Last Updated: 9 October 2026
The Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026 recruitment process has reached an important stage. The Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) has issued a notice regarding the physical test for candidates shortlisted under the Combined Recruitment Examination (CRE-2025 II). The physical test is scheduled to begin on 12 October 2026.
Candidates who qualified in the written examination should check their admission letters carefully for their individual test date, reporting time, venue and instructions. The physical test includes Physical Standard Measurement (PSM) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET), as applicable to the post.
The recruitment was originally advertised under Advertisement No. IIE-121/2025-3220/OSSSC, dated 30 December 2025. Applications are no longer being accepted for this recruitment cycle.
Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026 Latest News and Official Update
The latest official update concerns the physical test and admission letters for shortlisted candidates.
OSSSC’s website lists the following notices:
- Physical Test Notice: Notification No. IIE-96/2026-2936/OSSSC, dated 1 October 2026.
- Admission Letter Notice: Notification No. IIE-96/2026-3004/OSSSC, dated 1 October 2026, listed on the website on 7 October 2026.
- Physical Test Start Date: 12 October 2026.
- Recruitment: Combined Recruitment Examination (CRE-2025 II).
- Posts: Forester, Forest Guard and Excise Constable.
Candidates should use the official OSSSC website to access their admission letters and verify their individual schedules. Appearing for the physical test does not guarantee final selection; candidates must satisfy all applicable recruitment conditions.
Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026 Recruitment Overview
The recruitment covers Group C posts under the Odisha Government’s Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department and Excise Department.
Key details are provided below:
- Recruiting Authority: Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission
- Examination Name: Combined Recruitment Examination (CRE-2025 II)
- Advertisement Number: IIE-121/2025-3220/OSSSC
- Posts: Forester, Forest Guard and Excise Constable
- Total Advertised Vacancies: 1,518
- Forester Vacancies: 47
- Forest Guard Vacancies: 896
- Excise Constable Vacancies: 575
- Written Examination: Conducted in 2026
- Written Examination Result: Published in August 2026, according to recruitment updates
- Physical Test: Scheduled to begin on 12 October 2026
- Application Mode: Online
- Official Website: OSSSC
Vacancies are distributed across the relevant circles, divisions and districts. Candidates should refer to the original advertisement for the official post-wise and category-wise vacancy details.
Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026 Important Dates
The important dates for this recruitment cycle are listed below.
- Original Advertisement Date: 30 December 2025
- Online Registration/Re-registration Start Date: 7 January 2026
- Extended Registration/Re-registration Deadline: 15 February 2026
- Extended Online Application Deadline: 22 February 2026
- Written Examination: Conducted from April 2026 into May 2026
- Written Examination Result: August 2026
- Physical Test Notice: 1 October 2026
- Admission Letter Notice: 1 October 2026
- Physical Test Commencement: 12 October 2026
The original application deadlines were extended by OSSSC. Candidates should not rely on older articles showing the initial deadlines as the final dates.
Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026 Physical Test Date
The physical test is scheduled to begin on 12 October 2026. The test process includes Physical Standard Measurement and Physical Efficiency Test, as applicable under the recruitment rules.
The physical test schedule is important for candidates who have qualified in the written examination.
Candidates should:
- Visit the official OSSSC website.
- Find the admission-letter download facility for CRE-2025 (II).
- Log in using the required registration details.
- Download the admission letter.
- Verify the test date, reporting time, venue and instructions.
- Print the admission letter and keep it ready for the test.
The individual schedule and venue mentioned in the admission letter should take priority over general information published elsewhere.
Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026 Admit Card or Admission Letter
OSSSC refers to the document required for the physical test as an admission letter. Candidates shortlisted for the physical test should check the official portal for its availability.
The admission letter is expected to provide essential details, including the candidate’s identity, test schedule, reporting time, venue and instructions.
How to Download the Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026 Admission Letter
Follow these steps:
- Open the official OSSSC website.
- Locate the admission-letter download option for Forester, Forest Guard and Excise Constable under CRE-2025 (II).
- Enter the requested login or registration details.
- Complete any verification process shown on the portal.
- Open and download the admission letter.
- Check all personal details and physical-test instructions.
- Save a digital copy and print a copy for use at the test venue.
If the admission letter is unavailable or the login does not work, candidates should use the official website’s assistance or contact details. Avoid sharing passwords, OTPs or personal login information with unofficial agents.
Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026 Physical Test Requirements
The physical test is a separate stage of the recruitment process. Candidates should prepare according to the requirements applicable to the post for which they have been shortlisted.
The physical assessment may involve:
- Physical Standard Measurement (PSM): Verification of prescribed physical measurements.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Assessment of physical performance according to the relevant recruitment rules.
The required measurements and performance standards may differ between Forester, Forest Guard and Excise Constable. Candidates must read the official notification and the instructions in their admission letters rather than relying on a general social media post.
Candidates should also avoid strenuous last-minute exercise that could cause injury before the scheduled test.
Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026 Vacancy Details
The original recruitment advertisement announced 1,518 posts across the three categories.
Forester Vacancies Under Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026
- Total Posts: 47
- Department: Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department
- Pay Matrix: Level 7
- Pay Scale: ₹25,500–₹81,100
Forest Guard Vacancies Under Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026
- Total Posts: 896
- Department: Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department
- Pay Matrix: Level 4
- Pay Scale: ₹19,900–₹63,200
Excise Constable Vacancies Under Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026
- Total Posts: 575
- Department: Excise Department
- Pay Matrix: Level 4
- Pay Scale: ₹19,900–₹63,200
These figures refer to the original advertisement. Candidates should consult its annexures for circle-wise, division-wise, district-wise and category-wise vacancy details.
Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026 Educational Qualification
The educational requirements in the original recruitment notification differed by post.
Educational Qualification for Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026
- Forester: +2 Science from a recognised board or institution, with basic computer knowledge as prescribed in the notification.
- Forest Guard: High School Certificate Examination (Class 10) or equivalent qualification from a recognised board or institution.
- Excise Constable: +2 or equivalent examination from the Council of Higher Secondary Education, Odisha, or another recognised board or council.
Candidates were also required to satisfy the prescribed Odia-language requirements and all other eligibility conditions in the official advertisement.
These criteria are included for reference because the application period has closed. Candidates already in the selection process should check the original advertisement for the precise wording and supporting-document requirements.
Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026 Age Limit
The original notification prescribed different minimum ages for some posts.
- Forester: 18–32 years under the original notification.
- Forest Guard: 18–32 years under the original notification.
- Excise Constable: 21–32 years under the original notification.
The original advertisement specified an age cut-off date of 1 January 2025 and provisions for applicable age relaxation. Reserved-category candidates and other eligible groups should refer to the official advertisement for the precise rules.
These are the age conditions for the advertised recruitment cycle, not a new eligibility announcement.
Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026 Salary and Pay Scale
The original notification provided the following pay scales:
- Forester: ₹25,500–₹81,100 under Pay Matrix Level 7.
- Forest Guard: ₹19,900–₹63,200 under Pay Matrix Level 4.
- Excise Constable: ₹19,900–₹63,200 under Pay Matrix Level 4.
The figures represent the notified pay scales, not guaranteed monthly take-home salaries. Actual salary may depend on applicable allowances, deductions, service conditions and government rules.
Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026 Selection Process
The recruitment process includes a written examination and subsequent selection stages under the applicable recruitment rules.
The broad stages include:
- Written examination.
- Physical Standard Measurement (PSM), where applicable.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET), where applicable.
- Document verification and eligibility checks.
- Medical examination and other prescribed formalities.
Candidates must qualify at the stages applicable to their post. Being shortlisted for the physical test does not by itself mean that a candidate has been finally selected or appointed.
Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026 Written Examination Update
The written examination for this recruitment cycle has already been conducted. Candidates who qualified in the written examination have progressed to the physical-test stage according to the recruitment process.
Candidates who are now preparing for the physical test should prioritise their admission-letter instructions and the physical requirements specified in the official notification.
Candidates should not confuse this recruitment cycle with a separate OSSSC examination or a future recruitment notification.
Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026 Documents Required for the Physical Test
Candidates should read the admission letter carefully to identify the documents they must bring. Depending on the instructions issued by OSSSC, candidates may need to prepare:
- Printed admission letter.
- Valid photo identity proof.
- Relevant educational certificates.
- Date-of-birth proof, where required.
- Category or reservation certificate, if applicable.
- Other documents specifically requested by OSSSC.
This is a general preparation checklist, not a substitute for the official instructions. Carry all documents specifically required by the Commission and follow the reporting instructions printed on the admission letter.
Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026 How to Check Official Updates
Candidates should use the official OSSSC website for the latest notices, admission-letter facilities, results and recruitment instructions.
To check updates:
- Visit the official OSSSC website.
- Open the Recruitment News or Notifications section.
- Look for notices relating to CRE-2025 (II).
- Check the physical-test notice and admission-letter information.
- Read the complete notice before taking action.
Candidates should be cautious about unofficial websites that publish unverified test dates, altered notices or misleading download links.
Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026 Application Status
The application process for CRE-2025 (II) is closed. The extended deadline for online application submission was 22 February 2026.
Candidates who applied earlier should now follow the applicable result, admission-letter and physical-test updates. There is no basis to treat the current physical-test notice as an announcement of a fresh application window.
Anyone waiting for a new recruitment cycle should monitor official OSSSC notifications rather than relying on speculative social media posts.
Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest update on Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026?
OSSSC has issued a physical-test notice for candidates shortlisted under CRE-2025 (II). The physical test is scheduled to begin on 12 October 2026.
When will the Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026 physical test begin?
The physical test is scheduled to commence on 12 October 2026. Candidates must check their individual admission letters for their assigned date, time and venue.
Has OSSSC issued an admission-letter notice for Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026?
Yes. The official OSSSC website lists an admission-letter download notice dated 1 October 2026, published in its recruitment news on 7 October 2026. Candidates should check the official portal for their individual admission letter.
How many candidates can appear in the Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026 physical test?
Recent recruitment coverage reports that 4,683 candidates have been shortlisted or permitted to appear for the physical test. Candidates should consult the official notice and their admission letters for authoritative information.
How many vacancies were advertised under Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026?
The original recruitment advertisement listed 1,518 vacancies: 47 Forester posts, 896 Forest Guard posts and 575 Excise Constable posts.
Is the application process still open for Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026?
No. The extended deadline for submitting the online application was 22 February 2026.
What is the salary for Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026?
The notified pay scale is ₹25,500–₹81,100 for Forester and ₹19,900–₹63,200 for Forest Guard and Excise Constable, subject to the applicable pay rules.
Does appearing in the physical test guarantee final selection for Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026?
No. Candidates must satisfy the applicable physical-test requirements and all remaining eligibility, verification and medical requirements.
Where can candidates find official Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026 updates?
Candidates should check the official OSSSC website for notices, admission letters and further recruitment instructions.
Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026 Final Conclusion
The key update for Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable 2026 is the physical test scheduled to begin on 12 October 2026. Candidates shortlisted under CRE-2025 (II) should check their admission letters immediately and confirm their reporting time, venue and required documents.
The application period has closed, and the physical-test stage does not guarantee final selection. Candidates should rely on official OSSSC notices for all further instructions and avoid unverified claims about dates, results or appointment status.
