MP ESB Recruitment 2026: 1679 Posts (Forest Guard, Jail Prahari & More)

The Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MP ESB), Bhopal, has released a comprehensive recruitment notification for various posts under the Forest and Jail Departments. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking government jobs in Madhya Pradesh. A total of 1679 vacancies have been announced for positions such as Forest Guard, Field Guard (Executive), Jail Prahari (Executive), and Assistant Jail Superintendent (Executive) for the year 2026. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official MP ESB website. The application process begins on February 28, 2026, with the last date to apply being March 14, 2026. The written examination is scheduled to commence from April 07, 2026.

Quick Overview

Vacancy Details

Here’s a breakdown of the vacancies announced for each post:

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• Forest Guard & Field Guard: Candidates must have passed the 10th (High School) examination from the Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education or an equivalent recognized institution.
• Jail Prahari: Candidates must have passed the 10+2 system or the old system Higher Secondary examination.
• Assistant Jail Superintendent: Candidates must hold a Graduate degree from a recognized university.

Age Limit (as on 01.01.2026)

The age limits for candidates are as follows:

Note: All age relaxations and reservation benefits are applicable only to permanent residents (Domicile) of Madhya Pradesh. Candidates from other states will be considered under the unreserved category.

Experience

Specific prior work experience is generally not mandatory for these direct recruitment posts. However, contractual employees (संविदाकर्मी) serving for a minimum of 5 years in equivalent positions in Madhya Pradesh Government departments may be eligible for reservation benefits as per state government rules.

Application Fee

The application fee details are as follows:

Important Dates

Mark your calendars with these crucial dates:

Selection Process

The selection process for MP ESB Recruitment 2026 involves multiple stages:

1. Written Examination (Online): Candidates will first appear for a Computer-Based Test (CBT) covering various subjects.
2. Physical Measurement Test (PMT): Candidates who qualify the written exam will undergo physical measurement as per the prescribed standards for height, chest, etc.
3. Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Qualified candidates will participate in physical endurance tests such as a race, long jump, and shot put, which are qualifying in nature.
4. Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates will have their original documents verified.
5. Medical Examination: A medical fitness test will be conducted for final selection.
6. Final Merit List: A merit list will be prepared based primarily on the marks obtained in the written examination, subject to qualifying the physical tests and document verification.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply online for the MP ESB Recruitment 2026:

1. Visit the official website of MP ESB: www.esb.mp.gov.in.
2. Look for the ‘Online Application’ link for ‘वन रक्षक, क्षेत्र रक्षक, जेल प्रहरी एवं सहायक जेल अधीक्षक भर्ती परीक्षा-2026’.
3. Register yourself if you are a new user, or log in using your existing credentials.
4. Fill out the application form carefully with all the required personal, educational, and other details.
5. Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph, signature, and self-declaration text as per the specified format and size.
6. Select your preferred posts and examination centers.
7. Pay the application fee online using Credit Card, Debit Card, or Net Banking. MPOnline Kiosk option is also available.
8. Review your application form before final submission to ensure all details are correct.
9. Submit the application form and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.

Important Links

Job Profile & Career Scope

The roles offered by MP ESB provide a stable career path in government service. Each post has distinct responsibilities and growth opportunities:

• Forest Guard & Field Guard: These roles involve protecting forest resources, patrolling designated areas, preventing illegal activities like poaching and deforestation, and assisting in wildlife conservation efforts. Career progression can lead to higher ranks within the Forest Department.
• Jail Prahari: A Jail Prahari is responsible for maintaining discipline and security within correctional facilities. Duties include supervising inmates, conducting searches, escorting prisoners, and ensuring the overall safety of the jail premises. With experience, one can be promoted to Head Warder and other supervisory roles.
• Assistant Jail Superintendent: This is a supervisory and administrative role within the Jail Department. Assistant Superintendents manage jail operations, oversee staff, ensure adherence to rules and regulations, and contribute to the welfare of inmates. This position offers significant career growth into higher administrative positions like Deputy Superintendent and Superintendent.

These positions come with attractive government benefits, including dearness allowance (DA), house rent allowance (HRA), transport allowance (TA), and pension benefits under the Defined Contribution Pension System.

Preparation Tips

For the Written Examination

• Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly go through the detailed syllabus for your chosen post. The common subjects are General Knowledge, General Hindi, General English, General Math, and General Science. For Assistant Jail Superintendent, the level will be graduate.
• Study Plan: Create a structured study plan, allocating sufficient time to each subject based on its weightage and your proficiency.
• Practice Regularly: Solve previous year’s question papers and mock tests to improve speed and accuracy. Pay attention to negative marking (0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer).
• Revision: Regularly revise all subjects, especially General Knowledge and General Science, as they cover a wide range of topics.

For Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

• Start Early: Begin physical training well in advance. Focus on running, long jump, and shot put as per the specific requirements for your post.
• Proper Technique: Practice under guidance to ensure correct technique for each physical event to avoid injuries and maximize performance.
• Stamina Building: Incorporate exercises to build stamina and endurance, crucial for the pedal walk and race.

Document Preparation

• Gather All Documents: Collect all necessary educational certificates, caste certificates, domicile certificates, and identity proofs.
• Photocopies & Originals: Keep multiple self-attested photocopies along with the original documents ready for verification.
• Aadhaar Card: Ensure your Aadhaar card is updated and linked, as Aadhaar registration is mandatory.
• Employment Exchange Registration: For MP domicile candidates, ensure your registration with the Madhya Pradesh State Employment Exchange is active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can candidates from other states apply for this recruitment?

A: Yes, candidates from other states can apply, but they will be considered under the unreserved (General) category and will not be eligible for any age relaxation or reservation benefits applicable to MP domicile candidates.

Q2: Is there any negative marking in the written examination?

A: Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer in the online written examination.

Q3: What documents are required for the application process?

A: You will need to upload your scanned photograph, signature, and a self-declaration text. For document verification, you will need original and self-attested copies of your educational certificates, age proof (10th/12th mark sheet), caste certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate, ID proof, and MP Employment Exchange registration certificate.

Q4: What is the minimum qualifying mark for the written exam?

A: For Forest Guard and Field Guard, unreserved candidates need a minimum of 33% marks, while SC/ST/OBC candidates need 23%. For Assistant Jail Superintendent, EWS candidates get a 10% relaxation in minimum qualifying marks. Specific qualifying marks for Jail Prahari are not explicitly detailed in the provided PDF, but it is implied that minimum marks are required.

Q5: How will the merit list be prepared if multiple candidates have the same marks?

A: In case of a tie in marks, the relative seniority will be determined based on the candidate’s age (older candidate preferred). The normalization method will also be applied for exams conducted in multiple shifts.

Q6: What if I face issues while downloading my admit card?

A: If you encounter any issues while downloading your admit card, you should contact the MP ESB helpdesk at the toll-free number 18002337899 or send an email to complaint.esb@mp.gov.in.

Q7: Is medical fitness mandatory for selection?

A: Yes, medical fitness is mandatory. Candidates must be declared ‘Medically Fit’ by the competent authority after a medical examination to be eligible for appointment.

Q8: Will there be any training after selection?

A: Yes, selected candidates for all posts will undergo a mandatory training period as per department rules. For Jail Prahari and Assistant Jail Superintendent, a three-year probation period is also mentioned, with a stipend paid during this time.