OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment: Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) has released the Combined Recruitment Examination (CRE) 2026 – II notification to recruit eligible candidates for the posts of Forester, Forest Guard, and Excise Constable under various departments of the Government of Odisha. This recruitment drive is considered one of the most important state-level opportunities for candidates seeking uniformed government service with long-term stability, social respect, and field-level authority.
The recruitment is aimed at strengthening Odisha’s forest conservation system, wildlife protection framework, and excise enforcement mechanism. Foresters and Forest Guards play a frontline role in safeguarding forests, preventing illegal logging, controlling forest fires, and protecting wildlife. Excise Constables are responsible for enforcement of excise laws, prevention of illegal liquor trade, and maintaining public order related to excise matters.
These posts are district or division cadre jobs, meaning selected candidates will serve close to their allocated regions, making them highly suitable for aspirants who prefer stable postings within Odisha. OSSSC CRE 2025 selection is based on written examination, physical standards and efficiency tests, and document verification, ensuring only capable and disciplined candidates enter service.
| OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment: Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable Online Form | |
| OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment: Overview | |
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| OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment: Application Fee | |
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| OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment: Important Dates | |
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| OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment: Eligibility Criteria | |
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| OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment: Vacancy Details | |
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| OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment: Age Limit | |
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| OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment: Educational Qualification | |
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| OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment: Physical Standards | |
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| OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment: Selection Process | |
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| OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment: Exam Pattern & Syllabus | |
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| OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment: Salary Details | |
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| OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment: Required Documents | |
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| OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment: Important Links | |
| Apply Online Click Here
Download Notification Click Here Official Website Click Here |
| Recruiting Body | Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission |
| Recruitment Name | Combined Recruitment Examination (CRE) 2025 – II |
| Posts Offered | Forester, Forest Guard, Excise Constable |
| Job Type | Permanent Government Job |
| Cadre | District / Division |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Selection Method | Written Test + Physical Test + DV |
| Official Website | osssc.gov.in |
Application Fee of OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment
OSSSC has followed the Odisha Government’s inclusive recruitment policy by keeping the application fee minimal and exempting major categories from payment. This ensures that financially weaker candidates are not restricted from participating in the recruitment process.
| General / UR | ₹500 |
| SEBC | ₹500 |
| SC | Nil |
| ST | Nil |
| Women Candidates | Nil |
| Persons with Disabilities | Nil |
Important Date of OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment
Candidates are advised to strictly follow the timeline announced by OSSSC, as late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
| Official Notification Release | 30 December 2025 |
| Online Registration Start | 07 January 2026 |
| Registration Closing Date | 31 January 2026 |
| Last Date for Application Submission | 07 February 2026 |
| Written Examination Date | To be notified |
| Physical Test Schedule | After Written Test |
| Final Result | To be notified |
Eligibility of OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment
Candidates applying for OSSSC CRE 2025 must meet nationality, age, educational, and language requirements. Applicants must be Indian citizens and should possess adequate knowledge of the Odia language, which is essential for day-to-day official duties such as reporting, public interaction, and documentation.
The eligibility conditions are verified at multiple stages, and any discrepancy may result in cancellation of candidature even at a later stage of selection.
| Nationality | Indian |
| State Eligibility | Odisha domicile required for reservation |
| Language | Must read, write, and speak Odia |
| Character | Good moral character |
| Medical Fitness | Mandatory for appointment |
Vacancy Details of OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment
OSSSC CRE 2025 offers a large number of vacancies distributed across districts and divisions. The category-wise allocation ensures representation from all social groups as per reservation rules of the Odisha Government.
| Post Name | UR | SC | ST | SEBC | Total Vacancies |
| Forester | 23 | 2 | 11 | 5 | 47 |
| Forest Guard | 356 | 64 | 171 | 86 | 896 |
| Excise Constable | — | — | — | — | 575 |
Age Limit of OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment
Age eligibility is calculated as on the cut-off date mentioned in the notification. OSSSC provides age relaxation benefits to reserved categories, women candidates, PwD, and ex-servicemen as per state rules.
| UR / SEBC | 18 Years | 32 Years |
| SC / ST | 18 Years | 37 Years |
| Women | 18 Years | 42 Years |
| PwD | 18 Years | 42 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per service rules | |
Educational Qualification of OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment
The educational qualification requirement for OSSSC CRE 2025 is kept accessible so that candidates from rural and semi-urban backgrounds can apply easily. While the minimum qualification differs by post, the syllabus remains within matriculation or higher secondary level.
Candidates from arts, science, and commerce backgrounds are equally eligible. Science background candidates may find General Science sections easier, while commerce candidates often perform well in mathematics and reasoning areas.
| Forester | 10+2 / Higher Secondary |
| Forest Guard | HSC / 10th Pass |
| Excise Constable | HSC / 10th Pass |
Physical Standards of OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment
Physical efficiency and stamina are crucial for these posts due to outdoor duties, long patrol hours, and enforcement responsibilities. Therefore, physical standards and efficiency tests are compulsory.
| Forester | Physical Standard Test + Physical Efficiency Test |
| Forest Guard | Physical Standard Test + Physical Efficiency Test |
| Excise Constable | Physical Standard Test + Physical Efficiency Test |
Selection Process of OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment
The OSSSC CRE 2025 selection process is designed to evaluate candidates’ academic understanding, physical capability, and overall suitability for government service.
| Stage I | Written Examination |
| Stage II | Physical Standard Measurement |
| Stage III | Physical Efficiency Test |
| Stage IV | Document Verification |
| Stage V | Final Merit List |
Syllabus with Exam Pattern of OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment
The written examination is of matriculation standard and focuses on fundamental concepts rather than advanced theory. The questions are objective type, making accuracy and time management extremely important.
Exam Pattern Highlights
Mode: OMR / CBRE
Total Questions: 100
Total Marks: 100
Duration: 90 Minutes
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer
| Mathematics | 20 |
| General Studies | 25 |
| English | 20 |
| Odia | 15 |
| Computer | 20 |
Subject-Wise Preparation Focus
Mathematics:
Covers arithmetic topics such as percentage, ratio, average, profit and loss, time & work, simple interest, and basic geometry. Speed and accuracy matter most.
General Studies:
Includes Odisha history, geography, Indian polity, economy basics, current affairs, and important government schemes relevant to Odisha.
English:
Focuses on grammar, comprehension, error correction, synonyms, antonyms, and sentence formation.
Odia:
Tests reading comprehension, grammar usage, sentence structure, and basic vocabulary proficiency.
General Science:
Based on 10th-level physics, chemistry, and biology concepts with emphasis on everyday scientific understanding.
Previous Year Cut-Off of OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment
Cut-off marks vary every year based on vacancy count, exam difficulty, and candidate performance. Reserved category cut-offs are comparatively lower, while UR cut-offs remain competitive.
| UR | 68–72 |
| SEBC | 63–67 |
| SC | 55–60 |
| ST | 50–55 |
| PwD | 45–50 |
Salary of OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment
OSSSC CRE 2025 posts offer attractive salary packages along with government allowances and job security. Employees also enjoy annual increments, pension benefits, and promotional avenues.
| Forester | Level-5 | ₹29,000 – ₹32,000 |
| Forest Guard | Level-4 | ₹23,000 – ₹26,000 |
| Excise Constable | Level-4 | ₹22,000 – ₹25,000 |
Post-Wise Job Profile & Work Responsibility of OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment
The OSSSC CRE 2025 posts carry clearly defined responsibilities that directly impact public administration, environmental safety, and regulatory enforcement. Each role demands discipline, integrity, and physical readiness while offering strong social respect and long-term career stability.
Forester Job Profile:
A Forester works as a supervisory field officer under the Forest Department. The role includes monitoring forest ranges, supervising Forest Guards, assisting Range Officers, maintaining forest records, preventing illegal felling, and supporting wildlife conservation programs. Foresters also coordinate during forest fire control operations and participate in afforestation drives.
Forest Guard Job Profile:
Forest Guards form the backbone of forest protection. Their daily duties include foot patrolling, checking illegal logging activities, protecting wildlife, monitoring forest boundaries, and assisting senior officers. The role requires frequent outdoor work, night patrolling, and duty in remote forest areas.
Excise Constable Job Profile:
Excise Constables are responsible for enforcing excise laws, preventing illegal liquor manufacturing and transport, assisting in raids, maintaining surveillance, and supporting revenue protection. The post involves coordination with police and district administration during enforcement drives.
Career Growth & Promotion Structure of OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment
OSSSC CRE 2025 posts offer structured career progression through departmental promotions, internal examinations, and service experience. With consistent performance and departmental exams, employees can move into higher supervisory roles.
Forester Promotion Path:
Forester → Assistant Ranger → Range Officer → Higher Forest Services (as per eligibility and departmental rules).
Forest Guard Promotion Path:
Forest Guard → Forester → Assistant Ranger (through departmental exams and service record).
Excise Constable Promotion Path:
Excise Constable → Head Constable → Excise Sub-Inspector → Inspector (based on departmental promotion rules).
Training Period & Probation of OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment
Selected candidates must undergo mandatory training before full-scale posting. The training focuses on physical conditioning, departmental laws, field procedures, discipline, and administrative protocols.
The probation period typically lasts for two years, during which candidates must demonstrate satisfactory performance, discipline, and conduct. Successful completion of probation is essential for confirmation into regular service.
Posting Location & Transfer Policy of OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment
OSSSC CRE 2025 posts are primarily district or division cadre jobs. Initial postings are generally within the allotted district or forest division. Transfers are governed by departmental policy and usually occur after a minimum service period.
Forest and excise posts may involve posting in rural, tribal, or forest-dominated areas, which candidates should be mentally prepared for before applying.
Work Environment & Lifestyle of OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment
The work environment for Forester, Forest Guard, and Excise Constable posts is field-oriented and disciplined. Officers spend significant time outdoors, often in challenging terrain and weather conditions.
Despite the demanding nature of the job, these posts offer a balanced lifestyle with fixed salary, government holidays, medical facilities, pension benefits, and job security unmatched in the private sector.
Required Documents for OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment
Candidates must keep all original documents ready during application submission and document verification stages.
| Educational Certificates | Qualification proof |
| Caste Certificate | Reservation claim |
| Residence Certificate | Odisha domicile |
| Aadhaar Card | Identity verification |
| Passport Size Photos | Application & DV |
| PwD Certificate | If applicable |
How to Apply for OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment
- Visit the official OSSSC website.
- Complete one-time registration using a valid mobile number and email ID.
- Login using the generated credentials.
- Click on CRE 2025 – II application link.
- Carefully fill personal, educational, and address details.
- Upload photograph and signature in prescribed format.
- Review all details thoroughly before final submission.
- Pay the application fee if applicable.
- Submit the form and download the acknowledgment.
- Keep a printed copy for future reference.
Important Link of OSSSC CRE 2026 Recruitment
Candidates must stay alert to official updates and ensure they follow instructions strictly to avoid disqualification.
| Admit Card | Available online only |
| Exam Centers | District-wise |
| Posting Nature | Field duty |
| Selection Basis | Merit + Physical fitness |
| Official Updates | osssc.gov.in |
FAQs
Q1. Is OSSSC CRE 2025 a permanent job?
Yes, all posts are permanent government positions.
Q2. Can 10th pass candidates apply?
Yes, for Forest Guard and Excise Constable.
Q3. Is Odia language compulsory?
Yes, basic Odia knowledge is mandatory.
Q4. Is there negative marking?
Yes, 0.25 marks per wrong answer.
Q5. Are women candidates eligible?
Yes, women can apply for all posts.
Q6. Is physical test mandatory?
Yes, for all posts.
Q7. Are commerce students eligible?
Yes, all streams are eligible.
Q8. Is there interview stage?
No interview is conducted.
Q9. Can other state candidates apply?
Yes, but without reservation benefits.
Q10. How many attempts are allowed?
No fixed limit within age criteria.
Q11. Is NCC certificate beneficial?
Yes, it carries extra weightage.
Q12. Are postings transferable?
Yes, as per departmental rules.
Q13. What is exam difficulty level?
Moderate, matriculation standard.
Q14. Where to download admit card?
From osssc.gov.in only.
Q15. Is physical fitness crucial after selection?
Yes, duties require regular physical activity.
Final Words
OSSSC CRE 2025 recruitment stands as a valuable opportunity for candidates seeking a disciplined, respectable, and stable government career within Odisha. With thousands of applicants expected, focused preparation, physical readiness, and timely application submission will play a decisive role in final selection.
Candidates are advised to rely only on official notifications and prepare systematically to maximize their chances of success.
