The Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MPESB), formerly known as MP Vyapam, has officially released the MPESB Recruitment 2026 Notification for a total of 1679 vacancies under the Combined Recruitment Test – 2026. The recruitment drive aims to fill posts of Forest Guard (Van Rakshak), Field Guard (Kshetra Rakshak), Jail Prahari, and Assistant Jail Superintendent in the Forest and Prison Departments of Madhya Pradesh.
Candidates who aspire to secure a government job in Madhya Pradesh can now apply online through the official website https://esb.mp.gov.in/. The online application process started on 27th February 2026 and will remain open until 14th March 2026.
In this detailed SEO-optimized article, we cover vacancy details, eligibility criteria, selection process, salary structure, important dates, and how to apply online for MPESB Forest Guard & Jail Prahari Recruitment 2026.
MPESB Recruitment 2026 – Overview
Here’s a quick summary of the recruitment:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | MPESB / MP Vyapam |
| Exam Name | Combined Recruitment Test – 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 1679 |
| Posts | Forest Guard, Field Guard, Jail Prahari, Assistant Jail Superintendent |
| Departments | Forest Department & Jail Department |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | https://esb.mp.gov.in/ |
| Exam Date | 7th April 2026 |
MPESB Notification 2026 PDF
The official notification (Rule Book) has been released on 27 February 2026. Candidates are advised to carefully read the detailed advertisement before applying. The notification contains complete information regarding:
- Eligibility criteria
- Physical standards
- Category-wise reservation
- Exam pattern
- Application process
- Salary details
MPESB Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 27 February 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 27 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 March 2026 |
| Correction Window | 28 Feb – 19 March 2026 |
| Written Exam Date | 7 April 2026 |
| Result Date | To Be Announced |
Candidates are advised to complete the registration well before the last date to avoid technical issues.
MPESB Vacancy 2026 – Post Wise Details
A total of 1679 vacancies have been announced.
| Post Name | Department | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Guard (Van Rakshak) | Forest Dept | 728 |
| Field Guard (Kshetra Rakshak) | Forest Dept | 169 |
| Jail Prahari | Jail Dept | 757 |
| Assistant Jail Superintendent | Jail Dept | 25 |
| Total | 1679 |
Category-Wise Vacancy Details
Forest Guard (728 Posts)
- UR – 310
- SC – 3
- ST – 434
- OBC – 255
- EWS – 77
Jail Prahari (757 Posts)
- UR – 253
- SC – 121
- ST – 151
- OBC – 204
- EWS – 28
Field Guard (169 Posts)
- UR – 44
- SC – 28
- ST – 34
- OBC – 46
- EWS – 17
MPESB Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must ensure they meet the educational and age requirements before applying.
Educational Qualification
1️⃣ Forest Guard (Van Rakshak)
- Must have passed 10th (High School) from a recognized board OR
- 10+2 (Higher Secondary) qualification
2️⃣ Field Guard (Kshetra Rakshak)
- Passed 10th or 10+2 from a recognized institution
3️⃣ Jail Prahari
- Must have completed High School (10+2 system)
4️⃣ Assistant Jail Superintendent
- Must hold a Graduation Degree from a recognized university
Age Limit (As on 01/01/2026)
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age (General): 33 years
Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST/OBC (MP Domicile) – 5 years relaxation (Up to 38 years)
- Women (MP Domicile) – 5 years relaxation
- Ex-Servicemen/Home Guards – As per rules
MPESB Application Fee 2026
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC (Non-MP) | ₹500 per paper |
| SC/ST/OBC (MP Domicile) | ₹250 per paper |
| Portal Charges | ₹20 (Online) / ₹60 (Kiosk) |
Note: Application fee is non-refundable.
How to Apply Online for MPESB Forest Guard & Jail Prahari 2026?
Follow these simple steps:
- Visit the official website – https://esb.mp.gov.in/
- Click on Apply Online under Combined Recruitment Test – 2026.
- Register using Aadhaar authentication.
- Fill in personal and educational details carefully.
- Upload photograph and signature in prescribed format.
- Pay application fee online.
- Submit and download the application form for future reference.
MPESB Selection Process 2026
The selection process consists of multiple stages:
- Written Examination
- Physical Fitness Test (PFT) / Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Only candidates qualifying in the written exam will be called for physical tests.
MPESB Exam Pattern 2026
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Science | ||
| General Hindi | ||
| General English | ||
| General Mathematics | ||
| 100 MCQs | 100 Marks |
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Type: Objective (MCQs)
Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Category | Percentage |
|---|---|
| General / OBC (Outside MP) | 40% |
| SC (MP) | 33% |
| ST / OBC (MP) | 23% |
MPESB Physical Test Details 2026
Forest Guard / Field Guard
- Male: 25 km walk in 4 hours
- Female: 14 km walk in 4 hours
Jail Prahari
- Male: 800m run in 2 min 50 sec + Shot Put
- Female: 800m run in 4 min + Shot Put
Assistant Jail Superintendent
- 800m run + Long Jump + Shot Put
MPESB Salary Structure 2026
| Post | Pay Scale |
|---|---|
| Forest Guard | ₹19,500 – ₹62,000 |
| Field Guard | ₹19,500 – ₹62,000 |
| Jail Prahari | ₹19,500 – ₹62,000 |
| Assistant Jail Superintendent | ₹36,200 – ₹1,14,800 |
In addition to basic pay, candidates will receive:
- DA (Dearness Allowance)
- HRA (House Rent Allowance)
- Medical benefits
- Pension benefits
Why MPESB Recruitment 2026 is a Great Opportunity?
- Large number of vacancies (1679 posts)
- Government job security
- Attractive salary package
- Opportunities in Forest & Prison Departments
- Career growth in MP State Government
This recruitment is especially beneficial for candidates who have passed 10th or 12th and are seeking stable government employment.
Conclusion
The MPESB Recruitment 2026 Notification released by the Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board presents a golden opportunity for aspirants looking for government jobs in Madhya Pradesh. With 1679 vacancies across Forest Guard, Jail Prahari, Field Guard, and Assistant Jail Superintendent posts, this recruitment drive offers job security, respectable salary, and long-term career growth.
Interested candidates should carefully read the official notification, ensure they meet eligibility criteria, and complete their application before 14 March 2026. As competition is expected to be high, early preparation for the written examination and physical tests is highly recommended.
Stay updated with official announcements and start preparing today to secure your position in MPESB Recruitment 2026.
FAQs
1️⃣ What is the total number of vacancies in MPESB Recruitment 2026?
The Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board has announced a total of 1679 vacancies under the Combined Recruitment Test – 2026. The posts include Forest Guard (Van Rakshak), Field Guard (Kshetra Rakshak), Jail Prahari, and Assistant Jail Superintendent in the Forest and Jail Departments of Madhya Pradesh.
2️⃣ What is the last date to apply for MPESB Forest Guard & Jail Prahari Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application form for MPESB Recruitment 2026 is 14 March 2026. Candidates must apply through the official website https://esb.mp.gov.in/
3️⃣ What is the age limit for MPESB Recruitment 2026?
Minimum Age: 18 years
Maximum Age: 33 years (General Category)
Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (MP domicile) and women candidates are eligible for 5 years age relaxation, making the upper age limit 38 years.
4️⃣ What is the selection process for MPESB Recruitment 2026?
Written Examination (100 MCQs)
Physical Fitness Test (PFT) / Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Document Verification
Medical Examination
Candidates must qualify in each stage to be considered for final selection.