March 2, 2026 — In a major boost for job seekers in Madhya Pradesh, the state government has announced a massive recruitment drive to fill over 1,600 vacancies across various departments. This recruitment cycle is particularly significant as it opens doors for candidates with a minimum qualification of 10th pass, offering a golden opportunity for those looking to secure a stable career in the public sector.
The Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MPESB), formerly known as Vyapam, has released the official notification for these posts, primarily focused on the Forest and Jail departments.
Key Highlights of the MP Recruitment 2026
The current recruitment drive covers several entry-level and executive positions. Here is the breakdown of the major roles available:
| Post Name | Department | Educational Qualification |
| Forest Guard (Van Rakshak) | Forest Department | 10th Pass (High School) |
| Field Guard (Kshetra Rakshak) | Forest Department | 10th Pass (High School) |
| Jail Prahari (Guard) | Jail Department | 10th Pass (High School) |
| Assistant Jail Superintendent | Jail Department | Graduate Degree |
With a total of 1,679 posts currently active in this specific cycle, the government aims to strengthen its frontline administrative and security workforce.
Eligibility Criteria and Age Limit
To ensure a fair selection process, the MPESB has set clear eligibility guidelines:
- Educational Qualification: For the majority of posts (Forest Guard and Jail Prahari), candidates only need to have passed their 10th-standard examinations from a recognized board.
- Age Limit: Generally, the age bracket for applicants is 18 to 33 years. However, as per state government norms, significant age relaxations are provided for SC/ST, OBC, and female candidates, often extending the upper limit to 38–43 years.
- Physical Standards: Since many of these roles are in the uniform services, candidates must meet specific physical requirements:
- Male Height: Minimum 163 cm (Forest/Field Guard) or 168 cm (Jail Superintendent).
- Female Height: Minimum 150 cm.
- Chest (Men): 79 cm with a minimum 5 cm expansion.
Selection Process
The selection for these 1,600+ posts will be conducted in multiple stages to ensure the most capable candidates are chosen:
- Written Examination: A computer-based test (CBT) covering subjects like General Knowledge, Hindi, English, Mathematics, and Science.
- Physical Proficiency Test (PPT): Candidates who clear the written exam will undergo physical endurance tests (running, walking, etc.).
- Document Verification: Successful candidates must produce original certificates for verification.
- Medical Examination: A final fitness check-up to ensure suitability for field duties.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates can apply through the official MP Online portal or the MPESB website.
- Application Window: The process began on February 28, 2026.
- Last Date to Apply: The deadline for submission is March 14, 2026.
- Official Website: esb.mp.gov.in
Application Fees: General category candidates are typically required to pay ₹500, while reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC/PWD) of Madhya Pradesh pay a reduced fee of ₹250, plus portal charges.
Why This is a Great Opportunity
Securing a government job in Madhya Pradesh offers more than just a competitive salary. Employees benefit from long-term job security, pension schemes, and various allowances (DA, HRA). For 10th-pass candidates, this is an entry point into a career path that offers departmental promotions and the chance to serve the state in critical roles like wildlife protection and law enforcement.