The Odisha Subordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) has officially launched one of the biggest government recruitment drives of 2026. Under the Combined Recruitment Examination (CRE-2025 II), the commission has announced 1,518 vacancies for the posts of Forest Guard, Forester, and Excise Constable. This recruitment offers a golden opportunity for candidates seeking a stable government job in Odisha with attractive salary, job security, and long-term benefits.
Online registration started on 7 January 2026 and will remain open until 7 February 2026 on the official website osssc.gov.in. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria should not delay, as competition is expected to be extremely high.
Why This OSSSC Recruitment 2026 Is a Big Opportunity
Every year, lakhs of candidates wait for OSSSC notifications because of:
Permanent government job status
Respectable salary structure under ORSP rules
Promotion opportunities
Pension and retirement benefits
Work-life balance
Social prestige
With more than 1,500 vacancies, this recruitment drive is among the largest OSSSC job announcements in recent years.
Post-wise Vacancy Details
As per the official notification, the vacancies are distributed as follows:
Forest Guard – 896 posts
Forester – 47 posts
Excise Constable – 575 posts
District-wise vacancy distribution is available in the detailed notification PDF on the OSSSC website.
Important Dates to Remember
Candidates must keep track of the following schedule:
Indicative Notification: 24 December 2025
Detailed Notification: 30 December 2025
Online Registration Start Date: 7 January 2026
Last Date for Registration & Application Submission: 7 February 2026
Written Exam Date: To be announced
Physical Test Date: To be announced
Missing the deadline means waiting another year, so early application is highly recommended.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must carefully check the educational qualification and age limit for their desired post.
Educational Qualification
Forest Guard
Passed Matriculation (10th class) from a recognized board
Forester
Passed +2 (Intermediate) from a recognized board
Basic computer knowledge required
Excise Constable
Passed +2 (Intermediate) from a recognized board
Age Limit (as on 01-01-2025)
Forest Guard & Forester: 18 to 32 years
Excise Constable: 21 to 32 years
Age Relaxation
SC / ST / SEBC / Women: 5 years
Ex-Servicemen: As per Odisha government rules
Salary Structure – Attractive Pay with Allowances
Selected candidates will receive salaries according to the Odisha Revised Scales of Pay (ORSP) along with DA, HRA, and other benefits.
| Post | Pay Level | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Forester | Level-9 | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 |
| Forest Guard | Level-4 | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 |
| Excise Constable | Level-4 | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 |
This makes the recruitment financially appealing for young job seekers.
Application Fee Details
UR / SEBC: ₹500 (Refundable after appearing in exam)
SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen: No fee
Payment Mode: Online (UPI, Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking)
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online
Follow these steps carefully to avoid rejection:
Visit www.osssc.gov.in
Click on “Online Application for CRE-2025 (II)”
Complete registration using mobile number and email ID
Login with generated credentials
Fill personal and educational details
Upload photo, signature, and thumb impression
Pay application fee (if applicable)
Review all details
Submit application form
Download and print confirmation page
Selection Process Explained
The recruitment will be conducted in multiple stages:
Written Examination (OMR / CBT)
Physical Standard Measurement Test (PSM)
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Document Verification
Only candidates who clear all stages will be included in the final merit list.
Written Exam Pattern 2026
Mode: OMR / Computer Based Test
Questions: 150 MCQs
Total Marks: 150
Duration: 150 minutes
Standard: 10th level
Subject Distribution
English – 25
Odia – 25
Mathematics – 25
General Knowledge – 25
Computer Knowledge – 25
General Science – 25
Physical Standards & Efficiency Test
Forest Guard / Forester – PST Highlights
Male (UR/SEBC/SC)
Height: 168 cm
Chest: 81–86 cm
Male (ST)
Height: 158 cm
Female (All Categories)
Height: 153 cm
Excise Constable – PST Highlights
Separate height, weight, and chest criteria are prescribed for male and female candidates based on category.
PET Requirements
Forest Guard / Forester
Male: 25 km walk in 4 hours
Female: 16 km walk in 4 hours
Excise Constable
Male: 1.6 km run in 7 minutes + long jump 3.66 m
Female: 1.6 km run in 9 minutes + long jump 2.75 m
