MPESB Forest Guard Recruitment 2026 : The Madhya Pradesh Employee Selection Board (MPESB) has officially released the notification for the Van Rakshak (Karyapalik) Recruitment 2026 under the Forest Department. The Forest Guard online application process has commenced from 28th February 2026 and will remain active until 14th March 2026 through the official website @esb.mp.gov.in.
MPESB Forest Guard Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
Candidates planning to apply for Van Rakshak posts must keep track of all important dates. The online application window will remain open for 15 days. The examination is scheduled to commence from 7th April 2026 in two shifts. Check the complete schedule below:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | February 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 28th February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 14th March 2026 |
| Correction Window Start Date | 28th February 2026 |
| Correction Window Last Date | 19th March 2026 |
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MPESB Van Rakshak Recruitment 2026: Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill the eligibility criteria regarding educational qualification, age limit, and physical standards to apply for Van Rakshak posts.
Educational Qualification
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification | Higher Secondary (10+2) or High School (10th) under the old or new system from MP Board or any recognized institution |
| Equivalent | Any equivalent examination recognized by MP Board of Secondary Education |
Age Limit (as on 1st January 2026)
The age calculation will be done as on 1st January 2026. Age relaxations are applicable only for Madhya Pradesh domicile candidates.
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Unreserved (Male/Female) | 18 years | 33 years |
| SC/ST/OBC/EWS | 18 years | 38 years |
| Female Candidates (UR) | 18 years | 38 years |
| Government Employees | 18 years | 38 years |
| Corporation/Board/Autonomous Body Employees | 18 years | 38 years |
| Home Guard/Nagar Sainik | 18 years | 38 years |
Age Relaxation for Specific Categories (MP Domicile Only)
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Inter-caste Marriage Awardees | Up to 5 years |
| Vikram Award Winners | Up to 5 years |
| Retrenched Government Employees | Service period deducted (max 7 years) |
| Ex-Servicemen | Service period deducted (max resulting age not exceeding max limit by 3 years) |
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MPESB Van Rakshak Recruitment 2026: Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the minimum physical standards to be eligible for selection. The physical measurement test will be conducted by the Forest Department.
Height and Chest Measurements
| Physical Standard | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Height (General) | 163 cm | 150 cm |
| Height (SC/ST) | 152 cm | 145 cm |
| Chest (Normal) | 79 cm | Not Required |
| Chest (Expansion) | 5 cm (minimum) | Not Required |
Special Relaxation for Naxal Affected Areas
For candidates from Naxal affected areas of Madhya Pradesh, chest relaxation of 5 cm is applicable:
- Normal chest (without expansion): 74 cm
- After expansion: 79 cm
Walking Test (Physical Efficiency Test)
| Gender | Distance | Time Limit | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male Candidates | 25 km | 4 hours | Qualifying only (no marks) |
| Female Candidates | 14 km | 4 hours | Qualifying only (no marks) |
Important Points for Walking Test:
- Candidates must report 60 minutes before the start of the walking test
- Entry allowed only up to 30 minutes after the start
- No second chance will be given
- Pregnant women (12 weeks or more) will be temporarily declared unfit
MPESB Van Rakshak Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF Download
The Madhya Pradesh Employee Selection Board has released the detailed rule book (Niyam Pustika) for Van Rakshak Recruitment 2026 at esb.mp.gov.in. The PDF document contains all essential information including eligibility, reservation details, physical standards, exam pattern, syllabus, and application procedure. Candidates can download the official notification PDF from the link provided below.
Download MPESB Van Rakshak Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF
MPESB Forest Guard Recruitment 2026: Vacancy Details
A total of 728 vacancies have been announced for the post of Van Rakshak under the Forest Department, Madhya Pradesh.
MPESB Van Rakshak Recruitment 2026: Application Fees
Candidates need to pay the examination fee along with the portal charges while applying online. The fee structure is as follows:
Examination Fee
| Category | Fee Per Question Paper |
|---|---|
| Unreserved Candidates | ₹500/- |
| SC/ST/OBC/EWS (MP Domicile) | ₹250/- |
| PwD Candidates (MP Domicile) | ₹250/- |
Portal Charges
| Mode of Application | Portal Fee |
|---|---|
| Through MP Online Kiosk | ₹60/- |
| Through Citizen Login (Self) | ₹20/- |
Correction Fee
| Particulars | Fee Per Correction |
|---|---|
| Application Correction | ₹20/- |
| Correction Portal Fee | ₹40/- |
Payment Modes
- Debit Card / Credit Card
- Net Banking
- MP Online Kiosk
- Internet Banking
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MPESB Van Rakshak Recruitment 2026: Selection Process
The selection process for Van Rakshak posts consists of multiple stages. Candidates must qualify in each stage to be considered for final selection.
Selection Stages
| Stage | Conducting Authority | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | MPESB, Bhopal | Online Written Examination |
| Stage 2 | Forest Department | Physical Measurement Test |
| Stage 3 | Forest Department | Walking Test (25 km/14 km) |
| Stage 4 | Forest Department | Document Verification |
| Stage 5 | Forest Department | Medical Examination |
Stage 1: Written Examination
- Mode: Online (Computer Based Test)
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 100
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Type: Objective Type (MCQs)
- Medium: Hindi / English
Minimum Qualifying Marks in Written Exam
| Category | Minimum Marks Required |
|---|---|
| Unreserved | 33% |
| SC/ST/OBC | 23% |
| EWS | 10% relaxation in minimum qualifying marks |
Stage 2: Physical Measurement Test
- Measurement of height and chest will be done by a committee formed by the Forest Department
- Candidates dissatisfied with measurements can request re-measurement in writing
- An appellate committee (including a doctor) will take the final measurement
- The appellate committee’s decision will be final and binding
Stage 3: Walking Test
| Gender | Distance | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 25 km | 4 hours |
| Female | 14 km | 4 hours |
Note: The walking test is qualifying in nature. No marks are awarded for this test.
Call for Physical Test
- Candidates will be called for physical measurement and walking test based on written exam merit
- Candidates equal to 5 times the number of vacancies in each category will be called
- Only those within the 5-times limit for their respective district will be called
MPESB Forest Guard Recruitment 2026: Apply Online Link Active
The online application process for MPESB Van Rakshak Recruitment 2026 has started on 28th February 2026. Candidates can submit their applications until 14th March 2026 (up to 11:59 PM). All eligible candidates must complete the registration process carefully.
Steps to Apply
Step 1: Registration
- Visit the official website esb.mp.gov.in
- Click on the “Apply Online” link for Van Rakshak Recruitment 2026
- Click on “New Registration”
- Enter your name, mobile number, email ID, and other details
- Note down the Registration Number and Password
Step 2: Login
- Return to the login page
- Enter your Registration Number and Password
- Fill in the captcha code and login
Step 3: Fill Application Form
- Enter personal details (name, father’s name, mother’s name, date of birth, gender, category)
- Enter address details with PIN code
- Enter educational qualifications
- Select district preferences (in order of priority)
- Select exam city preferences (up to 4 cities)
Step 4: Upload Documents
- Upload photograph (20-50 KB, JPG format)
- Upload signature (20-50 KB, JPG format)
- Upload handwritten declaration
- Upload educational certificates
- Upload category certificates (if applicable)
Step 5: Fee Payment
- Select payment mode (Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking/MP Online Kiosk)
- Pay the examination fee and portal charges
- Ensure successful transaction
Step 6: Submit and Print
- Preview all entered details carefully
- Click on “Final Submit”
- Download and print the confirmation page
- Keep a printout for future reference