OSSSC Recruitment 2026 – 1518 Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable Posts!

Overview

The Odisha Subordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) is inviting applications for exciting career opportunities in the forest and excise departments. If you’re a 10th or 12th pass candidate looking to serve the state in forest conservation, wildlife protection, or excise enforcement, this is your chance! Join the Odisha government and contribute to environmental protection and law enforcement across the state.

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🏢 Organization Details

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📅 Important Dates

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📍 Vacancy Distribution by Post

Forester – District-wise Breakdown:

• Angul Circle: 8 posts | Baripada: 1 | Berhampur: 15 | Koraput: 4 | Rourkela: 7 | Sambalpur: 12

Forest Guard & Excise Constable – Circle/District-wise:

Vacancies are distributed across all districts and circles of Odisha. Detailed breakup available in the official notification on OSSSC website.

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🎓 Educational Qualifications Required

For Forester:

• Passed +2 (Senior Secondary) Science from a recognized board/university
• Basic computer skills required
• Good command over Odia language

For Forest Guard:

• Passed 10th Grade / High School Certificate from a recognized board
• Able to read, write, and speak Odia language fluently
• Should have passed Odia as a subject or medium of instruction

For Excise Constable:

• Passed +2 (Senior Secondary) Examination or equivalent from a recognized council
• Able to read, write, and speak Odia language
• Should have studied Odia in 7th grade or higher

Common Requirements (All Posts):

• Odia Language Proficiency: Must be able to read, write, and understand Odia
• Indian Citizen: Must be a citizen of India
• Character: Person of good character with no criminal record
• Marital Status: If married, must have only one living spouse
• Caste Certificate: If claiming SC/ST/SEBC benefits, must have valid certificate

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💰 Salary & Financial Benefits

Forester:

• Basic Pay Scale: ₹25,500–81,100 per month
• Pay Matrix Level: Level-7, Cell-1
• Monthly Salary (approx): ₹30,000-40,000 (initial) with regular increments

Forest Guard:

• Basic Pay Scale: ₹19,900–63,200 per month
• Pay Matrix Level: Level-4, Cell-01
• Monthly Salary (approx): ₹24,000-32,000 (initial) with regular increments

Excise Constable:

• Basic Pay Scale: ₹19,900–63,200 per month
• Pay Matrix Level: Level-4, Cell-01
• Monthly Salary (approx): ₹24,000-32,000 (initial) with regular increments

Additional Benefits (All Posts):

• Dearness Allowance (DA)
• House Rent Allowance (HRA)
• Travel Allowance
• Medical Benefits
• Provident Fund (PF)
• Pension after retirement
• Leave encashment facilities
• Government accommodation (where applicable)

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⏳ Age Limit (as on 1 January 2025)

Age Relaxation Available:

Note: You get only ONE relaxation (the one most beneficial to you), not multiple relaxations combined.

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📑 How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process:

Step 1: Registration

• Visit www.osssc.gov.in
• Click on “Apply Online” from the home page
• If you’re applying to OSSSC for the first time, register as a new user
• Fill your name, email, mobile number, and create a password

Step 2: Re-registration (if already registered)

• If you’ve registered for any other OSSSC post before, use your existing User ID
• Log in and select “Re-registration” option
• This helps maintain your previous data

Step 3: Fill Application Form

• Log in with your credentials
• Fill all required information:
  • Personal details (name, DOB, address)
  • Educational qualifications
  • Category (General/SC/ST/SEBC/OBC)
  • Choose your preferred post (Forester/Forest Guard/Excise Constable)
  • Select preferred district/circle for posting
• Upload required documents (see documents section)

Step 4: Document Upload

• Signature (JPG/PNG, 20–50 KB)
• Passport-size photograph (JPG/PNG, 20–100 KB)
• Educational certificates/mark sheets
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• PwD certificate (if applicable)
• Sports certificate (if claiming sportsperson benefits)
• Ensure all documents are clear and readable

Step 5: Pay Application Fee

• General/OBC: Pay ₹500
• SC/ST/PwD: No fee required
• Payment accepted via: Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI
• Payment is non-refundable but will be refunded if you attend the exam

Step 6: Submit Application

• Review all information carefully
• Click “Submit”
• Keep your registration number and password safe
• Print and save your confirmation page

Important Tips:

• Don’t wait until the last date; apply early
• Check all information twice before submitting
• Use your own email and mobile number (keep them active)
• Keep all documents handy before starting
• Save your confirmation receipt

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⚙️ Key Documents Required

For Online Application:

• Recent passport-size color photograph
• Clear digital signature
• Educational certificates (10th mark sheet, 12th mark sheet, or degree)
• Caste certificate (if claiming SC/ST/SEBC)
• Birth certificate or date of birth proof
• Odia language proficiency certificate (if applicable)

For Written Test (Bring Originals):

• Admit card/call letter
• One valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driving License, PAN, Passport)
• Mask and sanitizer (if required by health guidelines)
• Pen (blue or black)

If Claiming Special Benefits:

• PwD candidates: Permanent Disability Certificate with medical details
• Sportsperson: Valid Sports Identity Card from Sports & Youth Services Department
• Ex-Servicemen: Discharge certificate or service documents

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🎯 Selection Process

Stage 1: Written Test (100 Marks)

Test Format: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) in OMR mode

Duration: 1.5 hours (90 minutes)

Subject Breakdown:

Important Notes:

• Questions will be in bilingual format (English & Odia)
• Negative marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer
• No penalty for unanswered questions
• Minimum Qualifying Marks:
  • General/OBC: 35%
  • SC/ST/PwD/Ex-Servicemen/Sportsperson: 30%

Bonus Marks (Excise Constable only):

• NCC ‘B’ Certificate: +1 mark
• NCC ‘C’ Certificate: +2 marks

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Stage 2: Physical Test (Screening)

Candidates scoring above minimum marks will be called for physical tests.

Physical Standard Measurement (PSM):

For Forest Guard & Forester:

• Height Requirements:
  • Male (General/SEBC/SC): Minimum 168 cm
  • Male (ST): Minimum 158 cm
  • Female (All categories): Minimum 153 cm
• Chest Measurement:
  • Male: Minimum 81 cm (unexpanded), 5 cm expansion
  • Female: Not applicable
• Color Blindness: Disqualifying factor

For Excise Constable:

• Height:
  • Male (General/SEBC): 168 cm | SC/ST: 163 cm
  • Female (General/SEBC): 158 cm | SC/ST: 153 cm
• Weight:
  • Male (General): 55 kg | SC/ST: 50 kg
  • Female (General): 47.5 kg | SC/ST: 45 kg
• Chest: 79–84 cm (male), with 5 cm expansion minimum
• No Medical Deformities: No knock knees, bow legs, flat feet, squint eyes, color blindness

Physical Efficiency Test (PET):

For Forest Guard & Forester:

• Male: Walk 25 km in 4 hours
• Female: Walk 16 km in 4 hours
• This tests your endurance and fitness

For Excise Constable:

• Male: Run 1.6 km in 7 minutes + Long Jump 3.66 m (3 attempts)
• Female: Run 1.6 km in 9 minutes + Long Jump 2.75 m (3 attempts)
• This tests your running and jumping ability

Selection Criteria:

• Only those passing Physical Test can proceed
• Approximately 3 times the number of vacancies shortlisted for physical test
• Merit-cum-fitness basis selection

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Stage 3: Document Verification

• Your educational certificates will be verified
• Caste certificate verification (if applicable)
• Address and identity verification
• Odia language proficiency check

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Stage 4: Merit List & Final Selection

• Final merit list prepared based on written test + physical test performance
• Separate lists for each post and category
• Posts allocated based on merit and your district preference
• Candidates will be intimated about their posting location

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❌ Who Cannot Apply?

You are NOT eligible if you:

• Haven’t passed the required educational qualification
• Are outside the age limit (even with relaxation)
• Don’t have Odia language proficiency
• Have criminal record or adverse character
• Are not an Indian citizen
• Have already resigned from government service and re-applying
• Have physical deformities disqualifying for the post:
  • For Excise Constable: Knock knee, bow legs, flat foot, squint eyes, color blindness, poor hearing/speech
  • For Forest Guard/Forester: Color blindness (except Leprosy Cured Persons)
• Have defaulted on government loans
• Claim multiple benefits (can claim only one most beneficial)

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💵 Application Fee

Payment Methods:

• Net Banking
• Credit Card
• Debit Card
• UPI

Important:

• Fee refunded if you attend the written test
• No refund for candidates who don’t appear
• Pay using your own account to avoid issues

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✅ Eligibility Quick Checklist

Before applying, confirm you have:

• Passed required education (10th, 12th, or +2)
• I’m within age limit (18-32 years as on 1 Jan 2025)
• I can read, write, and speak Odia
• I’m an Indian citizen
• I have no criminal record
• I don’t have disqualifying physical deformities
• I’m not previously rejected from this recruitment
• I meet all medical/physical requirements

If any answer is NO, don’t apply.

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📘 Important Information

Key Points to Remember:

1. Online Application Only: No offline applications accepted. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
2. Bilingual Exam: Questions available in English and Odia. English version will be final in case of confusion.
3. Multiple Exams: If tests are held on different dates/shifts, normalization will be used to make all scores comparable.
4. Test Centers: You can request your preferred 3 districts, but OSSSC may assign another location based on capacity.
5. Admit Card: Download from website using User ID & Password. No physical copies sent by post.
6. Probation: After selection, you’ll be on probation for 6-12 months before confirmation.
7. Posting: You’ll be posted in your preferred district/circle. No transfers for first 3-5 years.
8. Government Service: Once selected, you become a government employee with job security and benefits.
9. Sportsperson Benefit: Need valid Sports Identity Card issued by Sports & Youth Services Department.
10. Ex-Servicemen: Must have discharge certificate and not availed re-employment earlier.
11. Final Decision: OSSSC’s decision on all matters (eligibility, selection, debarment) is final and binding.

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📞 Need Help?

For queries regarding the recruitment:

• Visit: www.osssc.gov.in
• Check the notification PDF for detailed information
• Download the official advertisement for all terms and conditions

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🔗 Important Links

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the maximum age for Excise Constable? A: Maximum age is 32 years as on 1 January 2025, with age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/SEBC/Women and 10 years for PwD.

Q2: Can I apply for multiple posts? A: You should apply for only one post that matches your qualifications. You cannot apply for multiple posts simultaneously.

Q3: Is there negative marking in the exam? A: Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. Unanswered questions carry no penalty.

Q4: How are candidates selected if physical test is held on different dates? A: Normalization formula is used to convert all raw scores into normalized scores for fair comparison.

Q5: What if I don’t clear the physical test? A: You’ll be disqualified from that post and won’t be considered further.

Q6: When will the written test be held? A: Dates will be announced later on the OSSSC website and in local newspapers. Download your admit card 5-7 days before the test.

Q7: Can I apply if I’m from another state but living in Odisha? A: Yes, if you meet all eligibility criteria including Odia language proficiency.

Q8: What happens after I get selected? A: You’ll go through document verification, then be posted to your chosen district/circle. You’ll be on probation for 6-12 months before confirmation.

Q9: Are there chances to get posted in my preferred district? A: Your preferred district will be considered, but final posting depends on available vacancies and merit position.

Q10: What is the salary after getting confirmed? A: As per pay scale mentioned above with regular increments every year, plus allowances and benefits.

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⚠️ Important Warnings

• Only Official Website: Apply only from www.osssc.gov.in. Don’t trust any third-party websites claiming to help with applications.
• No Guarantee: No coaching center or individual can guarantee selection. Selection is purely based on merit.
• Unfair Means: Using unfair means will lead to permanent disqualification and legal action.
• Multiple Applications: Submitting multiple applications will result in cancellation of your candidature.

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🎯 Your Next Steps

1. ✅ Check your eligibility using the checklist
2. ✅ Prepare your documents (10th/12th certificates, ID proof)
3. ✅ Visit www.osssc.gov.in on 7 January 2026
4. ✅ Register if you’re a new user
5. ✅ Fill application form carefully
6. ✅ Upload documents and pay fee (if applicable)
7. ✅ Submit and save confirmation
8. ✅ Monitor website for admit card (coming soon)
9. ✅ Start preparation for written test

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💡 Pro Tips for Success

• Apply Early: Don’t wait until 7 February. Apply within first week of January.
• Read Questions Carefully: Take time to understand each question before answering.
• Practice: Solve previous years’ papers and take mock tests online.
• Time Management: Allocate time wisely across all subjects in the exam.
• Stay Healthy: Get good sleep and maintain fitness for physical tests.
• Keep Documents Ready: Gather all certificates before applying.
• Check Email: Monitor your registered email for important notifications.
• Stay Updated: Visit OSSSC website regularly for exam schedule and admit card.

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This is your opportunity to serve Odisha! Build a stable government career today. Apply now!

Last Updated: January 2026