Table of contents
- Key Highlights: OSSSC CRE Recruitment 2026
- How to Apply for OSSSC CRE Recruitment 2026
- OSSSC CRE Salary Structure (Pay Matrix)
- OSSSC CRE Recruitment 2026 FAQ
- Q1: What is the educational qualification for the Forester post?
- Q2: What is the age limit for Forest Guard and Forester?
- Q3: Is there any application fee for OSSSC CRE 2026?
- Q4: What are the physical standards for male candidates?
- Q5: What does the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) involve?
- Q6: How is the written examination structured?
- Q7: Can candidates from other states apply for these posts?
- Q8: When will the OSSSC CRE II admit cards be released?
- Conclusion
- Important Official Links
The Odisha Sub-ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) has officially announced a massive recruitment drive through the Combined Recruitment Examination (CRE-II) 2026. This notification is a golden opportunity for job seekers in Odisha, offering a total of 1,518 vacancies for the posts of Forester, Forest Guard, and Excise Constable.
These positions fall under the Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department and the Excise Department of the Government of Odisha. The online application window is set to open on January 7, 2026, allowing eligible candidates to register and submit their forms through the official portal.
At jobalertsfree.com, we understand the importance of timely and accurate information for government job aspirants. This recruitment cycle aims to strengthen the state’s field-level workforce, focusing on environmental protection and law enforcement. With vacancies including 896 Forest Guards and 47 Foresters, the competition is expected to be high.
Candidates must meet specific educational criteria, such as passing Class 10 for Forest Guards or Class 12 (Science) for Foresters. Staying updated with jobalertsfree.com ensures you have all the necessary details regarding the syllabus, physical standards, and the multi-stage selection process to secure your spot in the Odisha government service.
Key Highlights: OSSSC CRE Recruitment 2026
- Organization: Odisha Sub-ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC)
- Total Vacancies: 1,518 (Forester: 47, Forest Guard: 896, Excise Constable: 575)
- Application Start Date: January 7, 2026
- Application End Date: February 7, 2026 (Registration ends Jan 31)
- Job Location: Odisha
- Selection Stages: Written Exam -> PMT/PET -> Document Verification
- Application Fee: Nil (No fee for any category)
How to Apply for OSSSC CRE Recruitment 2026
Follow these steps to complete your application on the official portal:
- Visit the official OSSSC website at osssc.gov.in.
- Click on the “Apply Online” link on the homepage.
- If you are a new user, click “New Registration”; existing users can “Login” using their credentials.
- Select the link for “Combined Recruitment Examination 2025 (II)”.
- Fill in your personal, educational, and contact details accurately.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and required certificates.
- Review your details and click on the “Submit” button.
- Download and print the final application form for future reference.
OSSSC CRE Salary Structure (Pay Matrix)
The selected candidates will be placed in different pay levels as per the Odisha Revised Scales of Pay (ORSP) Rules.
| Post Name | Pay Matrix Level | Pay Scale | Approx. Monthly Remuneration |
| Forester | Level-7 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 | ₹30,000 – ₹35,000 |
| Forest Guard | Level-4 | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 | ₹22,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Excise Constable | Level-4 | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 | ₹22,000 – ₹25,000 |
Note: Remuneration may initially be on a contractual/consolidated basis as per specific department rules.
OSSSC CRE Recruitment 2026 FAQ
Q1: What is the educational qualification for the Forester post?
To apply for the Forester position, candidates must have passed the 10+2 (Intermediate) Science stream from a recognized board or institution. Additionally, basic computer knowledge is a mandatory requirement for this role, as the duties may involve technical reporting and digital data entry related to forest management.
Q2: What is the age limit for Forest Guard and Forester?
For both Forest Guard and Forester posts, the minimum age is 18 years and the maximum age is 38 years as of January 1, 2025. Reserved categories such as SC, ST, SEBC, and Women receive a 5-year relaxation, while PWD candidates get a 10-year relaxation in the upper age limit.
Q3: Is there any application fee for OSSSC CRE 2026?
No, the Odisha Sub-ordinate Staff Selection Commission has waived the examination fee for all categories. Whether you belong to the General, SEBC, SC, or ST category, you can apply for the 1518 vacancies without paying any application charges, making this an accessible opportunity for all eligible aspirants.
Q4: What are the physical standards for male candidates?
Male candidates (UR/SEBC/SC) must have a minimum height of 168 cm and a chest measurement of 81 cm (unexpanded) with at least 5 cm expansion. For ST male candidates, the height requirement is relaxed to 158 cm, while the chest requirements remain the same as the other categories.
Q5: What does the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) involve?
The PET is a test of endurance. Male candidates are required to complete a 25 km walk within a time limit of 4 hours. Female candidates, on the other hand, must complete a 16 km walk within the same 4-hour duration. This test is qualifying in nature and mandatory.
Q6: How is the written examination structured?
The written test consists of 150 objective-type MCQs carrying 1 mark each, with a total duration of 150 minutes. Subjects include English, Odia, Arithmetic, General Knowledge, Computer Knowledge, and General Science. Be careful, as there is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for every incorrect answer.
Q7: Can candidates from other states apply for these posts?
Generally, these posts are reserved for permanent residents of Odisha. Candidates must be able to read, write, and speak Odia fluently and must have passed the Middle School examination with Odia as a language subject or have passed the High School Certificate examination with Odia as the medium.
Q8: When will the OSSSC CRE II admit cards be released?
The admit cards are typically released 7 to 10 days before the scheduled exam date. Once the written exam date is announced officially, the download link will be activated on osssc.gov.in. You can check jobalertsfree.com for immediate notifications regarding the hall ticket release and exam schedule.
Conclusion
The OSSSC CRE Recruitment 2026 represents a significant step for those looking to build a career in the forest and excise departments of Odisha. With 1,518 posts available, this is one of the largest recruitment drives in recent times. Success in this exam requires a balanced focus on both written preparation and physical stamina.
We at jobalertsfree.com encourage all aspirants to begin their preparation early, especially for the walking test and the science-based syllabus.
Ensure you complete your registration within the January window to avoid any last-minute technical errors. Good luck to all the future protectors of Odisha’s natural heritage!
Important Official Links
- Official Website: Click Here
- Detailed Notification PDF: Download Here
- Apply Online Link: Link Active on Jan 7
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