MP Forest Guard Recruitment 2026: Powerful 728 Vacancies Announced for Vanrakshak, Jail Prahari & Assistant Jail Superintendent
Intro Para
The Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MPESB) has officially released the MP Forest Guard Recruitment 2026 Notification for Forest Department and Jail Department posts. Through this mega recruitment drive, eligible candidates can apply for Vanrakshak (Forest Guard), Kshetra Rakshak, Jail Prahari, and Assistant Jail Superintendent posts under the Direct Recruitment Examination 2026.
This is a golden opportunity for 10th/12th pass candidates seeking a stable and prestigious government job in Madhya Pradesh. The online application process started on 28 February 2026, and the written examination will begin on 07 April 2026.
If you are preparing for MP Government Jobs 2026, this detailed post covers eligibility, age limit, fee, selection process, important dates, and direct apply links.

Table of Contents
MP Forest Guard Recruitment 2026—Highlights
- Organization: Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MPESB)
- Exam Name: Forest Guard, Jail Prahari & Assistant Jail Superintendent Direct Recruitment Exam 2026
- Total Vacancies: 728 (Forest Guard – Confirmed)
- Advertisement Year: 2026
- Application Mode: Online
- Application Start Date: 28 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 14 March 2026
- Exam Date: From 07 April 2026
- Qualification: 10th / 12th Pass
- Job Location: Madhya Pradesh
- Official Website: www.esb.mp.gov.in
Total Vacancies
- Forest Guard (Vanrakshak) – 728 Posts
(Other posts like Jail Prahari and Assistant Jail Superintendent are also included in the examination rulebook.)
Advertisement No.
As per the official rulebook released by MPESB for Forest Guard, Jail Prahari & Assistant Jail Superintendent Direct Recruitment Exam 2026
Short Description – MPESB Forest Guard Notification 2026
The MP Forest Guard Recruitment 2026 has been released for direct recruitment under the Forest Department and Jail Department of the Madhya Pradesh Government. MPESB, Bhopal, is conducting the recruitment.
The selection will be based on an online written examination followed by further procedures as per department norms. Candidates must complete Aadhaar verification and have a valid MP employment registration before applying.
This recruitment includes reservation benefits for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, ex-servicemen, Home Guard volunteers, and contractual employees as per state rules.
Important Dates and Application Fee – MP Forest Guard 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Application Begins | 28 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 March 2026 |
| Correction Window | 28 Feb – 19 March 2026 |
| Admit Card | Before Exam |
| Examination Date | From 07 April 2026 |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
| General / EWS / OBC | ₹500 per paper |
| SC / ST / PH / Woman (MP Domicile) | ₹250 per paper |
| Backlog Posts | No Fee |
Mode of Payment
- Online Mode
- MP Online Portal Charges:
- ₹60 (via kiosk)
- ₹20 (via registered citizen login)
Posts, Vacancy, Age Limit, Pay Scale, and Qualification Details – MP Forest Guard Eligibility 2026
| Post Name / Pay Scale | Total Vacancy | Educational Qualification |
| Forest Guard (Vanrakshak) – ₹19,500–₹62,000 | 728 | 10th Pass (High School) or 10+2 Pattern from a recognized board |
| Jail Prahari | As per the notification | As per official rules |
| Assistant Jail Superintendent | As per the notification | As per official rules |
Note:
- Age Limit:
- Minimum: 18 Years
- Maximum: 33 Years (General)
- Up to 38 Years (Reserved Categories & Female Candidates of MP)
- Age Relaxation: As per the MP Government rules.
- Cut-Off Date for Age Calculation: 01 January 2026
Category-wise Vacancy (Forest Guard – 728 Posts)
- UR – 310
- ST – 143
- OBC – 198
- EWS – 77
- SC – 00 (as per roster distribution in rulebook)
Horizontal Reservation:
- 10% Ex-Servicemen
- 30% Home Guard Volunteers
- 50% (limited) Contractual employees (as per conditions)
(Details based on the official reservation table
How to Apply – MP Forest Guard Online Form 2026
- Visit the official website: www.esb.mp.gov.in
- Click on Forest Guard/Jail Prahari Recruitment 2026
- Complete Aadhaar registration (mandatory)
- Fill out the online application form carefully
- Upload required documents
- Pay the application fee
- Submit and print the application form
Note: Special tribal candidates (Baiga, Sahariya, and Bhariya) must submit a hard copy directly to the concerned department as per the rulebook.
Documents Required – MPESB Forest Guard Application
- Aadhaar Card (Mandatory)
- Valid Photo ID Proof
- 10th Marksheet
- Domicile Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Employment Registration Certificate (MP)
- Ex-Serviceman Certificate (if applicable)
- Contractual Service Certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-Size Photograph
- Signature
Selection Process – MP Forest Guard 2026
The selection process includes:
- Online Written Examination
- Physical Test (if applicable)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Exam Duration:
- 2 Hours per shift
- Two shifts per day (as per schedule)
Biometric verification is mandatory during the exam.
Important Instructions: MP Forest Guard Recruitment 2026
- Aadhaar verification is compulsory.
- Candidates must bring original photo ID to the exam center.
- Electronic devices are strictly prohibited.
- Entry after the reporting time will not be allowed.
- MP domicile candidates get reservation benefits.
- Other state candidates can apply under UR only.
Why This Job is Perfect for Government Job Aspirants
The MP Forest Guard Recruitment 2026 is ideal for candidates seeking a secure state government job with an attractive pay scale and long-term career growth. Forest Guard jobs offer field exposure, environmental service opportunities, and a uniform-based, respected position. Jail Department posts provide administrative and supervisory roles with stable government benefits.
With 728 confirmed Forest Guard vacancies and structured reservation benefits, this is one of the biggest MP government job opportunities of 2026.
FAQs:
1. What is the last date to apply for the MP Forest Guard Recruitment 2026?
The last date to apply online is 14 March 2026.
2. What is the age limit for MP Forest Guard 2026?
Minimum age is 18 years, and maximum age is 33 years (38 years for reserved categories of MP).
3. What is the salary of a forest guard in MP?
The pay scale is ₹19,500 – ₹62,000 as per the official notification.
Important Links
- Official Website
- Apply Online—Available from 28 February 2026
- Download Rulebook
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