The official OSSSC Forest Guard Cut Off 2026 and provisional merit list are expected to be published on the official website around August or September 2026. Candidates who took the 150-mark written test can check the expected category-wise cut-off marks, download the merit list PDF, and review physical requirements in this article.
OSSSC Forest Guard cut off 2026 score sheets and district-wise provisional lists are undergoing final compilation by the evaluation board. Under the Combined Recruitment Examination (CRE-II) guidelines, this selection cycle aims to fill regular Group-C vacancies for Forest Guards, Foresters, and Livestock Inspectors. Following the release of provisional answer keys, the commission is currently addressing candidates’ objection data to finalize the merit scores in August or September 2026.
Also Check: OPSC OCS Result 2026 Out Guard cut off 2026
Candidates scoring above the officially declared qualifying marks will secure their eligibility to participate in the upcoming physical standards and walking endurance tests.
Odisha Forest Guard Recruitment 2026: Overview
Below is the structured overview of this regular forestry department career:
| Attribute | Details |
| Exam Conducting Body | Odisha Sub-ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) |
| Advertisement Number | Combined Recruitment Examination-II (CRE 2026) |
| Post Names | Forest Guard, Forester, and Livestock Inspector |
| CBT Written Exam Marks | 150 Marks (150 Questions) |
| Negative Marking Penalty | 0.50 Marks (1/2) for every incorrect answer |
| OSSSC Forest Guard Merit List 2026 | Expected: August / September 2026 |
| Selection Mode | Written Exam, PMT / PET, and Certificate Verification |
| Official Website | osssc.gov.in |
Expected OSSSC Forest Guard Cut Off 2026 (Category-Wise)
Due to the heavy negative marking of 0.50 marks applied for each incorrect response, the overall cut-off scores are expected to remain balanced. Below are the estimated category-wise cut-offs out of the total 150 marks:
| Category Name | Expected Male Cut-Off (Out of 150) | Expected Female Cut-Off (Out of 150) |
| Unreserved (UR) / General | 114 – 124 Marks | 108 – 118 Marks |
| Socially & Educationally Backward (SEBC) | 108 – 118 Marks | 100 – 110 Marks |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 92 – 102 Marks | 86 – 96 Marks |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 80 – 90 Marks | 75 – 85 Marks |
Factors Affecting Odisha Forest Guard Cut Off 2026
The minimum qualifying cut-off scores fluctuate annually based on several critical parameters:
- Heavy Negative Marking (0.50 Marks): Unlike standard exams with 0.25 negative marking, OSSSC CRE-II applies a 0.50 penalty per wrong answer. This prevents candidates from guessing randomly and keeps the average cut-off scores controlled.
- Difficulty Level of CBT Exam: Variations across different examination shifts are normalized by the commission to ensure fair scoring.
- Total Vacancies & Ratio: The commission shortlists candidates in a 1:3 or 1:5 ratio of the district-wise vacant seats for the physical efficiency tests.
- Number of Active Applicants: Highly competitive registration volumes naturally push the cut-off ranges higher in well-populated districts.
Minimum Qualifying Marks for OSSSC CRE-II
Apart from the dynamic cut-off marks, candidates must score above the minimum qualifying thresholds established by the commission:
| Candidate Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentage | Minimum Score Required (Out of 150) |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen | 35% | 52.5 Marks |
| General / SEBC / EWS Categories | 40% | 60 Marks |
Also Check: SAMS Odisha CPET Choice Filling 2026 Date: Choice Locking Link
How to Download OSSSC Forest Guard Merit List 2026 PDF
Once the commission completes the normalization and compiles candidate scores, the official merit list will be published online. Follow these steps to check your selection status:
- Open your internet browser and visit the official portal of OSSSC at www.osssc.gov.in.
- Click on the “Applicant Menu” and select the “Recruitment Archive” or “Results” section.
- Search for the link titled “Provisional Merit List of Selected Candidates for CRE-II (Forest Guard) 2026”.
- Click on the “Osssc forest guard cut off 2026 pdf download” link to save the document on your device.
- Open the PDF file and press Ctrl + F (or search on your mobile PDF reader) and enter your Name or Roll Number to verify your selection.
Next Stage: Physical Standards (PMT) & Endurance Tests (PET)
Candidates who clear the expected cut-off marks must qualify in the physical rounds to secure their final placements:
1. Physical Measurement Test (PMT)
- Male Candidates (UR/SEBC): Height: 168 cm (Minimum), Chest: 81 cm (Unexpanded) to 86 cm (Expanded).
- Male Candidates (SC/ST): Height: 163 cm (Minimum), Chest: 76 cm (Unexpanded).
- Female Candidates (All Categories): Height: 153 cm (Minimum).
2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET – Walking Test)
- Male Candidates (All Categories): Must complete a physical walk of 25 Kilometers in 4 hours.
- Female Candidates (All Categories): Must complete a physical walk of 16 Kilometers in 4 hours.
Important Links
| Resource Portal | Official Web Link |
| Download PDF Merit List & Cut-Off | OSSSC Applicant Portal |
| OSSSC CRE-II Syllabus & Exam Pattern | Download Official Recruitment PDF |
| Official OSSSC Homepage | osssc.gov.in |
