
The Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) has released an important notification for the Combined Recruitment Examination-2025 (II). This recruitment drive aims to fill Group ‘C’ posts including Forester, Forest Guard, and Excise Constable. A significant total of 1518 vacancies have been announced. Candidates can apply online through the official OSSSC website. The application window for this OSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2025-26 opens on January 7, 2026, and closes on February 7, 2026. This is a crucial opportunity for eligible candidates seeking government employment in Odisha.
The Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) issued advertisement No. IIE- 121/2025-3220/OSSSC on December 30, 2025, for the Combined Recruitment Examination-2025 (II). This recruitment targets various Group ‘C’ positions within the state. Interested candidates can find all details and apply via the official website. This overview table provides a quick reference to the key aspects of the recruitment drive.
| OSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2025-26 Overview | |
|---|---|
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Combined Recruitment Examination-2025 (II) |
| Conducting Body | Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) |
| Post Name | Forester, Forest Guard, Excise Constable |
| Vacancies | 1518 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | osssc.gov.in |
| Notification Release Date | December 30, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | February 7, 2026 |
| Exam Date | To be released |
The official notification PDF contains comprehensive information regarding the Combined Recruitment Examination-2025 (II). It includes details on eligibility criteria, application procedures, syllabus, selection process, and other essential guidelines for Forester, Forest Guard, and Excise Constable posts. Aspirants should download and review this document thoroughly before applying.
The official notification for OSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2025-26 can be downloaded directly from the link provided below:
OSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2025-26 Notification Download
The OSSSC has announced a total of 896 vacancies across three Group ‘C’ posts. These include positions for Forester, Forest Guard.
To be eligible for the OSSSC Combined Recruitment Examination-2025 (II), candidates must meet specific criteria related to nationality, age, and educational qualifications. Fulfilling these requirements is mandatory for all applicants.
A candidate must be a citizen of India.
The age limits for the posts of Forester, Forest Guard, and Excise Constable are calculated as of January 1, 2025. Understanding these age criteria is essential for determining eligibility. Age relaxations are applicable for certain categories as per government rules.
Candidates belonging to multiple categories will receive the most beneficial age relaxation. PwDs under SC/ST/SEBC categories are eligible for cumulative age relaxation.
The application for the OSSSC Combined Recruitment Examination-2025 (II) must be submitted online only through the Commission's official website. Incomplete applications or those submitted via other modes will be rejected. Candidates must follow a step-by-step procedure for registration and application submission.
Steps to Apply Online:
Visit the official website: www.osssc.gov.in
Click on "How do I register/re-register/apply" on the homepage to read detailed instructions.
New users should click "Apply Online" on the Home page to register for the post.
Registered users who have applied for other posts need to login and select "Re-registration" under the Applicant Menu.
After successful Registration/Re-registration, log in using your credentials.
Fill in all required data and information accurately as per your documents in the designated fields.
Upload scanned copies of your full specimen signature (20Kbs to 50Kbs), recent passport-size colored photograph (20Kbs to 100Kbs), certificates, and mark sheets.
Pay the application fee (if applicable) through the available online payment modes.
Review all entered information carefully before submitting the final online application form.
Keep a personal e-mail ID and Mobile/Cell Phone Number valid until the recruitment process concludes.
The application fee for the OSSSC Combined Recruitment Examination-2025 (II) varies by category. SC, ST, and PwD candidates are exempt from paying the fee.
The fee can be paid through Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI via the payment gateway during online application submission.
The selection process for the OSSSC Combined Recruitment Examination-2025 (II) involves two main stages: a written test and a physical test. Candidates must qualify in each stage to proceed further.
Written Test: This is Stage-I, an objective-type (MCQ) written examination for 100 marks. The duration is 1 ½ hours. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer. Minimum qualifying marks are 30% for ST, SC, PwD, Ex-Servicemen, Sportsperson and 35% for other categories.
Physical Test: Stage-II involves a Physical Standard Measurement (PSM) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET). Candidates will be shortlisted for this stage in a ratio of not less than 3 times the number of vacancies, based on their written test merit.
Document Verification (DV): Candidates who qualify the physical test will be shortlisted for document verification (not less than 1.25 times the vacancies). This will be conducted by the District Level Board.
Candidates must meet the following physical standards to be considered eligible for the respective posts. These measurements are crucial for job roles demanding physical fitness.
| Physical Standard Measurement (PSM) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Height (cm) | Chest (Un-expanded/Expanded cm) | Weight (Kg) |
| Forester/Forest Guard Male | |||
| UR/SEBC/SC | 168 | 81 / Up to 5 cm difference | To be released |
| ST | 158 | 81 / Up to 5 cm difference | To be released |
| Forester/Forest Guard Female | |||
| UR/SEBC/SC/ST | 153 | To be released | To be released |
| Excise Constable Male | |||
| UR/SEBC | 168 | 79 / 84 | 55 |
| SC/ST | 163 | 76 / 81 | 50 |
| Excise Constable Female | |||
| UR/SEBC | 158 | To be released | 47.5 |
| SC/ST | 153 | To be released | 45 |
Candidates who clear the Physical Standard Measurement will proceed to the Physical Efficiency Test. Performance in these events is a mandatory part of the selection process.
|
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Post |
Gender |
Test |
Requirement
|
|
Forester/Forest Guard |
Male |
Walking Test |
25 kms in 4 hours |
|
Female |
Walking Test |
16 kms in 4 hours |
|
|
Excise Constable |
Male |
Running |
1.6 kms in 7 minutes |
|
Long Jump |
3.66 meters in 3 attempts |
||
|
Female |
Running |
1.6 kms in 9 minutes |
|
|
Long Jump |
2.75 meters in 3 attempts |
||
The posts of Forester, Forest Guard, and Excise Constable fall under Group ‘C’ categories with attractive pay scales. These positions offer competitive compensation packages as per government norms. Selected candidates will be appointed with a specified pay matrix level and cell.
Candidates will be posted within the respective District/Circle/Division. In addition to the basic pay, employees are also entitled to various allowances and perks as per Odisha Government rules.