MPESB Van Rakshak Recruitment 2026: Notification, Apply Online, Fees, Salary, Selection Process, Eligibility & Other
The Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MPESB) has officially announced the MPESB Recruitment 2026, creating a major career pathway for individuals aiming to serve in the state’s executive forces. This recruitment drive covers essential positions including Van Rakshak (Forest Guard), Kshetra Rakshak, Jail Prahari, and Assistant Jail Superintendent. According to the official rulebook, the online application window opens on February 28, 2026, and concludes on March 14, 2026, via the official portal at esb.mp.gov.in. With the written examination scheduled to commence on April 7, 2026, candidates have a defined timeline to complete their registration and intensify their academic preparations for this state-level competitive test.
MPESB Van Rakshak Recruitment 2026
This recruitment initiative is designed to fill vacancies across both the Forest Department and the Jail Department of Madhya Pradesh. The selection process is highly structured, involving a computer-based written test followed by mandatory physical efficiency tests to ensure that candidates meet the rigorous demands of field duty. Aspirants must ensure they hold the required educational credentials, such as a high school pass for guard levels or a graduation degree for superintendent roles, before the application deadline. The board has also established a correction window from February 28 to March 19, 2026, allowing applicants to rectify any clerical errors in their personal or professional details.
Navigating the MPESB Recruitment 2026 requires careful attention to the specific physical standards and age relaxations provided under the state government’s reservation policy. Whether you are a local resident of Madhya Pradesh or an applicant from another state, understanding the fee structure and the multi-stage selection journey is paramount. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the recruitment rules, exam patterns, and physical requirements to help you successfully apply for these prestigious executive roles without missing critical deadlines.
Essential Overview of MPESB Van Rakshak Recruitment 2026
The recruitment process is governed by strict administrative guidelines to maintain transparency. The table below summarizes the core facts that every candidate should keep in mind during the application phase.
| Recruitment Feature | Details |
| Application Start Date | February 28, 2026 |
| Application End Date | March 14, 2026 |
| Correction Last Date | March 19, 2026 |
| Exam Start Date | April 7, 2026 |
| Total Post | 1679 |
| Total Subjects in Exam | 5 Sections |
| General Category Fee | Rs. 500 per paper |
| SC/ST/OBC (MP) Fee | Rs. 250 per paper |
| Minimum Age Limit | 18 Years |
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MPESB Van Rakshak Recruitment 2026 Eligibility and Educational Qualifications
To maintain the integrity of the forest and prison services, the board has set specific academic benchmarks.
- Van Rakshak and Jail Prahari: Candidates must have passed the 10+2 (High School) examination from a recognized board.
- Assistant Jail Superintendent: This role typically requires a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
In addition to academic success, candidates must be within the age bracket of 18 to 33 years for general applicants, with relaxations up to 38 years for reserved categories, women, and government employees, as per the rules defined for January 1, 2026.
MPESB Van Rakshak Recruitment 2026 Physical Standards for Executive Roles
Since these positions are “Karyapalika” (Executive), physical fitness is a non-negotiable requirement. Candidates must meet the following height and chest measurements:
- Male Candidates: Minimum height of 163 cm for Forest Guard and 165 cm for Jail Prahari.
- Female Candidates: Minimum height of 150 cm for Forest Guard and 158 cm for Jail Prahari.
The physical efficiency test (PET) includes a long-distance walk for forest roles (25 km for men and 14 km for women) and a timed run and shot put throw for jail roles.
MPESB Van Rakshak Recruitment 2026 Examination Pattern and Scoring
The written examination is the first filter in the MPESB Recruitment 2026. It is an objective-type test conducted online.
- General Knowledge: Testing awareness of state and national events.
- General Hindi: Evaluating language proficiency.
- General English: Basic grammar and comprehension.
- Mathematics: Numerical ability and logical reasoning.
- General Science: Basic concepts of physics, chemistry, and biology.
The total paper consists of 100 marks with 100 questions. There is no negative marking mentioned in the primary guidelines, but accuracy remains vital for high merit ranking.
MPESB Van Rakshak Recruitment 2026 Application Fee and Portal Charges
The board requires an examination fee to process applications. Unreserved candidates must pay Rs. 500 per paper, while SC, ST, OBC, and PWD candidates belonging to Madhya Pradesh pay a reduced fee of Rs. 250. Additionally, a portal fee of Rs. 60 is charged for applications made through Kiosks, or Rs. 20 for those using the registered citizen user portal.
| Category | Exam Fee (Per Paper) | Portal Fee | Total (Approx) |
| Unreserved (General / Other State) | ₹500 | ₹60 | ₹560 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) – MP Domicile | ₹250 | ₹60 | ₹310 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) – MP Domicile | ₹250 | ₹60 | ₹310 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) – MP | ₹250 | ₹60 | ₹310 |
| Specially Abled (Divyangjan) – MP | ₹250 | ₹60 | ₹310 |
| Backlog Posts | ₹0 | ₹60 | ₹60 |
MPESB Van Rakshak Recruitment 2026 Salary Structure and Pay Scale 2026
The positions offered in this recruitment are “Karyapalika” (Executive) roles, and the salary is determined by the Madhya Pradesh seventh pay scale rules. The pay varies depending on the specific post
| Post Name | Pay Scale (Monthly) | Pay Matrix Level |
| Van Rakshak (Forest Guard) | ₹19,500 — ₹62,000 | Level-4 |
| Kshetra Rakshak | ₹19,500 — ₹62,000 | Level-4 |
| Jail Prahari (Guard) | ₹19,500 — ₹62,000 | Level-4 |
| Assistant Jail Superintendent | ₹36,200 — ₹1,14,800 | Level-9 |
MPESB Van Rakshak Recruitment 2026 Step-by-Step Selection Process
The recruitment follows a three-stage process to ensure the best candidates are selected:
- Written Exam: A merit-based computer-based test (CBT).
- Physical Test: Qualifying rounds involving measurements and endurance tests.
- Document Verification: Scrutiny of original certificates and identity proofs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I apply for both Forest and Jail department posts?
Yes, candidates can apply for multiple posts if they meet the eligibility criteria for each, though they may need to pay fees for different papers if applicable.
Q2: Is Aadhar registration mandatory?
Yes, candidates must have a valid Aadhar registration, and it must be linked for biometric verification at the exam center.
Q3: What is the exam duration?
The written examination typically lasts for 2 hours (120 minutes) per shift.
Conclusion
The MPESB Recruitment 2026 is a vital opportunity for those seeking a disciplined career in the Madhya Pradesh state government. With the application process running from February 28 to March 14, 2026, aspirants should focus on meeting the physical standards and mastering the five core subjects of the written exam. By following the official portal guidelines at esb.mp.gov.in and keeping track of the April exam date, you can successfully navigate this recruitment cycle. Preparation and timely action are the keys to securing a position as a Forest Guard or Jail Prahari this year.
| Notification Pdf | JAIL_VAN_2026_RuleBook_27022026.pdf |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |