MPESB Van Rakshak / Jail Prahari Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 1,679 Forest Guard, Field Guard & Jail Guard Posts (Last Date 30 April)

Quick Overview

MPESB Van Rakshak / Jail Prahari Recruitment 2026: Latest updates and key highlights

Check the latest official updates to stay on top of key dates and changes for the combined selection test.

The rulebook was released on 27 February and the application window opened on 28 February. The total vacancy count is 1,679 posts across relevant departments. Reading the notification reduces mistakes in eligibility claims and document uploads.

Notification release and recruitment overview for 1,679 posts

The notification outlines eligibility, pay scale, selection stages and the exact posts available. Follow it closely to avoid errors in category claims and fees.

What changed after the last date extension to 30 April 2026

The registration deadline moved from 14 March to 30 April, so you have extra time to apply if you missed the earlier date.

Official website to track admit card and exam notices

All updates, admit card releases, exam city details and corrigenda appear on the official website: https://esb.mp.gov.in/. Bookmark that page and avoid unofficial links to prevent fraud and wrong fee payments.

• Key highlights: total posts, departments, selection stages and who may apply.
• Keep an application tracker with registration ID, mobile, email and payment reference for future logins and admit card download.
  

Eligibility Criteria

MPESB Van Rakshak / Jail Prahari Recruitment 2026: Eligibility criteria [education, domicile and age limit]

Before filling the application form, confirm your eligibility for each post. Match certificates and marksheets exactly to the names and dates you enter online.

Educational qualification for high school and graduates

High school pass (10th standard) is the minimum for most field and custodial posts. Some notices mention 12th for specific custodial roles—verify the rulebook before you apply.

Graduation is required for the assistant supervisory post. Keep your degree certificate and mark sheet ready for upload and verification.

Age limits as on 01-01-2026

Most posts: 18–33 years. Supervisor post: 21–33 years. Use 01-01-2026 as the cut‑off date to calculate your exact age in completed years.

Age relaxation up to 38 years for reserved groups

Relaxation applies up to 38 years for OBC/SC/ST, women and other eligible groups per state rules. If you rely on domicile‑based concessions, keep your MP domicile certificate handy.

Common eligibility mistakes that lead to rejection

• Choosing the wrong category or entering inconsistent name/DoB across documents.
• Uploading unclear scans or an invalid EWS certificate format.
• Mismatch between your marksheet details and the application form fields.

Keep all eligibility proofs ready for document verification. Meeting online criteria does not guarantee final acceptance, so prepare originals to avoid last‑minute issues.

MPESB Van Rakshak / Jail Prahari Recruitment 2026: Physical standards and fitness tests

The fitness and measurement stages are qualifying gates in the selection process—prepare for both. These consist of PST (measurements) and PET (performance) and both decide who moves forward.

Forest Guard and Field Guard requirements

For van rakshak and kshetra rakshak posts, PST checks height and chest. Males need 163 cm (SC/ST 152 cm) and chest 79–84 cm. Females need 150 cm (SC/ST 145 cm).

PET demands long walks: males walk 25 km in 4 hours; females 14 km in 4 hours. These walks are part of the test and are strictly timed.

Jail prahari standards (male, female, ex‑serviceman/home guard)

Male PST: 165 cm height and 83–88 cm chest. Female PST: 158 cm height. Ex‑servicemen/home guards follow relaxed chest/height norms.

PET for male jail prahari includes shot put 7.260 kg to 20 ft and 800 m in 2:50. Female: 4 kg to 16 ft and 800 m in 4:00. Ex‑servicemen/home guard: shot put to 15 ft and 800 m in 3:15.

Assistant Jail Superintendent benchmarks

Males: 168 cm height, chest 84–89 cm, long jump 13 ft (three attempts), shot put 7.260 kg to 19 ft and 800 m in 2:40. Females: 155 cm height, long jump 10 ft (three attempts), shot put 4 kg to 14 ft and 800 m in 3:40.

Ex‑servicemen/home guard have adjusted PET targets: long jump 10 ft, shot put 7.260 kg to 15 ft, 800 m in 3:15.

• Separate PST and PET: PST = height/chest. PET = walk, run, jump, shot put. Know what will be measured.
• Qualifying nature: These stages are usually qualifying; failing them ends your candidature even with a good written score.
• Training plan: Build stamina first for 800 m and long walks, then add technique for shot put and long jump.
• Practice advice: Use timed 800 m runs, measured jump attempts and standard shot weights to match test conditions.
• Health tips: Prevent injury, stay hydrated and choose proper footwear to avoid cramps or poor pacing.

Vacancy Details

MPESB Van Rakshak / Jail Prahari Recruitment 2026: Vacancy details and category-wise distribution

Here is a clear snapshot of all vacancies so you can spot the largest opportunities quickly. The combined total across posts is 1,679 vacancies. Keep this table handy when you fill the form.

Total vacancy snapshot across all posts

The grand category totals are: UR 615, EWS 58, SC 303, ST 403 and OBC 300. These totals guide shortlisting and cut‑offs during selection.

Forest guard vacancies

The first post has 728 vacancies: UR 310, EWS 0, SC 143, ST 198, OBC 77.

Field guard vacancies

Field guard shows 169 vacancies: UR 44, EWS 28, SC 34, ST 46, OBC 17.

Jail guard vacancies

Custodial staff account for 757 vacancies: UR 253, EWS 28, SC 121, ST 151, OBC 204.

Assistant Jail Superintendent vacancies

The supervisory post lists 25 vacancies: UR 8, EWS 2, SC 5, ST 8, OBC 2.

• Why category totals matter: they affect cut‑offs, shortlisting and seat availability for candidates.
• Cross‑check your category eligibility (MP domicile, certificates, EWS validity) before applying to avoid rejection.
• Vacancy numbers may be revised by the board or department; track official corrigenda and save a screenshot or PDF of this table for document verification.

Syllabus & Exam Pattern

MPESB Van Rakshak / Jail Prahari Recruitment 2026: Exam pattern and subjects

A clear understanding of the written format helps you plan revision and manage time on exam day. The written paper is objective and designed to shortlist candidates for the physical stages.

Paper format, number of questions, marks and duration

Format: Multiple‑choice questions (MCQ).

Total: 100 questions for 100 marks. Duration: 2 hours.

Note: Some notices mention a negative mark of 0.25 per wrong answer. Confirm the exact penalty from the rulebook before you decide how many questions to attempt.

Subject areas you must cover

The test covers five subject areas:

• General Knowledge
• General Hindi
• General English
• General Mathematics
• General Science

Prioritise high‑yield topics in GK and basic maths to gain quick marks. Use past papers and timed mocks for steady improvement.

Qualifying expectations and cut‑off trends

Published qualifying trends in some years show broad category bands. Typical minimums cited include General/OBC (outside MP) ~40%, SC (MP) ~33% and ST/OBC (MP) ~23% where published.

These figures vary by year and post. Treat them as guidance, not guarantees, and check official information for final cut‑offs.

Preparation tip: Practise timed mock exams, analyse errors by subject and refine guess strategies if negative marking applies. The written examination is the gateway to the physical rounds, so balance study and fitness even if you are confident in field tests.

Salary Details

MPESB Van Rakshak / Jail Prahari Recruitment 2026: Salary, pay scale and job benefits

Pay ranges and job perks differ sharply between constable-level posts and supervisory roles. This helps you judge long-term prospects before you choose a post.

Pay scale for Forest Guard, Field Guard and Jail Prahari

The basic pay band for forest guard, field guard (kshetra rakshak) and jail prahari is ₹19,500–₹62,000. This represents the entry-to-mid level bracket for constable-level roles.

Pay scale for Assistant Jail Superintendent

If you qualify as an assistant jail superintendent, the pay scale rises to ₹36,200–₹1,14,800. This is the supervisory bracket and offers higher growth potential if you meet the educational and age requirements.

Practical notes:

• Alongside basic pay, you may receive allowances and government benefits as per Madhya Pradesh rules; exact in-hand salary varies by posting and deductions.
• Service conditions can be demanding: postings may place you in forest ranges or prison complexes and involve shifts and physical duties.
• Refer to the latest state pay rules for accurate take-home estimates and note that pay scales and allowances may change with government updates.

Selection Process

MPESB Van Rakshak / Jail Prahari Recruitment 2026: Selection process

Once applications close, the selection process follows clear, staged steps so you know what comes next. The board begins with a computer‑based written exam as the first filter. This objective test checks key topics and decides who moves on.

Written examination stage

Format: CBT, multiple‑choice questions. Purpose: shortlist candidates for physical rounds. Prepare for time limits and negative marking if noted in the notification.

PET/PST or physical efficiency stage

The physical test and measurement are usually qualifying. You must meet height, chest and timed performance standards to remain eligible. Passing these trials does not always add marks but is essential for selection.

Medical examination and document verification

Final selection includes a medical check and document verification. Keep originals: ID proof, education certificates, caste/EWS, domicile, and photo/signature copies. Any mismatch or medical failure can cancel your selection, so be honest and precise.

• Check official board notices for PET/PST and document verification schedules.
• Save admit cards and verification slips; carry originals on the day.

How to Apply

MPESB Van Rakshak / Jail Prahari Recruitment 2026: How to apply online

Begin at the official portal and click the Combined Recruitment Test “Apply Online” link on the homepage: https://esb.mp.gov.in/. This is the quickest way to reach the online application form without browsing multiple pages.

Where to find the apply online link

On the portal’s main menu look for “Combined Recruitment Test – 2026” and the visible Apply Online button. Use that link to open the application dashboard.

Registration: mobile, email, OTP and login

Register using your mobile number and email. Verify both with OTP, create a secure password and keep the login details safe for admit card download.

Uploading documents: photograph, signature and certificates

Fill the online application form fields carefully: personal data, education, category and post preference. Upload a recent photograph, scanned signature and required certificates in the specified size and format to avoid upload errors.

Final submission, acknowledgement and print

Pay the fee, submit the form and immediately download the confirmation/acknowledgement. Print a copy for future reference and save the transaction ID.

Using the correction facility before the deadline

The portal allows corrections up to 30 April 2026. Correct critical fields early, re‑upload any updated documents and re‑check the form status after edits.

• Last‑mile checklist: verify spellings, match certificates, confirm category validity and ensure the form status shows “submitted/complete”.
• Keep screenshots and the printed acknowledgement for future reference and document verification.

All Details

MPESB Van Rakshak / Jail Prahari Recruitment 2026: Posts covered

A single examination opens access to multiple posts in forest protection and custodial administration. Below you will find clear, role‑wise details so you can choose the best fit before applying.

Van Rakshak (Forest Guard)

You will work in the Van Vibhag as a van rakshak, responsible for patrolling forests, preventing poaching and protecting biodiversity. This is a field role with school‑level minimum qualification for most vacancies.

Kshetra Rakshak (Field Guard)

Kshetra rakshak is also under the Van Vibhag and focuses on local area surveillance, community interaction and basic forest management tasks. Expect similar physical standards to the forest guard role.

Jail Prahari (Jail Guard/Warden)

Jail prahari posts sit in the Jail Vibhag and centre on security, inmate supervision and daily custodial duties. This post requires good physical fitness and discipline; training covers prison procedures and safety.

Assistant Jail Superintendent (Sahayak Jail Adhikshak)

This is a supervisory post in the Jail Vibhag, often requiring higher educational qualifications and greater administrative responsibility. You will oversee correctional operations and support senior officers.

• Compare minimum qualifications: field posts are typically school‑level; supervisory posts may ask for a graduate degree.
• Physical standards and age criteria vary by post, so double‑check them before choosing preferences.
• Note naming: van rakshak = forest guard, kshetra rakshak = field guard, and jail prahari = jail guard/warden on many portals.

Tip: Read role‑specific physical and medical requirements early — they often decide who progresses after the written test. Your final posting and service conditions will follow state rules and departmental norms

Conclusion

A short checklist now saves hours later: if you are eligible, complete your application and pay the fee well before the last date of 30 April 2026 to avoid portal delays.

Verify education, age and domicile documents before you submit the form. Accurate details protect you at document verification and reduce rejection risk.

Start written test revision and PET/PST training in parallel so you are ready for both stages. Keep the official website (https://esb.mp.gov.in/) as your single source for the final exam date and admit card.

Save your acknowledgement slip, payment receipt and the notification PDF. Re‑check key dates once more and proceed with a calm, error‑free submission.