The Madhya Pradesh Employee Selection Board (MPESB) has released the notification for Van Rakshak (Karyapalik) Recruitment 2026 under the Forest Department. The online application process for Forest Guard posts started on 28 February 2026 and will remain open until 14 March 2026.
Candidates can apply through the official website esb.mp.gov.in, this recruitment is a good opportunity for those interested in working in the forest services and building a career in the government sector.
MPESB Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Madhya Pradesh Employee Selection Board (MPESB) |
| Post Names | Van Rakshak (Forest Guard) |
| Total Vacancies | 728 |
| Job Location | Madhya Pradesh |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | esb.mp.gov.in |
MPESB Van Rakshak Bharti 2026 Vacancy Details
Van Rakshak (Forest Guard) Vacancy Details
| Category | Open | Women | Ex-Servicemen (Open) | Ex-Servicemen (Women) | Homeguard (Open) | Homeguard (Women) | Contract Employees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UR | 185 | 0 | 24 | 0 | 90 | 0 | 11 | 310 |
| SC | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ST | 84 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 42 | 0 | 5 | 143 |
| OBC | 117 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 57 | 0 | 6 | 198 |
| EWS | 48 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 2 | 77 |
| Total | 434 | 0 | 58 | 0 | 212 | 0 | 24 | 728 |
Note: 1% of posts (7) are reserved for sports persons in sports like swimming, table tennis, lawn tennis, badminton, athletics (running, high jump, long jump, shot put, javelin throw, discus throw).
Eligibility Criteria of MPESB Van Rakshak Bharti 2026
Educational Qualification
| Post Name | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Van Rakshak (Forest Guard) | Passed High School (10th class) from Madhya Pradesh Board or any recognized school. Old pattern Higher Secondary or 10+2 system. |
Note: You must have live registration in Madhya Pradesh Employment Office for all posts.
Age Limit (as on January 1, 2026)
- Minimum: 18 years,
- Maximum: 33 years for unreserved.
- Maximum: 38 years for women, SC/ST/OBC, ex-servicemen, homeguard (relaxation as per rules).
Note: Max age relaxation up to 38 years after all relaxations. No relaxation for candidates from outside MP.
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) |
Physical Standards
Van Rakshak Physical Standards
| Category | Height (cm) | Chest (unexpanded/expanded, cm) – Male only |
|---|---|---|
| Male (Open) | 163 | 79/84 |
| Male (ST)(SC) | 152 | 76/81 |
| Female | 150 | – |
Note: No posts for disabled candidates. Eyesight must be normal, no knock knee or flat foot, medically fit.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Van Rakshak PET
| Category | Test | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Male (Open/Ex/Homeguard) | 25 km Walk | 4 hours |
| Female | 14 km Walk | 4 hours |
Note: PET is qualifying only. 3 chances for shot put and long jump. Run is one chance. Video recorded. Appeal to committee if unhappy, no second chance.
Salary and Benefits
Van Rakshak: Rs. 19,500 – 62,000 (Level 4).
- First year 70% of min pay
- Second 80%
- Third 90%.
Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance
- Medical facilities
- Provident Fund and
- Pension
Estimated take-home: Rs. 25,000 – 35,000 starting, depending on location.
Selection Process of MPESB Van Rakshak Bharti 2026
The process has two stages for all posts:
Written Exam (Stage 1):
- Online test with 100 MCQs (1 mark each, 2 hours).
- Subjects: General Knowledge, Hindi, English, Math, Science.
- No negative marking mentioned.
Physical Test (Stage 2): Measurement and PET for shortlisted (10 times vacancies) candidates. Qualifying only.
Final merit: based on written exam marks for qualified in physical.
Medical test and document verification after.
Character verification before joining.
3 years probation.
Van Rakshak Bharti 2026 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 20 | 20 | 2 hours (total) |
| General Hindi | 20 | 20 | |
| General English | 20 | 20 | |
| General Mathematics | 20 | 20 | |
| General Science | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 2 hours |
Documents Required
Keep these ready (original + self-attested photocopy):
- Birth certificate or 10th marksheet for age proof.
- Educational certificates (10th/12th/degree marksheets).
- Caste certificate for SC/ST/OBC/EWS (from competent authority).
- Ex-servicemen discharge certificate.
- Homeguard service certificate (3 years).
- Sports certificate for quota.
- Employment exchange registration.
- Marriage certificate if married (for children count).
- Aadhar card, photo ID (voter ID, PAN, passport, driving license).
- Bank details for travel allowance if eligible.
Application Fees
| Category | Fee per Paper |
|---|---|
| Unreserved | Rs. 500 |
| SC/ST/OBC/PwD (MP domiciles only) | Rs. 250 |
| Backlog Posts | Free |
Plus portal fee: Rs. 60 for kiosk, Rs. 20 for citizen user.
Pay online via card/net banking/UPI.
How to Apply Online for MPESB Van Rakshak Bharti 2026
MPESB Van Rakshak Bharti 2026 Follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Go to official website esb.mp.gov.in.
Step 2: Click on “Online Application” for the exam.
Step 3: Register if new (name, DOB, email, mobile).
Step 4: Get registration number and password.
Step 5: Login and fill form: personal details, education, category, post preference.
Step 6: Upload photo, signature, documents.
Step 7: Pay fee online.
Step 8: Submit and print confirmation.
Step 9: Save application number.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | February 28, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | March 14, 2026 |
| Correction Window | February 28 to March 19, 2026 |
| Exam Starts | April 7, 2026 onwards |
| Admit Card | To be announced |
Official Links
| Apply Now | Click Now |
| Download Rule Book PDF | Download PDF Notification |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Final Thoughts
The MPESB Recruitment 2026 is for posts in the Forest Department, it offers good pay, job safety and chances for career growth. The last date to apply is March 14, 2026 so candidates should not miss the opportunity.
Selection will include a written test on general subjects, so start preparing early with dedication and hard work, this recruitment can help you secure a government job in Madhya Pradesh. Apply soon and aim for success.
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