The Odisha Sub-ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) has officially released the recruitment notification for the Combined Recruitment Examination-2025 (II) on 30th December, 2025. OSSSC has announced a total of 1,518 vacancies for the posts of Forester, Forest Guard, and Excise Constable. These positions are part of the District/Circle/Division Cadre under the Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department and the Excise Department of the Government of Odisha. Interested and eligible candidates can begin their online registration from January 7, 2026, with the final submission deadline set for February 7, 2026.
OSSSC Combined Recruitment 2026 Notification
The OSSSC Combined Recruitment 2025 (II) Notification PDF provides a comprehensive guide for aspirants. This document details the district-wise vacancy distribution, specific eligibility criteria for each post, the multi-stage selection process, and important registration instructions. Candidates are strongly advised to review the notification thoroughly to ensure they meet the age, educational, and physical standard requirements before applying.
[Download OSSSC Combined Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF]
OSSSC Combined Recruitment 2026: Overview
This recruitment drive offers a significant opportunity for candidates looking to join the Odisha state government services in field-oriented roles. Below is a summary of the key details.
| Organization | Odisha Sub-ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) |
|---|---|
| Post Names | Forester, Forest Guard, Excise Constable |
| Total Vacancies | 1,518 |
| Advertisement No. | IIE-121/2025-3220/OSSSC |
| Registration Dates | 7th January to 31st January 2026 |
| Final Submission Dates | 7th January to 7th February 2026 |
| Mode of Application | Online Only |
| Selection Process | Written Test (MCQ) and Physical Standard Measurement & Efficiency Test (PSM & PET) |
| Salary | Rs. 19,900 – Rs. 81,100 (Pay Level 4 to 7) |
| Official Website | [Official OSSSC Website] |
OSSSC Vacancy 2026
The 1,518 vacancies are distributed across three primary roles within the state departments. These are District/Circle/Division cadre posts.
| Name of the Post | Department | No. of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Forester | Forest, Environment & Climate Change | 47 |
| Forest Guard | Forest, Environment & Climate Change | 896 |
| Excise Constable | Excise Department | 575 |
Also Read: OSSSC Recruitment 2026 for 3250 ICDS Supervisor, Junior Assistant, RI, ARI and More
OSSSC Apply Online 2026
The online application portal for OSSSC 2026 will be active starting January 7, 2026. Fresh candidates must first complete the “New User” registration, while those previously registered with OSSSC can use the “Re-registration” option. It is critical to note that registration alone does not constitute a complete application; candidates must proceed to fill out the detailed application form and pay the required fee.
[Direct Link to Apply for OSSSC Combined Recruitment 2026] (Active from 07.01.2026)
How to Apply for OSSSC Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must follow a specific sequence to ensure their application is successfully submitted. All communications, including alerts and admission letters, will be sent to the registered mobile number and email ID.
| Step | Procedure |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the official OSSSC website and click on “Apply Online”. |
| 2 | Choose “New User” for fresh registration or “Registered User” for re-registration. |
| 3 | Complete registration by filling in details and uploading a scanned specimen signature (20KB-50KB). |
| 4 | Log in using the generated User ID and Password to access the detailed Application Form. |
| 5 | Fill in all personal, educational details and upload a recent passport-size photograph (20KB-100KB). |
| 6 | Pay the Examination Fee of Rs. 500/- (if applicable) through the online payment gateway. |
| 7 | Review all entered details meticulously and submit the final application form. |
| 8 | Download and print the Confirmation Page for your records and future reference. |
Application Fee
The examination fee is non-refundable, except for candidates who actually appear for the written examination, in which case the fee will be refunded.
| Category of Applicant | Examination Fee |
|---|---|
| General / SEBC | Rs. 500/- |
| SC / ST / PwD | NIL |
Also Read: OSSC CTS 2025 (Combined Technical Service) Notification Out for 743 Junior Engineer & More Posts
OSSSC Eligibility Criteria 2026
Eligibility is determined based on age, educational qualifications, and physical standards as of January 1, 2025.
Age Limit
- Forester & Forest Guard: 18 to 32 years.
- Excise Constable: 21 to 32 years.
- Relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST/SEBC/Women and 10 years for PwD candidates.
Educational Qualification
- Forester: Passed +2 Science from a recognized Board/University with basic computer knowledge.
- Forest Guard: Passed High School Certificate Examination (Class 10) or equivalent.
- Excise Constable: Passed +2 Examination or equivalent from a recognized Council/Board.
OSSSC Exam Pattern & Selection Process 2026
The selection process consists of two stages: a Written Test followed by a Physical Test.
Stage I: Written Test (Objective MCQ)
The written exam will be of 100 marks, to be completed in 2.5 hours.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 |
| General Studies | 25 | 25 |
| English | 20 | 20 |
| Odia | 15 | 15 |
| Computer | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
- Qualifying Marks: 35% for General/SEBC; 30% for SC/ST/PwD/Ex-Servicemen/Sportspersons.
Stage II: Physical Standard Measurement (PSM) & Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Candidates who qualify in the written test (approx. 3 times the vacancies) will be called for PSM & PET. This includes height/chest measurements and an endurance test (e.g., 25 km walk in 4 hours for male Forest posts).
OSSSC Salary 2026
Selected candidates will be appointed with the following pay scales as per the Odisha Revised Scales of Pay (ORSP) Rules, 2017.
| Post Name | Pay Scale | Pay Matrix Level |
|---|---|---|
| Forester | Rs. 25,500 – Rs. 81,100 | Level-7 |
| Forest Guard | Rs. 19,900 – Rs. 63,200 | Level-4 |
| Excise Constable | Rs. 19,900 – Rs. 63,200 | Level-4 |
FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for OSSSC Forest Guard 2026?
Ans: The last date to submit the online application is February 7, 2026.
Q2. How many vacancies are released in this notification?
Ans: A total of 1,518 vacancies have been announced for Forester, Forest Guard, and Excise Constable posts.
Q3. What is the educational qualification for a Forest Guard?
Ans: Candidates must have passed the High School Certificate Examination (Class 10) from a recognized board.
