Forest Guard Recruitment 2025 in India – Complete Guide

Introduction

India’s forests are one of the richest natural treasures on earth. Protecting them requires a strong, dedicated workforce—and Forest Guards are at the heart of this mission. Every year, state forest departments release vacancies for Forest Guards (Vanrakshak/Forest Beat Officers) to patrol forest areas, prevent illegal logging, protect wildlife, and support eco-tourism activities.

For 2025, several states are expected to announce Forest Guard recruitments. This blog covers everything you need to know: notification details, eligibility criteria, pay scale, benefits, important locations, and precautions while applying.

About the Recruitment

Forest Guard recruitment is conducted state-wise through respective State Forest Departments or State Public Service Commissions (PSC).
Key highlights for 2025:

• Recruiting Bodies: State Forest Departments (e.g., Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, etc.).

• Role: Forest Guard (Vanrakshak/Van Daroga/Beat Officer depending on state).

• Duties: Patrolling forest ranges, checking illegal felling or poaching, assisting in fire prevention, helping visitors in national parks, maintaining forest records, and supporting forest officers in conservation projects.

• Selection Authority: Usually State PSC or Forest Department with exams conducted at state level.

• Mode of Application: Online through the official state forest department or PSC website.

Each state issues its own notification, specifying the number of posts, application dates, and examination schedule. Candidates can apply for more than one state if they meet the local eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

While eligibility varies slightly by state, the typical requirements are:

1. Educational Qualification

   • Minimum 10+2 / Intermediate pass from a recognized board.

   • Some states accept 10th pass, but 12th is increasingly standard.

   • Science stream with subjects like Biology/Environmental Science is desirable but not compulsory.

2. Age Limit

   • Generally 18–27 years for unreserved category.

   • Relaxations: OBC (3 years), SC/ST (5 years), Ex-servicemen and other categories as per state norms.

3. Physical Standards (may vary slightly by state)

   • Height:

     • Male: around 163–168 cm

     • Female: around 150–155 cm

   • Chest (for males):

     • Unexpanded: ~79–84 cm

     • Expansion: 5 cm minimum

   • Physical fitness tests include running (usually 25 km for men / 14 km for women in 4 hours), walking, and sometimes cycling.

4. Nationality

   • Indian citizen or as per specific state domicile requirements.

5. Other Requirements

   • Good eyesight and medical fitness.

   • No serious criminal background.

Selection Process

Typical stages include:

1. Written Examination – Objective-type paper on General Knowledge, Environmental Studies, Wildlife Protection, Mathematics, and Reasoning.

2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Physical Standard Test (PST) – Running/walking endurance and measurement of height, chest, etc.

3. Document Verification – Educational and identity proofs.

4. Medical Examination – Final health check.

Salary and Pay Scale

The Forest Guard post is a government Group-C/Non-Gazetted position with pay scales as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (7th CPC).

• Basic Pay: Usually ₹21,700 – ₹69,100 (Pay Level-3 or Level-4 depending on state).

• Gross Monthly Salary: After allowances (DA, HRA, Travel Allowance, etc.), it typically ranges from ₹28,000 to ₹35,000 per month for fresh recruits.

• In-Hand Salary: Around ₹25,000 – ₹32,000, depending on posting and state-specific benefits.

Annual increments and promotions to Forester/Range Officer posts add to long-term earning potential.

Job Locations

Forest Guards are posted across India’s diverse forest divisions, including:

• Protected Areas & National Parks: Jim Corbett (Uttarakhand), Kaziranga (Assam), Gir (Gujarat), Kanha & Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh), Sundarbans (West Bengal), Periyar (Kerala), etc.

• Wildlife Sanctuaries & Tiger Reserves: Spread across every state.

• State Forest Divisions & Reserved Forests: From Himalayan ranges to Western Ghats to desert belts.

The exact posting depends on the state cadre you apply for. Work locations are usually remote forest areas, but housing or forest quarters are often provided.

Benefits and Perks

• Job Security: Permanent state government employment after probation.

• Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), and special allowances for remote postings.

• Uniform Allowance: Annual provision for uniform and boots.

• Medical Facilities: Government health schemes and insurance.

• Leaves & Pension: Paid leaves, maternity/paternity benefits, and pension under the National Pension System (NPS).

• Promotions: Opportunities to rise to Forester, Deputy Ranger, and higher administrative posts through departmental exams.

How to Apply

1. Check State Notifications: Visit your state’s official Forest Department or Public Service Commission website (e.g., upforest.gov.in, mppsc.nic.in, rpsc.rajasthan.gov.in).

2. Online Registration: Fill out personal and educational details, upload documents, and pay the application fee (typically ₹100–₹400 depending on state and category).

3. Download Admit Card: For written exam and PET dates.

4. Keep Updates: Track announcements on exam dates, answer keys, and result declarations.

Important Dates (Expected 2025 Timeline)**

(Exact dates will differ by state)

• Notification Release: Between March–July 2025 for most states.

• Online Applications: Usually open for 3–4 weeks after notification.

• Written Exam: Mid or late 2025.

• PET/PST & Final Merit: Late 2025 or early 2026.

Preparation Tips

• Study Syllabus Early: GK, current affairs related to environment, wildlife conservation acts, basic math and reasoning.

• Physical Training: Build stamina for long-distance walking/running well in advance.

• Practice Mock Tests: Many states follow a similar pattern; previous year question papers are valuable.

• Document Readiness: Keep certificates, ID proofs, and domicile/reservation documents updated.

Note & Warnings

• Official Sources Only: Apply only through the official state government websites.

• No Middlemen: Forest Departments never ask for bribes or “service charges.” Avoid private agents promising jobs.

• Physical Fitness Is Key: Ensure medical fitness; color blindness or serious eyesight issues can disqualify you.

• Remote Posting: Be prepared for challenging terrain and weather conditions.

Conclusion

The Forest Guard role is more than just a government job—it’s a chance to protect India’s wildlife and contribute to environmental conservation. With a respectable salary, government benefits, and a life close to nature, the Forest Guard Recruitment 2025 offers a unique career path for those who love the outdoors and want to make a difference.

Keep checking your state’s Forest Department and PSC websites regularly, stay fit, and begin your preparation early to secure a position in this prestigious service.