Good news for government job aspirants! The Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) has officially released a huge recruitment notification for 2026, inviting applications for Forester, Forest Guard, and Excise Constable posts.
In total, 10,518 vacancies have been announced, making this one of the largest Odisha government job recruitments in recent years. This article explains the notification in simple, clear English, covering eligibility, dates, pay scale, exam pattern, physical tests, and the step-by-step application process.
Important Dates – OSSSC Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Start Date | 7 January 2026 |
| Online Registration Last Date | 31 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 7 February 2026 |
✅ Candidates must complete registration + application submission before 7 February 2026.
Mode of Application
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Application Mode: Online only
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Official Website: https://www.osssc.gov.in
Candidates must apply online for Group C posts by visiting the OSSSC official website.
Post-wise Vacancy Details & Pay Scale
1. Forester
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Pay Scale: ₹25,500 – ₹81,100
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Total Vacancies: 47
2. Forest Guard
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Pay Scale: ₹19,900 – ₹63,200
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Total Vacancies: 8,896
3. Excise Constable
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Pay Scale: ₹19,900 – ₹63,200
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Total Vacancies: 575
🔎 Category-wise and division-wise vacancy details are available in the official notification.
Educational Qualification
Forester
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Must have passed 12th (Science stream)
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Basic computer knowledge is mandatory
Forest Guard
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Must have passed High School (10th)
Excise Constable
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Must have passed 12th / +2 Examination
Age Limit (as on Notification Date)
Forester & Forest Guard
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Minimum Age: 18 years
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Maximum Age: 32 years
Excise Constable
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Minimum Age: 21 years
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Maximum Age: 32 years
🔔 Age relaxation is applicable for SC, ST, SEBC, PwBD, Ex-servicemen, and other reserved categories as per government rules.
Application Fee
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₹500 for all candidates
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SC / ST / PwBD categories: Exempted
💡 Refund Rule: If a candidate appears in the examination, the ₹500 fee will be refunded.
Selection Process – OSSSC Recruitment 2026
Stage 1: Written Examination
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Type: Objective (MCQ)
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Total Questions: 100
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Total Marks: 100
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Duration: 1.5 Hours
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Negative Marking: 0.25 mark for each wrong answer
Subjects Covered
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Mathematics
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General Studies
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English
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Odia
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Computer Awareness
Minimum Qualifying Marks
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SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-servicemen / Sports persons: 30%
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Others: 35%
📘 Question papers will be available in English and Odia.
Bonus Marks (Excise Constable Only)
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NCC ‘B’ Certificate: +1 Mark
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NCC ‘C’ Certificate: +2 Marks
Stage 2: Physical Test (For Forest Guard & Excise Constable)
Physical Standard Measurement (PSM)
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Minimum height, chest, and weight standards as specified in the notification (varies by category and gender).
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Walking Test
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Male Candidates: 25 km in 4 hours
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Female Candidates: 16 km in 4 hours
Running Test
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Male: 1.6 km in 7 minutes
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Female: 1.6 km in 9 minutes
Long Jump
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Male: 3.66 meters (3 attempts)
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Female: 2.75 meters (3 attempts)
Documents Required for Verification
Candidates must carry original certificates, including:
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Educational certificates (10th / 12th as applicable)
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Caste certificate (if claiming reservation)
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Odia language pass certificate (Class 7 or above)
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Discharge certificate (for Ex-servicemen)
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Sports ID card (if applicable)
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Photo ID proof
How to Apply Online – Step-by-Step
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Visit the OSSSC official website
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Complete new registration
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Fill out the online application form
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Upload photo & signature
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Pay the application fee
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Submit and download the application form
✔️ Always read the official notification carefully before applying.
FAQs – OSSSC Recruitment 2026
1. How many total vacancies are released by OSSSC in 2026?
A total of 10,518 vacancies have been announced.
2. What is the last date to apply online?
The last date is 7 February 2026.
3. Is the application fee refundable?
Yes, ₹500 will be refunded if the candidate appears for the exam.
4. Is Odia language mandatory?
Yes, candidates must have passed Odia as a language subject at least up to Class 7.
5. Are physical tests compulsory?
Yes, for Forest Guard and Excise Constable posts.
6. Can 10th pass candidates apply?
Yes, 10th pass candidates are eligible for the Forest Guard post.
