The MPESB Forest Guard & Jail Department Recruitment 2026 is currently open, with 1,679 total vacancies. This recruitment drive includes roles for Forest Guards, Field Guards, Jail Praharis, and Assistant Jail Superintendents.
The Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MPESB) has officially released a major recruitment notification for 2026 under the Forest Department and Jail Department. This recruitment drive includes posts such as Forest Guard (Van Rakshak), Field Guard (Kshetra Rakshak), Jail Prahari, and Assistant Jail Superintendent (Executive).
This is a golden opportunity for candidates who are looking for a stable government job in Madhya Pradesh with good salary, job security, and career growth. In this detailed blog, we will cover everything you need to know — from vacancy details to eligibility, age limit, salary, selection process, important dates, application fee, and application process .
MPESB Recruitment 2026
This recruitment examination is being conducted for:
- Forest Guard (Van Rakshak)
- Field Guard (Kshetra Rakshak)
- Jail Prahari
Assistant Jail Superintendent (Executive)
These posts are filled through direct recruitment and involve written examinations followed by physical tests and document verification.
MPESB Recruitment 2026: Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MPESB) |
| Total Vacancies | 1,679 Posts |
| Application Start | 28 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 March 2026 |
| Correction Window | 28 February – 19 March 2026 |
| Exam Date (CBT) | Starting from 07 April 2026 |
| Job Location | Madhya Pradesh |
| Selection Process | Written Exam (CBT) → Physical Test (PET/PST) → Document Verification → Medical Exam |
MPESB Recruitment 2026: Post-Wise Vacancy Details
Below is the post-wise and category-wise vacancy distribution for the MPESB Forest Guard & Jail Department Recruitment 2026.
| Post Name | UR | EWS | SC | ST | OBC | Total Posts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Guard (Van Rakshak) | 310 | 00* | 143 | 198 | 77 | 728 |
| Field Guard (Kshetra Rakshak) | 44 | 28 | 34 | 46 | 17 | 169 |
| Jail Prahari (Warder) | 253 | 28 | 121 | 151 | 204 | 757 |
| Assistant Jail Superintendent | 08 | 02 | 05 | 08 | 02 | 25 |
| Grand Total | 615 | 58 | 303 | 403 | 300 | 1,679 |
MPESB Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
The registration for MPESB Forest Guard & Jail Department Recruitment 2026 is currently active. Below are the definitive dates as per the official 2026 notification:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 27 February 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 28 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 14 March 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 14 March 2026 |
| Correction Window Opens | 28 February 2026 |
| Last Date for Form Correction | 19 March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | March 2026 (Tentative) |
| Written Exam Start Date | 07 April 2026 |
Exam Shift Timings
The examination is expected to be conducted in two shifts:
- Morning Shift: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Afternoon Shift: 03:00 PM to 05:00 PM
Candidates must apply well before the last date to avoid technical issues.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility varies depending on the post. Candidates must carefully check educational qualification and age criteria before applying.
Nationality
- Applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- Must be a domicile of Madhya Pradesh (for reserved benefits).
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 33 years
Age will be calculated as per the date mentioned in the official notification.
Age Relaxation
The following relaxations apply to the upper age limit (33 years) for candidates with MP Domicile, calculated as of January 1, 2026:
| Category | Age Relaxation | Maximum Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| General (Male) | None | 33 Years |
| General (Female) | +5 Years | 38 Years |
| SC / ST / OBC (Male & Female) | +5 Years | 38 Years |
| Govt. Employees / City Soldiers | +5 Years | 38 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Service Years + 3 Years | Variable |
Educational Qualification
The minimum educational requirements vary by post. Candidates must have completed these qualifications from a recognized board or university as of the application date.
| Post Name | Educational Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| Forest Guard (Van Rakshak) | 10th Class (High School) Pass |
| Field Guard (Kshetra Rakshak) | 10th Class (High School) Pass |
| Jail Prahari (Warder) | 10th Pass (under 10+2 system) or High School |
| Assistant Jail Superintendent | Bachelor’s Degree (Graduation) in any stream |
MPESB 2026 Application Fee
The application fee for the MPESB Recruitment 2026 includes the examination fee plus mandatory portal charges.
| Category | Exam Fee | Portal Fee | Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / Other State | ₹500 | ₹60 | ₹560 |
| SC / ST / OBC / EWS / PH (MP Domicile) | ₹250 | ₹60 | ₹310 |
| Backlog Posts | Nil | ₹60 | ₹60 |
Payment Notes:
- Mode: Fees must be paid online via the MP Online Kiosk using Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI.
- Correction Fee: If you need to edit your form later, a ₹20 portal fee + ₹40 correction fee (Total ₹60) will be charged per session.
Selection Process
The selection process for the MPESB Forest Guard & Jail Department Recruitment 2026 is conducted in four primary stages. Candidates must qualify each stage to move to the next.
1. Written Exam Pattern
The Computer Based Test (CBT) lasts 2 hours and covers five subjects (20 marks each):
- General Knowledge
- General Hindi
- General English
- General Mathematics
- General Science
Format: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
Negative Marking: None.
2. Physical Standard Test (PST)
Candidates who meet the written exam cut-off are screened for physical measurements:
- Height & Chest: Requirements vary by post (e.g., 163 cm for male Forest Guards vs 165 cm for male Jail Praharis).
- Medical Fitness: Verification of vision, hearing, and the absence of conditions like flat feet or knock-knees.
3. Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
For Forest & Field Guard:
- Male: 25 km walk to be completed in 4 hours.
- Female: 14 km walk to be completed in 4 hours.
For Jail Prahari:
- 800m Run: Male (2 min 50 sec) | Female (4 min 00 sec).
- Shot Put (Gola Fek): Male (20 ft, 7.26 kg) | Female (16 ft, 4 kg).
4. Document Verification (DV)
Final scrutiny of your original documents, including:
- Educational certificates (10th/12th/Degree).
- Valid MP Rojgar Panjiyan (Employment Registration).
- Caste/Category certificates and MP Domicile certificate.
Salary / Pay Scale
Salary depends on the post and pay matrix level.
Forest Guard / Jail Prahari
Approx ₹19,500 – ₹62,000 (Pay Matrix Level 4–5)
Assistant Jail Superintendent
₹36,000 – ₹1,14,800 (Level 9)
Additional benefits:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Medical benefits
- Pension benefits (as per NPS rules)
Job Profile
Forest Guard
- Protection of forests
- Prevent illegal logging
- Wildlife conservation
- Field patrolling
Jail Prahari
- Maintain security in jail premises
- Monitor inmates
- Ensure discipline
Assistant Jail Superintendent
- Administrative responsibilities
- Supervision of jail staff
- Maintain law and order
How to Apply
To apply for the MPESB Forest Guard & Jail Department Recruitment 2026, follow these steps before the 14 March 2026 deadline.
Step 1: Profile Registration (OTR)
Before filling out the form, you must have a “Candidate Profile” on the https://esb.mponline.gov.in/ Portal
- Visit the MPESB Official Website and click on the “Online Form” link.
- Select “Profile Registration” to generate a unique Profile ID and Password.
- Mandatory Aadhaar E-KYC: You must verify your identity using Aadhaar-based OTP or biometric authentication.
Step 2: Fill the Application Form
- Log in to the esb.mp.gov.in/student_dashboard using your Profile ID and Date of Birth
- Select the link for “Van Rakshak & Jail Prahari Combined Recruitment Test – 2026”.
- Enter your personal, educational (10th/Degree), and contact details.
- District Preference: Select your preferred districts for posting in order of priority.
- Exam City: Choose up to 4 preferred cities for your written exam.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Upload scanned copies in the prescribed format (usually JPG):
- Photograph: Recent passport-size (20–50 KB).
- Signature: Clear digital signature (20–50 KB).
- Handwritten Declaration: As per the format provided in the rulebook.
- Category Certificates: SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PWD (if applicable).
Step 4: Fee Payment & Submission
- Review all entered information carefully; once submitted, changes may require a correction fee.
- Pay the application fee (₹560 for General / ₹310 for Reserved) via Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI.
- Download Receipt: After successful payment, download and print the Application Receipt containing your Application Number.
Important Instructions for Candidates – MPESB Forest Guard & Jail Recruitment 2026
Candidates applying for the recruitment conducted by the Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board must carefully follow the official guidelines to avoid disqualification. Below are the important instructions detailed.
- Aadhaar Mandatory: You must have a valid Aadhaar Number. Biometric authentication is compulsory at the exam center; entry will be denied without it. UIDAI Official
- Employment Registration: It is mandatory for all candidates to have a live/active registration in the Madhya Pradesh Rojgar Panjiyan.
- Original ID Proof: On the exam day, carry your admit card and one original photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, or Driving License). Photocopies are not accepted. MPESB Portal
- Reporting Time: Arrive strictly according to the Reporting Time on your admit card. Entry is prohibited once the Gate Closing Time has passed.
- Prohibited Items: Do not bring mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches, or any electronic gadgets. There is often no secure storage at centers.
- Biometric Exit: You cannot leave the exam hall until the post-exam biometric verification is completed.
- Application Accuracy: Ensure your name, father’s name, and date of birth match your 10th Class Marksheet exactly. Discrepancies lead to disqualification.
- Photograph Rules: Use a recent passport-size photo with your name and the date of the photo printed at the bottom.
- No Negative Marking: Since there is no penalty for wrong answers, you are advised to attempt all 100 questions.
- Check Official Website Regularly: Candidates must regularly visit the official MPESB website for updates, exam dates, and result announcements.
Why You Should Apply?
- Stable government job
- Attractive salary
- Job security
- Respect in society
- Promotion opportunities
| OFFICIAL WEBSITE | CLICK HERE |
| OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION PDF | CLICK HERE |
| APPLY ONLINE | CLICK HERE |
| WHAT’S APP LINK | CLICK HERE |
| TELEGRAM LINK | CLICK HERE |
| FACEBOOK LINK | CLICK HERE |
| INSTAGRAM LINK | CLICK HERE |
| MORE UPDATES | CLICK HERE |
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Priyadarshani Palei is a Content Executive at OnlyAspirants.in, responsible for researching and publishing the latest government and private job updates. With over 2 years of experience in job research and recruitment news writing, he/she ensures that all information shared on the platform is accurate, verified, and easy to understand.
He/She completed Graduation and has a strong interest in competitive exams, career opportunities, and employment trends in India. His/Her focus is to help students and job seekers stay updated with timely notifications, eligibility details, important dates, and application procedures.
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