The Odisha Sub-ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) Van Rakshak exam consists of 100 objective questions carrying 100 marks each, to be attempted in 90 minutes. The paper covers General Studies, Odia Language, Forest Science, and Environment. There is no negative marking, and the exam is conducted in online CBT mode.

Simlipal National Park and Tiger Reserve is the most important, being one of India's largest tiger reserves with elephants, tigers, and leopards. Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary (saltwater crocodile, mangrove forests) is a Ramsar wetland site. Chilika Lake (Asia's largest coastal lagoon, Ramsar site) is crucial for ecology questions. Satkosia Tiger Reserve, Nandankanan Zoological Park, and Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary (olive ridley sea turtles) are other significant areas.

Odisha Forest Guards (Van Rakshaks) patrol forest beats in the Eastern Ghats and coastal areas to prevent poaching, illegal logging, and forest fires. They enforce the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and Forest Conservation Act 1980, with special focus on protecting olive ridley turtle nesting sites and mangrove ecosystems. Physical standards require male candidates to have height of 163 cm and chest 79-84 cm, while females need 150 cm height. Field duties involve patrolling dense forest areas in tropical climate.

Odisha Forest Guards receive a monthly salary of Rs. 18,000-25,000 under Odisha government pay scales along with applicable allowances. Remote area allowances are provided for postings in tribal and dense forest areas. The position provides government job security with annual increments, health benefits, earned leave, and pension under NPS after retirement.

The Odia language section tests grammar (vyakaran), comprehension, and language usage. Study Odia grammar including sandhi, samas, case endings (vibhakti), and tense forms. Practise reading comprehension passages from Odia newspapers and books. Vocabulary building through daily Odia reading is beneficial. OSSSC previous year papers will give a clear picture of the type and difficulty of Odia language questions asked in the exam.