Forest Department Recruitment 2026 brings 2972 vacancies for 10th, 12th, and graduate candidates. Check eligibility, age limit, selection process, salary, physical test, and important links here.
The Forest Department Recruitment 2026 notification has officially been released, offering a golden opportunity for both male and female candidates across India. With 2972 vacancies available in various posts, this recruitment drive is one of the most awaited government job opportunities of the year.
If you are 10th pass, 12th pass, or a graduate, this article will guide you through everything—eligibility, age limit, physical requirements, selection process, salary, application steps, and important links. Let’s explore the complete details in a simple and clear way.
📌 Overview of Forest Department Recruitment 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Name | Forest Department Recruitment 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 2972 Posts |
| Qualification | 10th / 12th / Graduation |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Fee | No Fee |
| Last Date | 22 February 2026 |
| Salary | ₹14,000 – ₹70,000 per month |
| Job Location | Various States in India |
This recruitment covers multiple categories and posts, making it suitable for candidates from different educational backgrounds.
🏢 Posts Available in Forest Department Recruitment 2026
The 2972 vacancies are distributed across several categories:
1️⃣ Forest & Wildlife Posts
- Forester Grade I
- Forest Guard
- Game Watcher
2️⃣ Protection & Constable Posts
- AF & PF Constable
- Constable UB
- Constable WO/WT
3️⃣ Fire & Emergency Services
- Sub Officer
- Fireman
- Emergency Rescuer
4️⃣ Technical & Specialized Posts
- Constable Bandsman
- Bugler
- Boatman
- Technical Operators
Each post has different eligibility and physical standards.
🎓 Educational Qualification
The eligibility criteria for Forest Department Recruitment 2026 vary according to the post:
| Post | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| Forester Grade I | Graduation in any discipline |
| Forest Guard / Game Watcher | 12th Pass |
| AF & PF Constable | 10th Pass |
| Sub Officer (WO/WT) | 12th with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics |
| Fireman / Emergency Rescuer | 12th (Science Stream) |
| Boatman | 10th + Swimming Certificate |
⚠️ Important: All qualifications must be from a recognized board or university.
🎯 Age Limit Details
Age requirements depend on the post:
| Post | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Sub Officer | 20 – 24 Years |
| Forest Guard / Forester | 18 – 40 Years |
| Constable | 18 – 25 Years |
| Fireman | 18 – 25 Years |
Age Relaxation
- SC/ST: 5 Years
- OBC/MOBC: 3 Years
- Ex-Servicemen: As per government rules
🏃 Physical Standard & Efficiency Test (PST & PET)
Physical fitness is mandatory for most posts.
Height Requirements
| Category | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC | 162.5 cm | 154 cm |
| SC/ST | 160 cm | 152 cm |
Chest (Male Only)
- Normal: 79 cm
- Expanded: 84 cm (5 cm expansion required)
Running Test
- Male: 3200 meters (within prescribed time)
- Female: 1600 meters (within prescribed time)
Additional Tests
- Long Jump
- High Jump
- Endurance Test
👉 Candidates are advised to start physical preparation early.
📝 Selection Process of Forest Department Recruitment 2026
The selection stages include:
- Physical Standard Test (PST)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Written Examination
- Skill Test (if applicable)
- Document Verification
- Final Merit List
Written Exam Subjects
- General Knowledge
- Current Affairs
- Logical Reasoning
- Mathematics
- English / Regional Language
💰 Salary Structure & Allowances
The salary varies according to the post:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹14,000 – ₹70,000 |
| Grade Pay | ₹4,200 – ₹6,400 |
| DA | Yes |
| HRA | Yes |
| Medical Benefits | Yes |
| Travel Allowance | Yes |
| Pension | As per rules |
The in-hand salary depends on location and allowances.
💵 Application Fee
One of the biggest advantages of Forest Department Recruitment 2026 is:
✅ No Application Fee for Any Category
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹0 |
| OBC | ₹0 |
| SC/ST | ₹0 |
| Women | ₹0 |
| EWS | ₹0 |
⚠️ Apply only through the official website and beware of fake portals asking for payment.
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 February 2026 |
🌐 How to Apply Online?
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official website (Check your respective state Forest Department portal).
- Read the official notification carefully.
- Click on “Apply Online”.
- Fill in personal and academic details.
- Upload required documents.
- Submit the application form.
- Print a copy for future reference.
For central forest services details, you may also check the official UPSC portal:
🔗 https://www.upsc.gov.in
📊 Vacancy Distribution Chart
Below is an approximate category distribution representation:
Total Vacancies: 2972Forest & Wildlife Posts ████████████ 1200
Constable & Protection █████████ 900
Fire & Emergency █████ 500
Technical & Specialized ███ 372
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1️⃣ What is the total number of vacancies in Forest Department Recruitment 2026?
There are 2972 total vacancies across multiple posts.
2️⃣ What is the minimum qualification required?
Candidates must have passed 10th, 12th, or Graduation depending on the post.
3️⃣ Is there any application fee?
No, there is zero application fee for all categories.
4️⃣ What is the last date to apply?
The last date to apply is 22 February 2026.
5️⃣ What is the running requirement for male candidates?
Male candidates must complete 3200 meters within the prescribed time.
6️⃣ Is this recruitment open for female candidates?
Yes, both male and female candidates can apply.
The Forest Department Recruitment 2026 is an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking government jobs in forest and wildlife services. With 2972 vacancies, no application fee, and attractive salary packages, this recruitment drive offers a stable and respectable career path.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, prepare your documents, start physical training, and apply before the deadline. Government jobs like this don’t come every day—so grab the opportunity while you can!
