoring section.
• Do not ignore Odia — 15 marks are dedicated to Odia language. Since this is mandatory for all posts, make sure you are comfortable with grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary in Odia.
• Mathematics (20 marks) — Focus on Class 10 level topics: arithmetic, percentages, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time and work, and basic geometry.
• General Studies (25 marks) — This section covers current affairs, Indian history, geography, science, and Odisha-specific GK. Read current affairs from the last 6 months before the exam.
• Be careful with negative marking — 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer. Do not guess randomly. Skip questions you are not sure about.
• Time management is key — You get 90 minutes for 100 questions. Take at least 5–10 full-length mock tests before the exam to build your speed and accuracy.
• Download the official syllabus from osssc.gov.in to make sure you are not missing any topic.

How to Apply

The application is entirely online. Here are the steps to apply:

1. Go to the official OSSSC website: osssc.gov.in
2. Click on the active recruitment link for Forester, Forest Guard, and Excise Constable 2025.
3. Register yourself with your mobile number and email ID to get login credentials.
4. Log in and fill in your personal, educational, and contact details carefully.
5. Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and required documents in the specified format and size.
6. Pay the application fee online (details below).
7. Submit the form and download the confirmation page. Keep it safe for future reference.

Application Fee: General / OBC / SEBC — Rs. 500 | SC / ST / PwD — No fee (exempt). The fee is refundable as per OSSSC rules. Pay online via debit card, credit card, or net banking.

Last Date to Apply: 08 March 2026. Make sure you submit your application before this date. Late applications will not be accepted.

Important Dates

Career Growth After Joining

All three posts — Forester, Forest Guard, and Excise Constable — are permanent government positions under the Government of Odisha, which means you get long-term job security along with all state government benefits.

After completing the probation period, you can move to higher pay levels through departmental promotions based on seniority and performance. As a Forester, you can progress to Range Officer and beyond within the Odisha Forest Department. Excise Constables have a defined promotion path within the Odisha Excise Department.

All permanent employees benefit from the National Pension System (NPS), government medical facilities, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), housing rent allowance, and other state government perks.

Related Jobs You May Like

If you are interested in this Forester, Forest Guard, and Excise Constable position, you might also want to check out other State Government jobs on CentralStateJobs.in. We regularly update new government job notifications so you do not miss any opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the salary of Forester in OSSSC?

A. The salary for Forester in OSSSC is Rs. 25,500 to Rs. 81,100 per month as per Pay Level 7 of the 7th Pay Commission. Your actual take-home will be slightly lower after NPS and other deductions, plus you will receive additional allowances as per government rules.

Q. What is the salary of Forest Guard and Excise Constable in OSSSC?

A. The salary for Forest Guard and Excise Constable in OSSSC is Rs. 19,900 to Rs. 63,200 per month as per Pay Level 4 of the 7th Pay Commission, along with applicable government allowances.

Q. What is the last date to apply for OSSSC Forester Forest Guard Excise Constable 2026?

A. The last date to apply for OSSSC Forester, Forest Guard, and Excise Constable 2026 is 08 March 2026. You can apply online through the official website osssc.gov.in.

Q. What is the age limit for OSSSC Forester and Forest Guard?

A. The age limit for Forester and Forest Guard is 18 to 32 years as on 01 January 2025. SC/ST/SEBC and Women candidates get 5 years of relaxation, and PwD candidates get 10 years of relaxation.

Q. What is the age limit for OSSSC Excise Constable 2026?

A. The age limit for Excise Constable is 21 to 32 years as on 01 January 2025. Relaxation of 5 years is available for SC/ST/SEBC and Women candidates, and 10 years for PwD candidates.

Q. How many vacancies are there in OSSSC Forester Forest Guard Excise Constable 2026?

A. There are a total of 1,518 vacancies: 47 for Forester, 896 for Forest Guard, and 575 for Excise Constable.

Q. What is the qualification needed for OSSSC Forest Guard?

A. You need to have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) from a recognised board to apply for Forest Guard. Knowledge of Odia language is also required.

Q. Is there negative marking in the OSSSC written exam?

A. Yes, there is negative marking in the OSSSC written exam. 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer, so avoid random guessing.

Q. What is the exam pattern for OSSSC Forester Forest Guard Excise Constable 2026?

A. The written exam has 100 MCQ questions for 100 marks to be completed in 90 minutes. Subjects include Mathematics (20), General Studies (25), English (20), Odia (15), and Computer Knowledge (20). There is negative marking of 0.25 per wrong answer.

Q. How to apply for OSSSC Forester Forest Guard Excise Constable 2026?

A. You can apply online through the official OSSSC website at osssc.gov.in. Register with your mobile number and email, fill in the application form, upload documents, pay the fee of Rs. 500 (exempt for SC/ST/PwD), and submit before 08 March 2026.

• Patrol assigned forest areas to prevent illegal felling of trees, poaching, and encroachment (Forest Guard / Forester)
• Assist in plantation drives, forest conservation activities, and wildlife protection efforts
• Enforce forest laws and regulations under the supervision of senior officers
• Maintain records of forest produce, wildlife sightings, and any incidents within the jurisdiction
• Prevent and control forest fires by organising fire lines and responding to fire outbreaks
• Enforce excise laws related to the manufacture, sale, and transport of liquor and other notified goods (Excise Constable)
• Conduct raids and searches under the direction of senior excise officers to detect illegal liquor trade
• Maintain law and order in the excise department and assist in the collection of excise duty
• Prepare and maintain duty-related records, reports, and case files as required
• Report violations and submit written reports to the concerned department in the prescribed format