Here is an SEO-friendly blog article based on the provided transcript:
Forest Department Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for Forest Guard, Forester & Excise Constable Posts
New recruitment has been announced by the Forest Department (Van Vibhag) for 2026. This comprehensive drive offers opportunities for both male and female candidates, requiring qualifications from 10th to 12th pass. The official notification for these vacancies has been released, inviting online applications with starting salaries up to ₹21,700.
Vacancy Details
A total of 1518 new vacancies have been announced across various positions within the Forest Department for 2026. The breakdown is as follows:
- Forest Guard: 896 Posts
- Forester: 47 Posts
- Excise Constable: 575 Posts
Eligibility Criteria
Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply for the Forest Department Recruitment 2026 through online mode. The educational qualifications vary by post:
- Forest Guard & Forester: Candidates must be 12th pass (Intermediate pass). Preference will be given to candidates with a Science background for these roles.
- Excise Constable: Candidates must be 12th pass from any stream.
Age Limit and Relaxation
The minimum age limit for these positions is 18 years, and the maximum age limit is 38 years. Age relaxation will be provided to eligible candidates, including SC, ST, OBC, and women, as per government rules. Applicants are advised to check the official notification for detailed age relaxation policies. For Forester and Forest Guard, the age limit is 18 to 32 years, while for Excise Constable, it is 21 to 32 years.
Physical Standard Test (PST)
Candidates applying for Forest Guard and Forester posts will undergo a Physical Standard Test (PST):
- Male Candidates:
- Height: 163 cm
- Chest: 79 cm (with an expansion of 5 cm)
- Female Candidates:
- Height: 150 cm
- Chest: Not Applicable
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
The Physical Efficiency Test (PET) requirements for the Forest Department Recruitment 2026 are as follows:
- Forest Guard & Forester: Candidates will need to complete a 25 km walk within a stipulated time.
- Excise Constable: Running and other physical tests will be conducted as per the rules for this specific post. Candidates should refer to the official notification for exact details.
Salary Structure
Selected candidates will receive competitive salaries along with Dearness Allowance (DA) and other allowances:
- Forest Guard: ₹21,700 to ₹69,100 (Pay Level 7)
- Forester: ₹25,500 to ₹81,100 (Pay Level 7)
- Excise Constable: ₹19,900 to ₹63,200 (Pay Level 4)
Selection Process
The selection process for the Forest Department Recruitment 2026 will include multiple stages:
- Written Examination (OMR Based)
- Physical Test (PET & PST)
- Document Verification
- Final Merit List
Important Documents Required
Candidates applying for the Van Vibhag Bharti 2026 will need the following important documents:
- Photograph and Signature
- 10th and 12th Marksheets
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile Certificate (if applicable)
- Aadhaar Card
Application Dates
The application window for the Forest Department Recruitment 2026 is from January 7, 2026, to February 7, 2026.
How to Apply
To apply for these vacancies, candidates must visit the official website of OSSC. Follow these steps:
- Open the official website.
- Navigate to the ‘Recruitment’ section.
- Find and open the link for ‘Forest Recruitment 2026’.
- Fill out the online application form with the required details.
- Upload necessary documents.
- Submit the completed application form.
This recruitment drive by the Forest Department offers a significant opportunity for eligible candidates to join government service. It is highly recommended to carefully read the complete official notification for all rules, laws, and guidelines before applying. The job location for these positions will be Odisha.
