The Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) officially announced the recruitment notification for the position of Forester under the Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department. The comprehensive recruitment notification, released on 30th December 2025, details the administrative framework, eligibility requirements, and the multi-stage selection process for candidates aiming for a career in the state’s forest department. This recruitment drive offers 47 vacancies distributed across various territorial circles in Odisha, reflecting the government's commitment to strengthening the state's forest administration. The recruitment examination is designed to assess candidates through a Computer-Based Recruitment Examination (CBRE) mode, which took place from 16th April 2026 to 5th May 2026.
Candidates interested in this position were required to navigate through a structured application timeline, starting from 7th January 2026, with the final registration date concluded on 22nd February 2026. The Forester role is a significant entry point for 12th-pass candidates in the Odisha government, offering a competitive salary structure commensurate with Level 7 of the pay matrix. This recruitment initiative encompasses not only the Forester role but is part of broader administrative efforts by the commission to streamline staffing for positions like Forest Guard and Excise Constable. Successful candidates can expect a career path that involves field-based environmental stewardship, requiring both intellectual and physical fitness as measured through the written test and physical efficiency standards established by the commission. Aspiring applicants must ensure their readiness by strictly adhering to the official guidelines provided in the notification regarding age limits, educational qualifications, and professional proficiency in the Odia language.
The Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) serves as the primary conducting authority for the Forester recruitment. The commission holds the responsibility for the entire recruitment life cycle, from the issuance of the official notification to the final selection and merit listing. The examination is conducted entirely in a Computer-Based Recruitment Examination (CBRE) format, ensuring a modern, efficient, and transparent assessment process. This digital-first approach marks a significant shift in the recruitment landscape for government roles in the state, prioritizing speed and security in the examination delivery.
The selection process is multi-tiered and rigorous, specifically designed to test the varied skills required for forestry management. The structure includes:
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Candidates appearing for the OSSSC Forester exam must adhere to a set of standardized instructions to ensure a smooth examination process. Following these guidelines is mandatory for all applicants:
The Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) conducts the Forester recruitment under the Combined Recruitment Examination. Candidates must monitor the official portal at osssc.gov.in for the latest notifications regarding the 2026 recruitment cycle. As per the latest directives, all applications must be submitted online via the official portal. Ensure your Onetime Registration (OTR) profile is updated with current educational certificates and category documents to avoid disqualification during the document verification stage.
To download the official OSSSC Forester notification, follow these steps:
| Event | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | As per Official Notification |
| Application End Date | As per Official Notification |
| Exam Date | To be notified via Admit Card |
The total vacancy count is determined by the official notification published by OSSSC. Distribution is as follows:
| Exam Year | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 316 |
| 2023 | 802 |
| Designation | Department | Pay Level |
|---|---|---|
| Forester | Forest, Environment & Climate Change Dept | Level-8 (Rs. 21,700 - 69,100) |
The candidate must be between 18 and 38 years of age as of the first day of January of the recruitment year.
Candidates must have passed the +2 Higher Secondary Examination or equivalent from a recognized Board/Council. Physical standards include a minimum height of 168 cm (Male) and 158 cm (Female), with chest measurements of 81 cm (unexpanded) and 86 cm (expanded) for males.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 | 3 Hours |
| Mathematics | 40 | 40 | - |
| General English | 40 | 40 | - |
| Odia Language | 40 | 40 | - |
| Computer Knowledge | 40 | 40 | - |
The Forester post is classified under Level-8 of the ORSP Rules, 2017. The starting basic pay is Rs. 21,700, excluding Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other admissible state government allowances.
Admit cards are released exclusively on osssc.gov.in. Candidates must carry a printed copy of the Hall Ticket and a original photo identity card (Aadhar Card, Voter ID, or PAN Card) to the examination center.
The provisional answer key is published on the OSSSC website post-examination. Candidates can submit objections within the stipulated 3-5 day window via the candidate login portal.
The final merit list is prepared based on the marks secured in the written examination, subject to qualifying the Physical Efficiency Test (PET). Normalization is applied if the exam is conducted in multiple shifts.
Focus on high-weightage topics in Mathematics and General Awareness. Practice previous year question papers to master time management. Dedicate specific slots for Odia and English grammar, as these are scoring sections.
The cut-off score is the minimum threshold required to qualify for subsequent stages of the recruitment process. These cut-offs are determined based on factors such as the total number of vacancies, the difficulty level of the examination, and the total number of candidates who appeared. Because these factors change annually, the cut-off marks vary each year. Candidates must achieve scores at or above these thresholds to be eligible for selection. The specific category-wise cut-offs are published along with the results on the official commission website.
The application process for the OSSSC Forester post is conducted strictly online through the official commission portal. Candidates must ensure they have all necessary personal and educational details ready before initiating the process. Follow these steps to complete the application successfully:
It is strongly advised to verify all information before the final submission, as corrections may not be possible once the application has been finalized.
