OSSSC CRE Vacancy 2026: Odisha Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable Recruitment – Complete Guide to Eligibility, Salary, Selection Process & Application
The Odisha Sub-ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) has announced a major recruitment drive under the Combined Recruitment Examination (CRE) 2025 (II) for Group C posts including Forester, Forest Guard, Excise Constable, Revenue Inspector (RI), Assistant Revenue Inspector (ARI), and others. Released via Advertisement No. IIE-121/2025-32.06/OSSSC on December 24, 2025, this initiative targets over 3,250+ vacancies across Odisha’s forest, revenue, women & child development, and excise departments, with online applications open from January 7 to February 7, 2026. This detailed guide provides 100% authentic information on eligibility, pay scales, multi-stage selection, and step-by-step application process, helping eligible candidates from across India seize this stable government job opportunity.
Recruitment Highlights
OSSSC CRE 2026 emphasizes merit-based hiring for essential state roles, prioritizing physical fitness for field-oriented posts like Forester and Excise Constable. The process integrates written exams, skill tests, and physical efficiency checks to ensure well-rounded candidates.
- Conducting Body: Odisha Sub-ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC).
- Exam Name: Combined Recruitment Examination (CRE) 2025 (II).
- Key Posts: Forester, Forest Guard, Excise Constable, RI, ARI, ICDS Supervisor, Amin, Junior Assistant (JA), Statistical Field Surveyor (SFS).
- Total Vacancies: 3,250+ (post-wise breakdown in notification; e.g., significant openings in forest and revenue sectors).
- Application Mode: Online only via osssc.gov.in.
- Application Window: January 7, 2026 (registration) to February 7, 2026 (final submission).
- Exam Stages: Prelims (objective MCQs), Mains (post-specific), Practical Skill Test (computer proficiency), Physical Standards/Endurance Test (PST/PET for field posts), Document Verification.
- Salary Range: Pay Level-7 to Level-9 (₹16,880–₹53,100 basic + allowances, totaling ₹35,000–₹60,000 monthly take-home).
- Who Can Apply: Indian citizens aged 18-42 years (relaxations apply); primarily Odisha domiciles preferred, but all-India eligibility for select posts.
This recruitment aligns with Odisha’s focus on environmental conservation, revenue administration, and law enforcement, offering job security, pensions, and career progression in state service.
Important Dates
Adhering to deadlines is crucial, as OSSSC enforces strict cutoffs with no extensions. The phased application process allows fresh registrations and re-registrations separately.
| Event | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Short/Full Notification Release | December 24, 2025 | – |
| Online Registration (New Users) | January 7, 2026 | January 31, 2026 |
| Re-registration (Existing Users) | January 7, 2026 | January 31, 2026 |
| Online Application Submission | January 7, 2026 | February 7, 2026 |
| Fee Payment Deadline | February 7, 2026 | February 7, 2026 |
| Prelims Exam (CRE) | To be announced | TBA |
| Mains & Skill Tests | Post-Prelims | TBA |
| PET/PST for Field Posts | Post-Mains | TBA |
Candidates should complete registration early to avoid last-minute glitches on the portal.
Application Fees
Fees remain category-based and non-refundable, payable online via net banking, cards, or UPI. Exact amounts will be confirmed in the detailed advt., but follow standard OSSSC slabs.
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| UR/SEBC | ₹200–₹300 (expected) |
| SC/ST/PwD | Exempt or ₹100 |
| All Field Posts (Forester etc.) | As per post notification |
No fees for re-registrations; ensure payment reflects before final submission to prevent rejection.
Salary Structure
Competitive pay under 7th Pay Commission ensures attractive packages with DA, HRA, medical benefits, and promotions. Field posts include risk allowances.
| Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay Range | Gross Monthly (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forester | Level-7 | ₹16,880–₹53,100 | ₹35,000–₹55,000 |
| Forest Guard | Level-5/6 | ₹14,700–₹46,600 | ₹30,000–₹50,000 |
| Excise Constable | Level-5 | ₹14,700–₹46,600 | ₹32,000–₹52,000 (incl. uniform/risk pay) |
| RI/ARI | Level-8/9 | ₹19,900–₹63,200 | ₹40,000–₹60,000+ |
| ICDS Supervisor/Amin/JA | Level-7 | ₹16,880–₹53,100 | ₹35,000–₹55,000 |
Perks: 30-day leave, pension under NPS, housing, travel allowances, and skill-based increments. Long-term stability with Group C promotions to supervisory roles.
Post-Wise Vacancy Details
Vacancies target Odisha’s forestry (conservation), revenue (land records), and excise (anti-liquor enforcement) needs. Full breakdown in official PDF.
| Post | Approx. Vacancies | Department |
|---|---|---|
| Forester | 500+ | Forest & Environment |
| Forest Guard | 1,000+ | Forest & Environment |
| Excise Constable | 800+ | Excise |
| RI/ARI | 600+ | Revenue & DM |
| ICDS Supervisor | 200+ | Women & Child |
| Amin/JA/SFS | 150+ | Panchayat/Finance |
District-wise allocations favor local candidates; total exceeds 3,250 with reserves for SC/ST (20-25%), women (33%), and PwD (5%).
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility emphasizes education, age, and Odisha knowledge. Verify against original certificates.
Age Limit (as on January 1, 2025)
- Minimum: 18 years.
- Maximum: 38–42 years (post-specific; e.g., 42 for RI).
- Relaxations: +5 years SC/ST/SEBC, +10 PwD, +ex-servicemen as per rules.
Educational Qualifications
| Post | Minimum Qualification |
|---|---|
| Forester/Forest Guard/Excise Constable | 10th/12th pass from recognized board; physical fitness certificate. |
| RI/ARI/ICDS Supervisor | Bachelor’s degree (any stream) + basic computer knowledge (Odia preferred). |
| Amin | 10+2 or Diploma in Engineering + computer skills. |
| JA/SFS | 10+2 + employment exchange registration (for JA). |
Odia language proficiency mandatory; computer application knowledge for office posts.
Physical Standards (PST/PET for Forester/Guard/Constable)
| Parameter | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 168 cm | 155 cm |
| Chest (Expansion) | 81–86 cm (5 cm min.) | 79–84 cm (5 cm min.) |
| Run (1.6 km) | 7 min | 8 min 30 sec |
| Other | Weight proportionate; vision 6/6 | Same |
Tattoos/customary marks allowed; medical fitness post-PET.
Selection Process
Multi-tiered to filter top talent; cumulative merit decides final allotment.
- Phase I: Prelims – Objective MCQs (General Awareness, Reasoning, Odia, Quantitative Aptitude; 100-200 marks).
- Phase II: Mains – Post-specific knowledge (e.g., Forestry basics for Forester).
- Phase III: Skill Test – Basic computer (typing/data entry; qualifying).
- Phase IV: PET/PST – Running, jumps, measurements (field posts only).
- Phase V: Document Verification & Medical – Originals scrutiny; final merit-cum-preference list.
Negative marking (0.25) in written exams; cutoffs vary by category/post.
How to Apply Online
Exclusive online mode; prepare scanned photo, signature, ID proof, marksheets (50-100 KB each).
Step 1: Registration
- Visit osssc.gov.in > “Recruitment” > CRE 2025 (II) link.
- Click “New User? Register Here.”
- Enter name, DOB, email, mobile, captcha; submit for User ID/Password (via SMS/email).
- Note credentials securely.
Step 2: Login & Form Completion
- Re-login with ID/password.
- Fill personal, educational, address details accurately.
- Select post preferences (district/department).
- Upload documents; preview form.
- Pay fee (if applicable); e-sign and submit.
- Download/print application slip & fee receipt.
Track status via portal; corrections allowed till deadline.
Preparation Tips
- Written Exams: Focus on Odisha GK (history, geography, schemes), NCERT 6-10th Maths/Reasoning, Odia grammar.
- Physical Prep: Daily runs, strength training; aim sub-qualifying times.
- Skill Test: Practice MS Office, typing (30 WPM English/Odia).
- Resources: OSSSC mock tests, previous papers; join Odisha job portals/Telegram groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Last date to apply? A: February 7, 2026.
Q: Can non-Odia apply? A: Yes, but Odia knowledge required.
Q: Vacancy PDF link? A: osssc.gov.in/Public/OSSSC/Default.aspx.
Direct Links:
- Apply Online: https://www.osssc.gov.in/
- Notification: https://www.osssc.gov.in/Docs/CRE-2025-II-3220.pdf
- Official Site: http://osssc.gov.in/
This OSSSC CRE 2026 opens doors to rewarding Odisha state service. Apply promptly, prepare diligently, and build a secure future.
