Forest Department Recruitment 2026: Apply for Forest Guard & Forester Positions
The Forest Department has announced new recruitment for 2026, offering opportunities for both male and female candidates across India. This highly anticipated recruitment drive seeks to fill various positions, with eligibility criteria as low as 10th pass and 12th pass. Applications will be accepted through an online medium, and the official notification for these vacancies has been released. The starting salary for these roles can go up to ₹19,900 per month.
Key Details of Forest Department Recruitment 2026
The Forest Department Recruitment 2026 includes positions for Forest Guard and Forester roles, with comprehensive details regarding age limits, salary, and more. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply for these vacancies.
Important Dates
Candidates interested in applying for these positions should note the following important dates:
- Notification Release Date: December 24, 2025
- Online Registration Start Date: December 30, 2025
- Last Date for Registration: January 22, 2026
- Last Date to Apply / Submit Application Form: January 30, 2026
Post Details and Total Vacancies
The Forest Department has released details regarding the available posts and total vacancies for the 2026 recruitment:
- Forest Guard: 896 posts
- Forester: 47 posts
The total number of vacancies announced by the Forest Department for January 2026 is 943.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must meet the following qualification requirements to apply for these positions:
- Forest Guard: Candidates must have passed the High School Certificate Examination (10th Class) or its equivalent from a recognized board.
- Forester: Candidates must have passed 10th + 2 (Intermediate Science) from a recognized board or an equivalent institution. Basic knowledge of computers is often expected for this role.
Age Limit
The age limit for the Forest Department Recruitment 2026 is calculated as of January 1, 2026:
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 38 years
Age relaxation is applicable as per government rules. A 5-year age relaxation is provided for SC/ST/PWD/Women candidates, while PWD candidates receive a 10-year age relaxation as per applicable rules.
Salary Structure
The Forest Department offers competitive salaries for these positions:
- Forest Guard: Approximately ₹19,900 to ₹63,200 (Pay Level 7)
- Forester: Approximately ₹25,500 to ₹81,100 (Pay Level 7)
Exact figures may vary with allowances and revisions, and candidates are advised to check the official notification for precise details.
Selection Process
The selection process for Forest Guard and Forester posts includes multiple stages:
- Written Examination: An objective-type examination consisting of 150 questions to be completed in 150 minutes. The standard of the examination is usually based on the 10th and 12th level syllabus.
- Physical Measurement Test (PMT): This stage involves measuring height and chest, where applicable.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Candidates will undergo running and other physical tasks.
- Document Verification: Certificates and eligibility will be checked to ensure all details provided during application are correct.
Required Documents
Candidates applying for the Forest Department Recruitment 2026 should prepare scanned copies of the following documents. Original copies will also be required for verification:
- Photograph and Signature
- 10th and 12th Mark sheets
- Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Computer Certificate (if applicable)
- Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport)
- Domicile/Residence Certificate
Ensure all documents are clear and readable before uploading.
How to Apply
To apply for the Forest Department Recruitment 2026, candidates must submit their forms online. The official notification and application links are available on the official website. Before applying, it is crucial to carefully read the official notification, understand all guidelines and rules, and then proceed with the application. The job location for all selected candidates will be in the state of Odisha.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the last date to apply? The last date to apply is January 30, 2026.
- What are the educational qualifications? The minimum qualification is 10th pass.
- What is the age limit? The age limit is 18 to 38 years.
For further details and to apply, candidates should check the official website. You can also search for “nextnaukari.com” for detailed information.
