State PSC & State Govt · Odisha · Updated October 2026

Odisha Forest Guard ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test

Odisha Forest Guard is a Group C post under the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha. In recent cycles the recruitment is conducted by the Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) through a Combined Recruitment Examination with Forester and Excise Constable posts.

Type
Recruitment
Level
State · Odisha
Conducting body
Odisha Forest

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Odisha Forest Guard exam overview and highlights

About Odisha Forest Guard

Odisha Forest Guard is a Group C post under the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha. In recent cycles the recruitment is conducted by the Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) through a Combined Recruitment Examination with Forester and Excise Constable posts. Vacancies are of district, circle or division cadre, so selected candidates are posted within the unit allotted to them. The details below follow OSSSC Advertisement No. IIE-121/2025-3220/OSSSC dated 30 December 2025 (Combined Recruitment Examination 2025 (II)), which notified 896 Forest Guard posts.

The examination process for Odisha Forest Guard comprises 4 stages: Stage I: Written Test, followed by Stage II: Physical Standard Measurement (PSM), followed by Stage II: Physical Efficiency Test (PET), followed by Document Verification and Counselling. The official syllabus tests candidates across 5 core areas — Mathematics, General Studies, English, Odia, Computer — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Stage I written test (100 marks), then Stage II physical test made up of Physical Standard Measurement and a qualifying walking test, then document verification and counselling for post and district, circle or division. At least 3 times the vacancies are called for the physical test and at least 1.25 times for document verification.

Key subjects

  • Mathematics
  • General Studies
  • English
  • Odia
  • Computer

What clearing Odisha Forest Guard leads to

  • Appointment as Forest Guard (Group C) in the district, circle or division allotted at counselling
  • Field duties in forest protection, patrolling, wildlife conservation and fire prevention
  • Compensation & Pay Scale: Rs 19,900 to Rs 63,200, Pay Matrix Level 4, Cell 1 (2025 notification)
  • Direct appointment under Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC), for the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha across Odisha state government departments and field cadres
  • Gazetted / Non-Gazetted cadre progression, time-bound departmental promotions, and Odisha state service allowances (DA, HRA, Medical & NPS/Pension)
  • District, Secretariat, Directorate and sub-divisional field postings across Odisha

Quick facts

Conducting body
Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC), for the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha
Frequency
Not on a fixed annual calendar. OSSSC notifies Forest Guard posts in combined recruitment examinations when the department sends a requisition; the latest was in December 2025.
Exam mode
Objective written test (OMR or computer based, as notified), followed by physical tests
Languages
Questions appear in both English and Odia, except the English and Odia language sections. If there is confusion in the Odia version, the English version prevails.
Stages & papers
4 stages (8 papers total)
Negative marking
Yes, 0.25 of the marks for a question is deducted for each wrong answer; unattempted questions carry no penalty
Official website
www.osssc.gov.in

Odisha Forest Guard — Key Highlights & Official Particulars

Complete snapshot of Odisha Forest Guard conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.

Odisha Forest Guard key highlights
ParticularsDetails
Exam NameOdisha Forest Guard
Conducting BodyOdisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC), for the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha
Exam CategoryState PSC & State Govt
Exam LevelState level (Odisha)
Exam Type & PurposeRecruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection)
Exam FrequencyNot on a fixed annual calendar. OSSSC notifies Forest Guard posts in combined recruitment examinations when the department sends a requisition; the latest was in December 2025.
Usual Notification & Exam WindowNotified on the official portal as per the annual examination calendar
Mode of ApplicationOnline only, through osssc.gov.in
Mode of ExaminationObjective written test (OMR or computer based, as notified), followed by physical tests
Medium / Exam LanguagesQuestions appear in both English and Odia, except the English and Odia language sections. If there is confusion in the Odia version, the English version prevails.
Selection Stages4 Stages (8 Papers Total): Stage I: Written Test → Stage II: Physical Standard Measurement (PSM) → Stage II: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) → Document Verification and Counselling
Negative MarkingYes, 0.25 of the marks for a question is deducted for each wrong answer; unattempted questions carry no penalty
Selection / Merit ProcessStage I written test (100 marks), then Stage II physical test made up of Physical Standard Measurement and a qualifying walking test, then document verification and counselling for post and district, circle or division. At least 3 times the vacancies are called for the physical test and at least 1.25 times for document verification.
Educational QualificationPass in the High School Certificate (Class 10) examination from a recognised board or institution
Age Limit18 to 32 years as on 1 January 2025 (2025 notification). Upper age limit relaxed by 5 years for SC, ST, SEBC and women candidates, and by the length of defence service for ex-servicemen. Only one relaxation applies, whichever is most beneficial.
Pay Scale / Salary StructureRs 19,900 to Rs 63,200, Pay Matrix Level 4, Cell 1 (2025 notification)
Merit Panel ValidityValid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period
Competition ScaleHigh state-level competition across Odisha exam centres
Official Websitewww.osssc.gov.in

Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.

Odisha Forest Guard exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process

Standard annual cycle and application workflow for Odisha Forest Guard. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official Odisha Forest website.

Odisha Forest Guard typical schedule and calendar
Examination EventTypical Calendar WindowCycle / Mode
Odisha Forest Guard Official Notification & Information BulletinPublished annually in the official examination calendarNot on a fixed annual calendar. OSSSC notifies Forest Guard posts in combined recruitment examinations when the department sends a requisition; the latest was in December 2025.
Online Registration & Application Fee WindowTypically remains open for 21 to 30 days from the date of notification releaseOnline Portal
Application Form Correction / Edit Window2 to 5 days immediately following the close of the online registration windowAs Notified
Exam City Intimation & Admit Card ReleaseCity slip 10–15 days prior; Hall Ticket / E-Admit Card 4 to 10 days before the exam dateVia Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC), for the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha
Odisha Forest Guard — Stage I: Written TestPublished annually in the official examination calendarObjective written test (OMR or computer based, as notified), followed by physical tests
Odisha Forest Guard — Stage II: Physical Standard Measurement (PSM)Typically 6 to 12 weeks after declaration of Stage 1 resultsShortlisted Candidates
Provisional Answer Key & Objection Representation WindowWithin 3 to 10 days after completion of the objective examination shiftsOnline Challenge
Final Answer Key, Normalized Result & Merit List / ScorecardTypically 3 to 6 weeks after conclusion of the examination stageMerit List PDF / Login
Vacancies & Competition
Exact post-wise, department-wise, and category-wise (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, ESM, PwBD) vacancies are notified in the official Odisha Forest Guard recruitment advertisement published by Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC), for the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha.
Application Fee & Payment Norms
Payable online via Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Net Banking on the Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC), for the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha portal. Statutory fee concessions or exemptions apply for SC, ST, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, and eligible female/state-reserved categories as notified in the official Odisha Forest Guard advertisement.

How to apply online for Odisha Forest Guard

  1. One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login

    Visit www.osssc.gov.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online only, through osssc.gov.in.

  2. Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences

    Log in to open the Odisha Forest Guard application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (Questions appear in both English and Odia, except the English and Odia language sections. If there is confusion in the Odia version, the English version prevails.), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.

  3. Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates

    Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.

  4. Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page

    Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final Odisha Forest Guard Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.

Odisha Forest Guard eligibility criteria and age relaxation

Candidates applying for Odisha Forest Guard must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by Odisha Forest.

Educational qualification

Pass in the High School Certificate (Class 10) examination from a recognised board or institution.

Age limit & relaxations

18 to 32 years as on 1 January 2025 (2025 notification). Upper age limit relaxed by 5 years for SC, ST, SEBC and women candidates, and by the length of defence service for ex-servicemen. Only one relaxation applies, whichever is most beneficial.

Number of attempts

Unlimited attempts permitted as long as the candidate remains within the eligible category-wise upper age limit as on the crucial cut-off date.

Nationality & domicile

Indian citizen.

Other conditions & standards

Must be able to read, write and speak Odia, shown by passing the Middle English School exam with Odia, Matriculation with Odia medium, Odia as a language subject in Class 7 or above, or the ME School standard Odia test. Physical standards: men (UR, SEBC, SC) 168 cm height, men (ST) 158 cm, women (all categories) 153 cm; men need 81 cm unexpanded chest with expansion up to 5 cm. Colour blindness disqualifies. Persons with disabilities are not eligible for Forest Guard, except leprosy cured persons and acid attack victims under the reserved quota.

Odisha Forest Guard — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms

Odisha Forest Guard category-wise age relaxation
CategoryAge Relaxation / RuleKey Conditions & Documentation
Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Odisha Domicile)+5 Years above prescribed upper age limitRequires valid Odisha permanent domicile and caste certificate issued by the competent revenue authority.
Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Odisha Domicile)+3 Years above prescribed upper age limitCandidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application.
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST)+10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST)Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016.
Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO)+3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual ageMust produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification.
State Government Employees / Women / Departmental Candidates (Odisha)Up to +5 Years as per state service recruitment rulesApplicable to regular Odisha state government servants and horizontal reservation categories notified in the advertisement.

Odisha Forest Guard selection process and exam pattern

Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: Yes, 0.25 of the marks for a question is deducted for each wrong answer; unattempted questions carry no penalty. Selection & Merit Weightage: Stage I written test (100 marks), then Stage II physical test made up of Physical Standard Measurement and a qualifying walking test, then document verification and counselling for post and district, circle or division. At least 3 times the vacancies are called for the physical test and at least 1.25 times for document verification.

  1. Stage 1: Stage I: Written Test

    OMR or computer based (CBRE), as notified by OSSSC • 6 Papers (Mathematics, General Studies, English + 3 more) • 200 Questions • 200 Total Marks • Objective test of 100 marks at High School Certificate (Class 10) standard.

    Objective test of 100 marks at High School Certificate (Class 10) standard. Minimum qualifying marks are 30% for SC, ST, PwD, ex-servicemen and sportsperson categories and 35% for others. In computer based mode, scores across shifts are normalised.

    Paper / SectionQuestionsMarksDuration
    Mathematics2020Varies
    General Studies2525Varies
    English2020Varies
    Odia1515Varies
    Computer2020Varies
    TotalNegative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer1001001 hour 30 minutes
  2. Stage 2: Stage II: Physical Standard Measurement (PSM)

    In person, usually at district headquarters • Height and chest are measured by a District Level Physical Test Board.

    Height and chest are measured by a District Level Physical Test Board. Men (UR, SEBC, SC) need 168 cm, ST men 158 cm and all women 153 cm; men need 81 cm unexpanded chest with expansion up to 5 cm. Failing any measurement means elimination.

  3. Stage 3: Stage II: Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

    On ground • 2 Papers (Men: walking test, Women: walking test) • Duration: 25 km in 4 hours • A qualifying walking test: men must walk 25 km in 4 hours and women 16 km in 4 hours.

    A qualifying walking test: men must walk 25 km in 4 hours and women 16 km in 4 hours. It carries no merit marks, but failing it disqualifies you.

    Paper / SectionQuestionsMarksDuration
    Men: walking testQualifyingVariesVaries25 km in 4 hours
    Women: walking testQualifyingVariesVaries16 km in 4 hours
  4. Stage 4: Document Verification and Counselling

    Objective written test (OMR or computer based, as notified), followed by physical tests • Original documents are verified by the District Level Board at the Collector's office.

    Original documents are verified by the District Level Board at the Collector's office. Counselling may then be held for choice of post and district, circle or division, with allotment on merit cum choice.

Odisha Forest Guard subject-wise syllabus and study material

SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.

Mathematics — Part I (Number system, HCF and LCM)

  • Number system, HCF and LCM
  • Percentage, ratio and proportion
  • Profit and loss, simple and compound interest

Mathematics — Part II (Time and work, time and distance)

  • Time and work, time and distance
  • Average and simplification
  • Basic mensuration and geometry at Class 10 level

General Studies — Part I (History, geography and culture of Odisha)

  • History, geography and culture of Odisha
  • Forests, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and biodiversity of Odisha
  • Indian history, polity and economy
  • Indian and world geography

General Studies — Part II (Environment and ecology)

  • Environment and ecology
  • General science
  • Current events of state and national importance

English — Part I (Grammar)

  • Grammar: parts of speech, tense, voice, narration
  • Error spotting and sentence improvement
  • Synonyms, antonyms and one word substitution

English — Part II (Idioms and phrases)

  • Idioms and phrases
  • Reading comprehension

Odia: Odia grammar and spelling & Synonyms, antonyms and word meaning

  • Odia grammar and spelling
  • Synonyms, antonyms and word meaning
  • Idioms and proverbs
  • Sentence correction
  • Comprehension

Computer: Computer fundamentals & Operating system basics

  • Computer fundamentals: hardware, software, input and output devices
  • Operating system basics
  • MS Office: word processing, spreadsheets, presentations
  • Internet, email and basic networking
  • Computer security and common terminology

Odisha Forest Guard salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth

Rs 19,900 to Rs 63,200, Pay Matrix Level 4, Cell 1 (2025 notification). Appointments under Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC), for the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.

Pay Scale & Grade Structure

Rs 19,900 to Rs 63,200, Pay Matrix Level 4, Cell 1 (2025 notification).

Appointing / Cadre Authority

Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC), for the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha (Odisha State Government Service)

Allowances & Perks

Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (by city classification), Medical Allowance, TA, and Odisha NPS / Pension benefits.

Probation & Training

Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.

Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits

  • Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
  • House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
  • Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
  • Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
  • National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave

Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression

  1. Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC), for the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha)
  2. Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
  3. Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
  4. Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
  5. Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre

Odisha Forest Guard cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score

Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC), for the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha releases stage-wise and category-wise Odisha Forest Guard cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.

Odisha Forest Guard — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks

Odisha Forest Guard qualifying standards and safe target score
CategoryQualifying Floor / StandardRecommended Safe Target
General / Unreserved (UR)30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests)
General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS)25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor68% to 78% of Total Marks
Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL)25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor68% to 78% of Total Marks
Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor58% to 70% of Total Marks

Score Normalization & Marking Impact

When Odisha Forest Guard is conducted across multiple shifts or sessions, Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC), for the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha applies standard score normalization (Equi-Percentile or Mean-Standard Deviation method) to account for any variation in paper difficulty across shifts. Because raw marks are governed by yes, 0.25 of the marks for a question is deducted for each wrong answer; unattempted questions carry no penalty, maintaining high accuracy (85%+) significantly boosts your normalized score.

Factors Determining Odisha Forest Guard Cut-Off

  • Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across Odisha cadres and institutions
  • Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the Odisha Forest Guard cycle
  • Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
  • Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
  • Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles

Odisha Forest Guard admit card, answer key and result guide

City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam

Odisha Forest Guard Exam City Intimation & Admit Card

Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC), for the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official Odisha Forest Guard Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on www.osssc.gov.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.

  • Clear A4 printout of the Odisha Forest Guard e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
  • Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
  • 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
  • PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)

Within 3–10 days after the examination

Odisha Forest Guard Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window

After conclusion of the objective test, Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC), for the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on www.osssc.gov.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.

  • Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
  • Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
  • Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
  • Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations

3–6 weeks after stage completion

Odisha Forest Guard Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling

Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC), for the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha declares the Odisha Forest Guard result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on www.osssc.gov.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.

  • Download and save your official Odisha Forest Guard Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
  • Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
  • Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
  • Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website

Odisha Forest Guard mock tests

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Odisha Forest Guard previous year papers

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How to prepare for Odisha Forest Guard

  1. Do not skip the Computer section. It carries 20 of 100 marks, the same as Mathematics and English, and basic MS Office, internet and hardware questions are quick marks for anyone who revises them.
  2. Use the bilingual paper to your advantage: General Studies, Mathematics and Computer questions appear in both English and Odia, so read in whichever language you are faster, but remember English prevails if the Odia version is unclear.
  3. Respect the 0.25 negative marking. With 100 questions in 90 minutes, attempt questions you can narrow to two options, and leave blind guesses blank.
  4. Prepare Odisha-specific General Studies: Similipal, Bhitarkanika, Chilika, Satkosia and other protected areas, major rivers, tribal communities, and state schemes are likely areas within the 25-mark section.
  5. Start long walks early. Men must cover 25 km and women 16 km in 4 hours. Build up gradually with weekend walks of 10, 15 and 20 km in comfortable shoes.
  6. Check your height before applying. The 168 cm standard for UR, SEBC and SC men is higher than in many other states, and colour blindness is a disqualification.
  7. Since the physical test is qualifying only, your written score decides your rank, so aim well above the 35% (or 30% reserved) cut-off.

Odisha Forest Guard FAQs

Who conducts the Odisha Forest Guard recruitment?

In recent cycles the Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) conducts it through a Combined Recruitment Examination along with Forester and Excise Constable posts, on behalf of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department. Applications are made online at osssc.gov.in.

What is the OSSSC Forest Guard exam pattern?

As per the 2025 advertisement, the written test has 100 objective questions for 100 marks in 1.5 hours: Mathematics 20, General Studies 25, English 20, Odia 15 and Computer 20. There is negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer.

What is the age limit and qualification for Odisha Forest Guard?

You need to have passed Class 10 (High School Certificate). In the 2025 advertisement the age limit was 18 to 32 years as on 1 January 2025, with 5 years relaxation for SC, ST, SEBC and women candidates. You must also be able to read, write and speak Odia.

What is the physical test for Odisha Forest Guard?

There are two parts. In the Physical Standard Measurement, men (UR, SEBC, SC) need 168 cm height, ST men 158 cm and women 153 cm, and men need 81 cm chest with expansion. The Physical Efficiency Test is a walk of 25 km in 4 hours for men and 16 km in 4 hours for women. Both are qualifying.

What is the salary of an Odisha Forest Guard?

The 2025 advertisement lists the pay as Rs 19,900 to Rs 63,200 at Pay Matrix Level 4, Cell 1, plus allowances as per Odisha Government rules.

Where can I find Odisha Forest Guard previous year papers?

OSSSC has run Forest Guard recruitment in earlier combined exams as well. Practice past OSSSC papers for Forest Guard, Forester and similar Class 10 level posts, paying special attention to the Odia and Computer sections, and practice full 100-question sets in 90 minutes with negative marking.

How should I prepare for the Odisha Forest Guard exam?

Cover all five sections, with extra time on General Studies (the largest at 25 marks) and Odisha GK. Revise computer basics, practice Class 10 level arithmetic, and keep up Odia and English grammar. Start walking practice early so the 25 km or 16 km walk is not a problem.

What is the selection process and exam pattern for Odisha Forest Guard?

Odisha Forest Guard is conducted by Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC), for the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha across 4 stages: Stage I: Written Test → Stage II: Physical Standard Measurement (PSM) → Stage II: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) → Document Verification and Counselling. Stage I written test (100 marks), then Stage II physical test made up of Physical Standard Measurement and a qualifying walking test, then document verification and counselling for post and district, circle or division. At least 3 times the vacancies are called for the physical test and at least 1.25 times for document verification.

What is the age limit and educational qualification for Odisha Forest Guard?

Educational Qualification: Pass in the High School Certificate (Class 10) examination from a recognised board or institution. Age Limit: 18 to 32 years as on 1 January 2025 (2025 notification). Upper age limit relaxed by 5 years for SC, ST, SEBC and women candidates, and by the length of defence service for ex-servicemen. Only one relaxation applies, whichever is most beneficial.

Is there negative marking in the Odisha Forest Guard exam?

Yes — Yes, 0.25 of the marks for a question is deducted for each wrong answer; unattempted questions carry no penalty. Candidates should use a two-pass attempt strategy during mock tests to keep accuracy above 85% and minimise negative marking deductions.

How can I prepare for Odisha Forest Guard on SmartRank?

Select Odisha Forest Guard as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering Mathematics, General Studies, English, Odia, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact Odisha Forest Guard pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.