Overview
The Odisha Subordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) has announced recruitment for 1,518 vacancies across Forester, Forest Guard, and Excise Constable positions through the Combined Recruitment Examination (CRE-2025-II). This is a golden opportunity for candidates aspiring to serve in the Odisha State Government under the Forest & Environment and Excise Departments.
🏢 Organization Details
Organization: Odisha Subordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC)
Total Vacancies: 1,518 Posts
Post Type: Group-C (State Government)
Job Type: Permanent
Application Mode: Online Only
Official Website: https://www.osssc.gov.in/
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Online Registration (New User) | 07 January 2026 | 31 January 2026 |
| Re-registration (Registered User) | 07 January 2026 | 31 January 2026 |
| Online Application Submission | 07 January 2026 | 15 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | – | 22 February 2026 |
⚠️ Note: Candidates are advised to submit applications well before the last date to avoid last-minute rush.
📍 Vacancy Details
A total of 1,518 posts are available across three categories:
| S.No | Post Name | Department | Total Vacancies | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Forester | Forest, Environment & Climate Change | 47 | ₹25,500 – 81,100 (Level-7, Cell-1) |
| 2 | Forest Guard | Forest, Environment & Climate Change | 896 | ₹19,900 – 63,200 (Level-4, Cell-01) |
| 3 | Excise Constable | Excise Department | 575 | ₹19,900 – 63,200 (Level-4, Cell-01) |
| Total | 1,518 |
Post-wise Distribution:
Forester (47 Posts) – Circle-wise:
- Angul Territorial Circle: 8
- Baripada Territorial Circle: 1
- Berhampur Territorial Circle: 15
- Koraput Territorial Circle: 4
- Rourkela Territorial Circle: 7
- Sambalpur Territorial Circle: 12
Forest Guard (896 Posts): Division-wise vacancies with category reservations (UR/ST/SC/SEBC/Women/Ex-Servicemen)
Excise Constable (575 Posts): District-wise distribution across Odisha (e.g., Angul-21, Balangir-23, Balasore-38, etc.)
🎓 Educational Qualifications
Forester (47 Posts):
- Qualification: +2 Science (10+2 in Science stream)
- Additional: Knowledge of basic computer skills
- Language: Must be able to read, write & speak Odia
Forest Guard (896 Posts):
- Qualification: High School Certificate Examination (10th Pass)
- Language: Must be able to read, write & speak Odia
Excise Constable (575 Posts):
- Qualification: +2 Examination (10+2 from any recognized Board)
- Language: Must be able to read, write & speak Odia
Odia Language Requirement (All Posts): Candidates must fulfill ONE of the following:
- Passed Middle English School Examination with Odia as language subject, OR
- Passed Matriculation with Odia as medium of instruction in non-language subjects, OR
- Passed Odia as language subject in Class VII or above, OR
- Passed Odia test at Middle English School standard conducted by School & Mass Education Department, Odisha
💰 Salary Details (per month)
| Post | Pay Scale | Pay Matrix Level |
|---|---|---|
| Forester | ₹25,500 – 81,100 | Level-7, Cell-1 |
| Forest Guard | ₹19,900 – 63,200 | Level-4, Cell-01 |
| Excise Constable | ₹19,900 – 63,200 | Level-4, Cell-01 |
Plus allowances as per Odisha Government rules (DA, HRA, TA, etc.)
⏳ Age Limit (as on 01 January 2025)
| Post | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Forester | 18 years | 32 years |
| Forest Guard | 18 years | 32 years |
| Excise Constable | 21 years | 32 years |
Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST/SEBC/Women: 5 years
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD): 10 years
- Ex-Servicemen: Total period of defence service rendered (with conditions)
- Cumulative Relaxation: PwD candidates from SC/ST/SEBC get 10 years over and above category relaxation
🎯 Selection Process
The selection consists of TWO major stages:
Stage 1: Written Test (100 Marks)
- Format: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) in OMR/Computer-Based mode
- Duration: 1.5 hours (90 minutes)
- Subjects & Distribution:
- Mathematics: 20 questions (20 marks)
- General Studies: 25 questions (25 marks)
- English: 20 questions (20 marks)
- Odia: 15 questions (15 marks)
- Computer: 20 questions (20 marks)
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer
Minimum Qualifying Marks:
- SC/ST/PwD/Ex-Servicemen/Sportsperson: 30%
- All other categories: 35%
Bonus Marks (Excise Constable only):
- NCC ‘B’ Certificate: 1 mark
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate: 2 marks
Stage 2: Physical Test
Shortlisted candidates (minimum 3 times the vacancies, category-wise) will undergo:
A) Physical Standard Measurement (PSM)
For Forester & Forest Guard:
| Category | Gender | Height | Chest (Unexpanded-Expanded) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UR/SEBC/SC | Male | 168 cm | 81-86 cm |
| ST | Male | 158 cm | 76-81 cm |
| UR/SEBC/SC/ST | Female | 153 cm | – |
For Excise Constable:
| Category | Gender | Height | Weight | Chest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UR/SEBC | Male | 168 cm | 55 kg | 79-84 cm |
| SC/ST | Male | 163 cm | 50 kg | 76-81 cm |
| UR/SEBC | Female | 158 cm | 47.5 kg | – |
| SC/ST | Female | 153 cm | 45 kg | – |
B) Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
For Forester & Forest Guard:
- Male: Walking 25 km in 4 hours
- Female: Walking 16 km in 4 hours
For Excise Constable:
- Male: Running 1.6 km in 7 minutes + Long Jump 3.66 m (3 attempts)
- Female: Running 1.6 km in 9 minutes + Long Jump 2.75 m (3 attempts)
Note: Failure in any PSM/PET event leads to disqualification
Stage 3: Document Verification & Counselling
- Verification of original certificates
- Post and location preference selection
- Final merit list preparation
💳 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| SC/ST/PwD | NIL (Exempted) |
| All Others | ₹500/- |
Payment Mode: Net Banking/Credit Card/Debit Card/UPI through Payment Gateway
Important: The ₹500/- examination fee will be REFUNDED to candidates who actually appear for the examination, after verification of attendance records. Refund will be credited to the same account/payment method used during registration.
📑 How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply online:
For New Users (Fresh Candidates):
Step 1: Visit official website: https://www.osssc.gov.in/
Step 2: Click on “Apply Online” on the homepage
Step 3: Complete the Registration Form with basic details
Step 4: Note down your User ID and Password (sent to registered email/mobile)
Step 5: Login with credentials and fill the Online Application Form
Step 6: Upload scanned documents:
- Recent passport-size color photograph (20-100 KB, jpg/jpeg/png)
- Full specimen signature (20-50 KB, jpg/jpeg/png)
Step 7: Pay application fee (if applicable)
Step 8: Submit the application and download confirmation page
For Registered Users (Re-registration):
Step 1: Login to OSSSC website with existing User ID
Step 2: Select “Re-registration” option from Applicant Menu
Step 3: Complete the re-registration for CRE-2025-II
Step 4: Follow Steps 5-8 as mentioned above
Important Instructions:
- Use your own valid personal email ID and mobile number
- Keep email/mobile active until recruitment completion
- Incomplete applications will be summarily rejected
- Submit well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues
⚙️ Key Documents Required
Keep the following documents ready (scanned format):
For Online Application:
- ✅ Recent passport-size color photograph (20-100 KB)
- ✅ Signature specimen (20-50 KB)
- ✅ Educational certificates (for entering details)
- ✅ Category certificate (SC/ST/SEBC, if applicable)
- ✅ PwD certificate with UDID (if applicable, minimum 40% disability)
- ✅ Sportsperson Identity Card (if claiming sports quota)
- ✅ Ex-Servicemen discharge certificate (if applicable)
- ✅ NCC Certificate (for Excise Constable bonus marks)
For Document Verification (Later Stage):
- All original certificates + self-attested copies
- Domicile certificate (proof of Odisha residency)
- Age proof (10th certificate/Birth certificate)
- Odia language proficiency proof
- Character certificate
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
📘 Important Links
| Link Description | URL |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Date Extension Notice | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Join Telegram Channel | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
| Download FreeJobAlert App | Click Here |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When did the online application start?
A: Online applications started on 07 January 2026.
Q2. What is the last date to apply online?
A: The last date is 22 February 2026.
Q3. What is the educational qualification required?
A:
- Forester: +2 Science
- Forest Guard: 10th Pass
- Excise Constable: +2 (any stream)
Q4. What is the maximum age limit?
A: 32 years for Forester & Forest Guard; 32 years for Excise Constable (minimum 21 years required).
Q5. What is the application fee?
A: ₹500/- for General/OBC candidates; NIL for SC/ST/PwD. The fee will be refunded to candidates who appear for the exam.
Q6. Is Odia language knowledge mandatory?
A: Yes, candidates must be able to read, write, and speak Odia, with proof as specified in eligibility.
Q7. What is the selection process?
A: Two-stage: (1) Written Test (100 marks), (2) Physical Test (PSM + PET).
Q8. Will the exam fee be refunded?
A: Yes, ₹500/- will be refunded to candidates who actually appear for the written examination.
Q9. Can I apply for multiple posts?
A: Yes, but you need to submit separate applications for each post.
Q10. Are there physical standards for these posts?
A: Yes, specific height, chest, and weight requirements apply for all posts. Physical Efficiency Tests are also mandatory.
💡 Important Tips for Applicants
✅ Read the official notification thoroughly before applying
✅ Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, especially Odia language requirements
✅ Keep scanned documents ready in correct format and size
✅ Register early and submit application well before 22nd February
✅ SC/ST/PwD candidates should upload valid certificates for fee exemption
✅ Download and save the confirmation page after submission
✅ Visit the official website regularly for admit card and exam updates
✅ Start physical preparation early if shortlisted for Physical Test
✅ Note that exam fee will be refunded only if you appear for the exam
Don’t miss this opportunity to serve in Odisha’s Forest and Excise Departments! Apply before 22nd February 2026.
🔔 Stay Updated: Follow our channels for admit card notifications, exam updates, and result announcements.
