The Odisha Subordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) has officially released the Combined Recruitment Examination (CRE) 2025–26 notification for the recruitment of Forester, Forest Guard, and Excise Constable posts. Through this large recruitment drive, OSSSC will fill a total of 1,518 Group-C vacancies across different departments of the Government of Odisha.
Online applications will be accepted through the official OSSSC portal starting from 07 January 2026, and the last date for submission of the online application is 07 February 2026.
OSSSC Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Odisha Subordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) |
| Recruitment Name | OSSSC CRE 2025–26 |
| Posts | Forester, Forest Guard, Excise Constable |
| Total Vacancies | 1,518 |
| Job Category | Group-C |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Odisha |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Start | 07 January 2026 |
| Last Date for Registration | 31 January 2026 |
| Online Application Submission | 07 January – 07 February 2026 |
| Final Date of Application | 07 February 2026 |
OSSSC CRE 2026 Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Department | Vacancies | Pay Matrix Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forester | Forest, Environment & Climate Change Dept. | 47 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 |
| Forest Guard | Forest, Environment & Climate Change Dept. | 896 | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 |
| Excise Constable | Excise Department | 575 | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 |
| Total | 1,518 |
Salary Structure (As per ORSP Rules)
- Forester: ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 (Pay Matrix Level-7, Cell-1)
- Forest Guard: ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 (Pay Matrix Level-4, Cell-01)
- Excise Constable: ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 (Pay Matrix Level-4, Cell-01)
In addition to basic pay, selected candidates will receive DA, HRA, medical benefits, and other allowances as per Government of Odisha rules.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Forester:
Passed +2 Science from a recognized board/institution with basic computer knowledge. - Forest Guard:
Passed High School Certificate Examination (10th) from a recognized board. - Excise Constable:
Passed +2 Examination or equivalent from a recognized board or council.
Odia Language Requirement
Candidates must be able to read, write, and speak Odia and must have passed Odia as a subject or medium as prescribed in the notification.
Age Limit (As on 01 January 2025)
| Post | Age Requirement |
|---|---|
| Forester | 18 to 32 years |
| Forest Guard | 18 to 32 years |
| Excise Constable | 21 to 32 years |
Age Relaxation
- SC / ST / SEBC / Women: 5 years
- PwDs: 10 years
- Ex-Servicemen: As per service period rendered
(Candidates can avail only one relaxation, except PwDs under reserved categories)
Application Fee
- General / SEBC: ₹500
- SC / ST / PwDs: Nil
The examination fee will be refunded to candidates who appear in the written examination, as per OSSSC fee refund rules.
Selection Process
The selection will be conducted in multiple stages:
Stage-I: Written Examination
- Objective-type questions (100 marks)
- Subjects: Mathematics, General Studies, English, Odia, Computer
- Duration: 1½ hours
- Negative Marking: 0.25 mark for each wrong answer
Stage-II: Physical Test
- Physical Standard Measurement (PSM)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
(Walking test for Forester/Forest Guard and Running/Long Jump for Excise Constable)
Further Stages
- Merit List preparation
- Document Verification
- Counselling and final selection
How to Apply for OSSSC CRE Recruitment 2026
- Visit our Official website.
- Click on Apply Online
- Complete Registration / Re-registration
- Login and fill the online application form
- Upload photograph, signature, and required documents
- Pay the application fee (if applicable)
- Submit the application and save the confirmation page
Important Instructions
- Applications submitted through offline mode will not be accepted
- All eligibility conditions must be fulfilled by the last date of application
- Admit cards will be available only on the OSSSC website
- Candidates should regularly check the official website for updates
