The Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MPESB) has officially published the notification for the highly anticipated MPESB Van Rakshak / Jail Prahari Recruitment 2026. This major recruitment drive presents an excellent opportunity for 10th-pass and graduate candidates to secure a government job in Madhya Pradesh. The board aims to fill a total of 1,679 vacancies across various roles, including Forest Guard (Van Rakshak), Kshetra Rakshak, Jail Warder (Jail Prahari), and Jail Superintendent. The online application portal opened on February 28, 2026, and candidates have until March 14, 2026, to submit their forms.
Recruitment Overview
The following table provides a quick summary of the MPESB 2026 recruitment details.
| Criterion | Details |
| Recruitment Board | Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MPESB) |
| Exam Name | Van Rakshak & Jail Prahari Recruitment Test 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 1,679 Posts |
| Job Location | Madhya Pradesh |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | esb.mp.gov.in |
Important Dates
Candidates must carefully track the following schedule to ensure they do not miss any critical deadlines for their application or exam preparation.
| Event | Date |
| Online Application Start Date | February 28, 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | March 14, 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | March 14, 2026 |
| Form Correction Last Date | March 19, 2026 |
| Written Exam Date | April 07, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before Exam |
Application Fee
The application fee must be paid online via the MP Online portal using a Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, IMPS, or Mobile Wallet. Please note that MP Online portal charges will be extra.
| Category | Fee Amount |
| General (UR) | ₹ 500/- |
| SC / ST / OBC (MP Domicile) | ₹ 250/- |
| EWS / PH (Divyang) | ₹ 250/- |
| Application Correction Charge | ₹ 20/- |
Vacancy Details
The 1,679 vacancies are distributed among four primary posts.
| Post Name | Total Vacancies |
| Van Rakshak (Forest Guard) | 728 |
| Jail Prahari (Jail Warder) | 757 |
| Kshetra Rakshak | 169 |
| Asst. Jail Superintendent | 25 |
| Total | 1,679 |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must strictly meet the educational and age requirements defined by the MPESB to be eligible for the examination.
Educational Qualification
- Van Rakshak / Kshetra Rakshak / Jail Prahari: Candidates must have passed the 10th Grade (High School) from a recognized board in India.
- Jail Superintendent: Candidates generally must hold a Bachelor’s Degree (Graduation) from a recognized university. (Note: Applicants are advised to read the detailed official notification for exact post-wise academic and physical requirements).
Age Limit (As on 01 January 2026)
- Minimum Age (Other Posts): 18 Years
- Minimum Age (Asst. Jail Superintendent): 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 33 Years
- Age Relaxation: Upper age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/Women) as per Madhya Pradesh government regulations.
Selection Process
The selection for these posts involves multiple rigorous stages to ensure only the most capable candidates are chosen:
- Written Examination (CBT): Scheduled for April 07, 2026.
- Physical Standard Test (PST) & Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Measurement of physical dimensions and fitness tasks (like running and shot put).
- Document Verification: Checking of educational and identity certificates.
- Medical Examination: Final medical fitness test.
How to Apply Online
Follow these steps to submit your application seamlessly:
- Visit the official MPESB website.
- Ensure your MP Online Profile Registration and Aadhaar Biometric verification are up to date.
- Click on the “Online Form – Van Rakshak & Jail Prahari Recruitment Test 2026” link under the active dashboards.
- Log in using your registration credentials.
- Fill out the detailed application form with your personal, educational, and communication details.
- Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph and signature.
- Pay the required application fee through the online payment gateway.
- Submit the application and print a copy of the final confirmation page for your records.
Important Links
| Link Title | Direct Link |
| Apply Online | Link Activates Soon |
| Download Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When did the online application process for MPESB Van Rakshak / Jail Prahari start?
The online application process began on February 28, 2026.
Q2: What is the last date to apply for this recruitment?
The last date to submit the online application form and pay the fee is March 14, 2026.
Q3: When is the written exam scheduled?
The written examination will be conducted on April 07, 2026.
Q4: What is the minimum educational qualification required?
For most posts (like Van Rakshak and Jail Prahari), a 10th pass certificate is required. The Asst. Jail Superintendent post requires a Graduation degree.
Q5: What is the age limit for General category candidates?
The age limit for General category candidates is 18 to 33 years (21 to 33 years for Asst. Jail Superintendent) as of January 01, 2026.