The Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) has officially released the Admission Letters (Admit Cards) for the posts of Forester, Forest Guard, and Excise Constable under CRE-2025 (II) on 9 April 2026 vide Notice No. IIE-30/2026-1207/OSSSC dated 9 April 2026. The Computer-Based Recruitment Examination (CBRE) — a fully online written test — is scheduled to be conducted from 16 April 2026 till 5 May 2026 across all districts of Odisha. This recruitment covers 1,518 Group C vacancies — comprising 47 Forester, 896 Forest Guard, and 575 Excise Constable posts — under Advertisement No. 3220/OSSSC dated 30 December 2025. Candidates can download their individual Admission Letters by logging into the official portal osssc.gov.in using their User ID and Password. A Mock Test link is also available alongside the Admission Letter download — candidates are strongly encouraged to attempt it before the actual exam. Exam date, venue, shift timing, and centre details are printed only on the Admission Letter; no hard copy will be dispatched by post.
Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Admit Card Released | 9 April 2026 |
| CBRE Exam Window | 16 April – 5 May 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 1,518 |
| Advertisement No. | 3220/OSSSC, dated 30.12.2025 |
| Admit Card Notice No. | IIE-30/2026-1207/OSSSC |
| Written Test | 100 Qs, 100 marks, 90 min |
| Negative Marking | −0.25 |
| Official Website | osssc.gov.in |
Alert: Download now. Visit osssc.gov.in → Candidate Login → enter User ID & Password → download Admission Letter → attempt Mock Test → print 2–3 copies → carry with a photo ID on exam day. Download Now
Official Notice — IIE-30/2026-1207/OSSSC, released by OSSSC on 9 April 2026: In pursuance of Advertisement No. 3220/OSSSC dt. 30.12.2025, Notice No. 291/OSSSC dt. 28.01.2026 and Notice No. 860/OSSSC dt. 13.03.2026, the Written Test for the posts of Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable under CRE-2025 (II) has been scheduled from 16th April 2026 till 5th May 2026 in CBRE mode across all districts of Odisha. Candidates must download Admission Letters by logging in at osssc.gov.in with User ID & Password and take the Mock Test while downloading. No hard copy of the Admission Letter will be sent by post. All terms and conditions of the Advertisement shall remain unaltered.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Admit Card Released | 9 April |
| CBRE Exam Begins | 16 April |
| CBRE Exam Ends | 5 May |
1. Complete OSSSC CRE-2025(II) Schedule — All Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Indicative Notification released for Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable posts | 24 December 2025 |
| Detailed Official Notification released — Advertisement No. 3220/OSSSC | CRE-2025(II) | 30 December 2025 |
| Online Application process opened at osssc.gov.in (One-Time Registration + Form Fill) | 7 January 2026 |
| Registration deadline (first) for CRE-2025(II) applications — later extended | 15 February 2026 |
| Final last date to submit online application form and pay examination fee | 22 February 2026 |
| Exam Date announced — CBRE from 16 April 2026 onwards (Notice No. 860/OSSSC) | 13 March 2026 |
| Admission Letters (Admit Cards) Released — Notice No. IIE-30/2026-1207/OSSSC | 9 April 2026 |
| CBRE Written Exam Begins — across all Odisha districts | 16 April 2026 (Sunday) |
| CBRE Written Exam Ends — all shifts and exam windows completed | 5 May 2026 (Tuesday) |
| Provisional Answer Key expected to be released | After 5 May 2026 |
| Provisional Master Merit List of Written Test published — shortlist for Physical Test | To be announced |
| Physical Standard Measurement (PSM) + Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for shortlisted candidates | After result |
| Document Verification by District Level Board + Counselling for post/district allocation | Final stage |
Important — exam date & centre only on Admission Letter: As per the official OSSSC notice, the specific exam date, exam shift, reporting time, venue name, and exam centre address are printed exclusively on each candidate’s individual Admission Letter. These details vary from candidate to candidate depending on the district they chose during application and available infrastructure. There is no common exam date for all — candidates across different districts may be scheduled on different dates within the 16 April to 5 May 2026 window. Check your individual Admission Letter carefully and plan your travel accordingly.
2. Total Vacancy Breakdown — 1,518 Posts Under CRE-2025(II)
| Post | Vacancies | Pay | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Guard | 896 | ₹19,900/month | 10th pass |
| Forester | 47 | ₹25,500/month | +2 Science |
| Excise Constable | 575 | As per ORSP Rules | +2 pass, NCC bonus available |
| Post | Vacancies | Department | Pay Scale | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Guard | 896 posts | Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, Odisha | ₹19,900/month (Group C) | High School Certificate (10th pass) from recognised Board |
| Forester | 47 posts | Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, Odisha | ₹25,500/month (Group C) | +2 Science from recognised University/Institution/Board + basic computer knowledge |
| Excise Constable | 575 posts | Excise Department, Government of Odisha | As per ORSP Rules (Group C) | +2 (Intermediate) or equivalent from recognised Board. NCC ‘B’ Certificate: +1 mark bonus; NCC ‘C’ Certificate: +2 marks bonus |
| Total | 1,518 posts | Advertisement No. 3220/OSSSC dt. 30.12.2025 | CRE-2025(II) | Vacancies distributed division-wise, district-wise, category-wise as per official notification annexures |
Odia language requirement (all posts): All candidates must be able to read, write, and speak Odia. Acceptable proof includes having passed Odia as a subject in Class VII or above, having completed Matriculation with Odia as the medium of instruction, or having passed a government-approved Odia language test. This is a mandatory eligibility condition and will be verified during document verification.
3. How to Download the Admission Letter — Step by Step
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Visit the Official OSSSC Portal | Go to osssc.gov.in — the only authorised portal for OSSSC recruitment activities. Ensure a stable internet connection and use only the official URL |
| 2. Locate the Admission Letter Download Link | Navigate to Candidate Login or Recruitment News/Latest Notifications/What’s New, and find the link titled “Release of Admission Letters for Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable under CRE-2025(II)” (Notice No. IIE-30/2026-1207/OSSSC dated 09.04.2026) |
| 3. Login with User ID and Password | Enter your User ID (assigned during One-Time Registration) and Password. Click Login to access your candidate dashboard and your personalised Admission Letter, which includes your allocated exam date, shift, and centre |
| 4. Attempt the Mock Test | A Mock Test link is available alongside the Admission Letter download. OSSSC has specifically advised all candidates to take this before the actual exam, to become familiar with the CBRE interface, question navigation, timer, option selection, and review marking |
| 5. Verify All Details on Your Admission Letter | Carefully check your name, date of birth, registration number, post applied for, category, exam date, shift and reporting time, exam centre name and address, photograph, and signature. Contact the OSSSC helpdesk immediately if any detail is incorrect |
| 6. Download PDF, Print & Prepare | Download the PDF and print at least 2–3 clear A4 copies. Carry one to the exam centre with a legible photograph and text. No hard copy is sent by post, and digital copies on mobile phones are not permitted inside the exam hall. Keep a valid original Photo ID ready |
Mock test — don’t skip it: The OSSSC CBRE interface may be unfamiliar to many candidates, especially those attempting a computer-based exam for the first time. The Mock Test faithfully replicates the actual exam environment, including question navigation, answer marking, reviewing flagged questions, and the timer. Spending 20–30 minutes on the Mock Test can dramatically reduce anxiety on exam day and help manage the 90-minute time window more efficiently.
4. Details on the Admission Letter
| Field | Information on Admission Letter |
|---|---|
| Candidate’s Full Name | As entered in the CRE-2025(II) online application form |
| Registration/Roll Number | Unique candidate identification number for the written examination |
| Date of Birth | As registered during One-Time Registration |
| Post Applied For | Forester/Forest Guard/Excise Constable — as per application |
| Category | UR/SC/ST/SEBC/Women/Ex-Servicemen/PwD — as applicable |
| Exam Date | Individual allocated date within the 16 April – 5 May 2026 window |
| Exam Shift & Reporting Time | Morning/Afternoon/Evening shift as allotted; reporting time specified |
| Exam Centre Name | Allocated CBRE centre name within the candidate’s preferred district |
| Exam Centre Address | Complete address including district and PIN code |
| Photograph | Scanned photo uploaded during the application process |
| Signature | Scanned signature uploaded during the application process |
| Mock Test Link | Available on the same login page |
| Exam Instructions | Reporting requirements, prohibited items, exam hall rules, CBRE conduct guidelines |
No hard copy will be sent by post: OSSSC has explicitly stated in its official notice that no hard copy of the Admission Letter will be dispatched to any candidate by post under any circumstances. Every candidate must individually log in to the portal, download their personalised Admission Letter, and print it. Admission Letters are not a common document — each contains individual information like specific exam date and centre that differs from candidate to candidate.
5. Documents to Carry on Exam Day
| Document | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Printed OSSSC Admission Letter | A4 printout with clear photograph and text — mandatory for exam hall entry; no digital/phone copy allowed inside | Mandatory |
| Valid Original Photo ID | Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, Driving Licence, or any Government-issued photo ID | Mandatory |
| Photocopy of Photo ID | One photocopy of the same ID being brought as original | Required |
| Passport-size Photographs | 2 recent photographs (same as uploaded during application) for any documentation at the centre | Recommended |
Strictly prohibited items — do not carry inside the OSSSC CBRE exam hall:
- Mobile phones and smartphones — strictly banned; possession leads to immediate disqualification and may result in cancellation of candidature
- Bluetooth earphones, smartwatches, digital watches — all electronic wearables are prohibited
- Calculators, tablets, laptops, palmtops — no computing device of any kind
- Books, notes, printed study material, handwritten papers — no reference material
- Unauthorised electronic gadgets — pagers, pen drives, electronic instruments
- No valuables — candidates are responsible for their own belongings outside the hall
- Report at the exam centre at least 30–45 minutes before the shift start time to complete biometric/identity verification
- Entry will be denied after gate closing time — do not be late
6. Written Exam Pattern — CBRE Mode
| Parameter | Forest Guard | Forester | Excise Constable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | CBRE — Computer-Based Recruitment Examination (Online) | Same | Same |
| Total Questions | 100 MCQs | 100 MCQs | 100 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 100 marks | 100 marks | 100 marks (+ NCC bonus) |
| Duration | 90 minutes | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Negative Marking | −0.25 per wrong answer | −0.25 per wrong answer | −0.25 per wrong answer |
| NCC Bonus | Not applicable | Not applicable | NCC ‘B’ Cert: +1 mark; NCC ‘C’ Cert: +2 marks |
| Minimum Qualifying % | ST/SC/PwD/Ex-SM/Sportsperson: 30%; Others: 35% | Same | Same |
| Normalization | Applied across multiple dates/shifts using multiple question sets; raw scores converted to normalized scores for fair comparison | Same | Same |
Note: The Written Exam is Stage 1 — based on normalized merit, candidates are shortlisted at 3x vacancies (category-wise) for the Physical Test (Stage 2).
Normalization explained: Since the OSSSC CBRE exam is conducted across multiple dates and shifts with different question sets, raw scores cannot be directly compared. OSSSC applies a normalization formula to convert raw scores into normalized scores that account for the relative difficulty of each shift’s question paper. Final ranking in the merit list is based on the normalized score, not raw marks — standard practice for large-scale multi-shift computer-based exams.
7. Physical Standards — PSM & PET Requirements (Stage 2)
Forest Guard & Forester — Physical Standards
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Men UR/SEBC/SC — Height | 168 cm |
| Men UR/SEBC/SC — Chest | 81 cm (unexpanded) |
| Men ST — Height | 158 cm |
| Women UR/SEBC/SC/ST — Height | 153 cm |
| PET — Men (Walking) | 25 km in 4 hours |
| PET — Women (Walking) | 16 km in 4 hours |
| Colour blindness | Disqualification |
Excise Constable — Physical Standards
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Men UR/SEBC — Height | 168 cm |
| Men UR/SEBC — Weight | 55 kg |
| Men UR/SEBC — Chest | 79–84 cm |
| Men SC/ST — Height | 163 cm |
| Women UR/SEBC — Height/Weight | 158 cm | 47.5 kg |
| Women SC/ST — Height/Weight | 153 cm | 45 kg |
| PET — Men Running | 1.6 km in 7 min + Long Jump 3.66 m |
| PET — Women Running | 1.6 km in 9 min + Long Jump 2.75 m |
Physical test preparation tip: The Physical Test is a mandatory qualifying stage — failing any single component (height, chest, running, or long jump) leads to immediate elimination. Candidates should start physical preparation now, alongside written exam revision. For Forest Guard and Forester, the walking test of 25 km in 4 hours (men) demands sustained stamina — practice brisk walking daily. For Excise Constable, the 1.6 km running test in 7 minutes (men) requires a pace of approximately 4 minutes 22 seconds per kilometre — dedicated interval training is essential. Only 3x the vacancy number (category-wise) will be shortlisted from the written exam for the physical test.
8. Complete Selection Process
| Stage | Details | Shortlisting Ratio | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 — CBRE Written Test | 100 MCQs, 100 marks, 90 minutes. Negative marking −0.25 per wrong answer. Multiple dates/shifts with normalization. Minimum qualifying marks apply category-wise | Merit-based — top 3x vacancies per category proceed to Physical Test | 16 Apr – 5 May 2026 |
| Stage 2 — Physical Standard Measurement (PSM) | Height, weight, and chest measurements as prescribed for each post and category. Colour blindness is a disqualification for Forester and Forest Guard posts | All shortlisted candidates must qualify PSM to proceed | After result |
| Stage 2 — Physical Efficiency Test (PET) | Forester/Forest Guard: walking test (25 km men/16 km women) in 4 hours. Excise Constable: running 1.6 km + long jump. Qualifying in nature | Must pass PET after qualifying PSM | After PSM |
| Stage 3 — Document Verification | Conducted by District Level Board. Verification of original educational certificates, caste/category certificates, Odia language proof, domicile, PwD/Ex-SM/sports certificates as applicable | Based on post-wise provisional merit list after Physical Test | Later |
| Counselling & Final Allocation | Post-wise, district/circle/division-wise choice submission by qualified candidates. Final Select Lists prepared based on merit-cum-choice and vacancy availability | Final appointment order issued | Final |
9. Salary & Benefits
| Post | Monthly Salary | Pay Structure | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Guard | ₹19,900/month | Group C post under Odisha Revised Scales of Pay (ORSP) Rules | DA, HRA, TA, Medical, NPS Pension, uniform allowance |
| Forester | ₹25,500/month | Group C post under ORSP Rules — higher pay than Forest Guard due to +2 Science qualification requirement | DA, HRA, TA, Medical, NPS Pension, uniform allowance |
| Excise Constable | As per ORSP Rules (Group C) | Odisha Excise Department Group C post with standard state government pay matrix | DA, HRA, TA, NCC bonus marks (at application), Medical, NPS Pension |
Note: All posts are permanent Group C Government of Odisha positions with structured career growth, annual increments, and full state government service benefits including pension under NPS.
10. About OSSSC
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) |
| Official Website | osssc.gov.in |
| Address | Block No. 3 & 5, Unit-1, Bhubaneswar – 751009, Odisha |
| Helpline | 0674-2597149, 2597152 (Office) |
| Type | State Government Recruitment Body — Government of Odisha |
| Role | Conducts recruitment examinations for Group C and subordinate posts across all departments of the Government of Odisha |
| This Recruitment | CRE-2025(II) — Forester (47), Forest Guard (896), Excise Constable (575) — total 1,518 vacancies |
| Advertisement No. | 3220/OSSSC dated 30 December 2025 |
| Admit Card Notice No. | IIE-30/2026-1207/OSSSC dated 9 April 2026 |
| CBRE Exam Window | 16 April 2026 to 5 May 2026 — across all districts of Odisha |
11. Important Links
- Download OSSSC Forest Guard/Forester/Excise Constable Admission Letter 2026 — osssc.gov.in → Candidate Login → User ID + Password
- OSSSC Official Portal — osssc.gov.in (Notifications, Admit Card, Results, Answer Key)
- Mock Test Link — Available on Candidate Login Page (Practice before actual CBRE exam)
- CRE-2025(II) Official Notification PDF
12. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Has the OSSSC Forest Guard Admit Card 2026 been released?
Yes. The OSSSC Admission Letter (Admit Card) for Forester, Forest Guard, and Excise Constable under CRE-2025(II) has been officially released on 9 April 2026 vide Notice No. IIE-30/2026-1207/OSSSC. Candidates can download their individual hall ticket by logging in at osssc.gov.in using their User ID and Password. The CBRE written exam will be conducted from 16 April 2026 till 5 May 2026 across all districts of Odisha. No hard copy will be sent by post — download and print immediately.
2. How to download OSSSC Forest Guard Admission Letter 2026?
Visit osssc.gov.in, click Candidate Login or find the CRE-2025(II) link in Latest Notifications, enter your User ID and Password (from One-Time Registration), and log in to load your Admission Letter. Click the “Mock Test” link to practice the CBRE interface, verify all details on your Admission Letter, then download the PDF and print 2–3 copies on A4. Note your specific exam date, shift, and centre from the letter.
3. What is the OSSSC Forest Guard CBRE exam date 2026?
The OSSSC CRE-2025(II) CBRE for Forester, Forest Guard, and Excise Constable will be conducted from 16 April 2026 till 5 May 2026 across all districts of Odisha. Since the exam is conducted across multiple days and shifts, each candidate’s individual exam date and shift is printed on their Admission Letter — not all candidates appear on 16 April, as dates are staggered based on district, capacity, and registration sequence.
4. What is CBRE mode and how is it different from a regular exam?
CBRE stands for Computer-Based Recruitment Examination. Unlike a traditional pen-and-paper OMR exam, CBRE is conducted entirely on a computer terminal at a designated examination centre. Questions appear on a computer screen and you click to select the answer; there is no physical OMR sheet, as all responses are recorded electronically. A built-in timer counts down the 90-minute exam duration, and candidates can navigate between questions, mark for review, and change answers before time ends. Results are processed digitally. A Mock Test is available on osssc.gov.in to practice the exact interface before the actual exam.
5. How many vacancies are there in OSSSC CRE-2025(II)?
OSSSC CRE-2025(II) under Advertisement No. 3220/OSSSC dated 30 December 2025 has a total of 1,518 Group C vacancies: Forest Guard — 896 posts (Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department), Forester — 47 posts (same department), and Excise Constable — 575 posts (Excise Department, Government of Odisha). Vacancies are distributed division-wise, district-wise, and category-wise as detailed in the annexures of the official notification.
6. What is the exam pattern and is there negative marking?
The written exam has 100 MCQs for 100 marks (1 mark per correct answer), with a duration of 90 minutes. There is negative marking of −0.25 marks per wrong answer, and normalization is applied across multiple shifts/dates. Minimum qualifying percentage is 30% for ST/SC/PwD/Ex-SM/Sportsperson and 35% for others. For Excise Constable, NCC ‘B’ Certificate holders get +1 bonus mark and NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders get +2 bonus marks added to their written exam score.
7. What is the physical test requirement for OSSSC Forest Guard and Forester?
Physical standards include: Men UR/SEBC/SC — height 168 cm, chest 81 cm (unexpanded, with 5 cm expansion); Men ST — height 158 cm; Women UR/SEBC/SC/ST — height 153 cm. PET requires men to walk 25 km in 4 hours and women to walk 16 km in 4 hours. Colour blindness is a disqualification for both posts. The physical test is Stage 2 and qualifying in nature — candidates shortlisted from the written exam at a minimum of 3x the vacancies per category are called for PSM/PET.
8. What is the eligibility criteria for Forest Guard, Forester, and Excise Constable?
Forest Guard requires a High School Certificate (10th pass) from a recognised Board, with an age range of 18–32 years. Forester requires +2 Science from a recognised institution plus basic computer knowledge, also aged 18–32 years. Excise Constable requires +2 (Intermediate) or equivalent, aged 21–32 years. All posts require Odia language proficiency (proof required). Age relaxation applies for SC/ST/SEBC/Women/PwD/Ex-Servicemen as per Odisha Government norms. Application fee is ₹500 for UR/SEBC (refundable on appearing in exam); SC/ST/PwD are exempted.
9. What is the salary of OSSSC Forest Guard and Forester after selection?
Forest Guard receives ₹19,900 per month (Group C, Odisha Revised Scales of Pay); Forester receives ₹25,500 per month (Group C); Excise Constable is paid as per ORSP Rules for Group C posts in the Odisha Excise Department. All posts additionally receive Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance, and Medical benefits as per Government of Odisha rules, and new appointees are covered under the National Pension System (NPS).
10. Will a hard copy of the Admission Letter be sent by post?
No. As explicitly stated in the official OSSSC notice (IIE-30/2026-1207/OSSSC dated 9 April 2026): “No hard copy of admission letter will be sent to any candidate by post.” Every candidate must personally download their Admission Letter by logging into osssc.gov.in with their User ID and Password, then print it themselves. Admission Letters are individualised — each candidate’s letter contains their specific exam date, shift time, and examination centre address. Failure to download and carry the printed Admission Letter to the exam hall will result in entry being denied.
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