Table of Contents
- Overview: Forest Department & Van Vibhag in India
- Types of Forest Department Jobs
- Eligibility, Skills & Required Documents
- Salary Chart & Pay Scale (₹/month)
- Application Portals & Links
- State-wise Job Opportunities
- Government Bodies & Career Links
- Career Growth Path
- Exam & Interview Preparation Tips
- FAQs
1) Overview: Forest Department & Van Vibhag in India
India’s Forest Department (Van Vibhag) plays a key role in protecting biodiversity, preventing illegal logging, and managing wildlife sanctuaries. Every year, state and central agencies recruit Forest Guards, Foresters, Rangers, Wildlife Wardens, and Support Staff. These jobs provide stable government salaries, pensions, and field-based work for nature lovers.
With the National Green Mission, eco-tourism growth, and forest conservation programs, the demand for trained forestry staff is increasing. Both permanent posts under State Forest Services and contractual roles under various schemes (CAMPA, Eco-restoration, Wildlife Research) are available.
2) Types of Forest Department Jobs
| Category | Post Name | Hiring Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | Forest Guard, Vanrakshak, Forest Watcher | State Forest Department |
| Skilled/Technical | Surveyor, Mapper, Wildlife Tracker, Fire Watcher | Forest Survey & Eco Units |
| Mid-Level | Forester, Deputy Ranger | State Forest Services |
| Gazetted | Forest Range Officer (FRO), Assistant Conservator | UPSC/State PSC |
| Wildlife | Wildlife Warden, Research Assistant, Biologist | Wildlife Institute of India, MoEFCC |
| Support | Driver, Clerk, Accountant | Forest Dept. & State Boards |
3) Eligibility, Skills & Required Documents
- Education: 10th/12th pass for Forest Guards; Diploma/Graduation in Forestry, Botany, Zoology, Agriculture for Forester & Rangers; B.Sc/B.Tech for FRO/ACF.
- Physical Standards: Height 163cm (M), 150cm (F); Chest 79–84cm (M). Some states vary.
- Skills: Map reading, GPS use, trekking, basic wildlife law knowledge.
- Documents: Aadhaar, caste/income certificate (if applicable), educational certificates, medical fitness report, domicile certificate.
4) Salary Chart & Pay Scale (₹/month)
| Post | Pay Scale | Approx Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Guard (Vanrakshak) | ₹21,700 – ₹69,100 | ₹28,000 – ₹35,000 |
| Forester | ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 | ₹40,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Deputy Ranger | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 | ₹45,000 – ₹55,000 |
| Forest Range Officer (FRO) | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 | ₹55,000 – ₹65,000 |
| Assistant Conservator (ACF) | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 | ₹65,000 – ₹80,000 |
| Wildlife Warden | ₹35,000 – ₹60,000 | ₹45,000 – ₹60,000 |
| Forest Driver / Support Staff | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 | ₹22,000 – ₹30,000 |
ASCII Pay Graph (₹/month) Forest Guard (30k) ████████ Forester (45k) ███████████ Deputy Ranger (50k) ████████████ FRO (60k) ██████████████ ACF (75k) ██████████████████ Wildlife Warden (50k) ████████████ Driver (25k) █████
5) Application Portals & Links
- SSC (Staff Selection Commission) — Forest Guard & Forester posts in many states.
- UPSC — Indian Forest Service (IFS) & ACF
- Uttarakhand Forest Department
- MP Van Vibhag
- Maharashtra Forest
- Delhi Forest Dept
- Odisha Forest Department
6) State-wise Job Opportunities
Uttar Pradesh & Bihar
Large recruitments for Forest Guards & Foresters under UPSSSC & Bihar SSC. Wildlife protection in Dudhwa, Valmiki reserves.
Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh
Known for Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Achanakmar. Posts for Vanrakshak, Surveyor, FRO.
Maharashtra
Sahyadri & Tadoba reserves hire Forest Rangers, Drivers, Wildlife Guards.
Rajasthan & Gujarat
Desert forest posts, Gir National Park hiring trackers & drivers.
Kerala & Karnataka
High wildlife diversity; frequent FRO & Forest Watcher recruitment.
Assam & North East
Kaziranga & Arunachal forests recruit Forest Guards & Biologists.
7) Government Bodies & Career Links
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
- Wildlife Institute of India Careers
- National Career Service Portal
- Skill India — Forestry Training
- UPSSSC Forest Recruitment
- UKPSC Forest Officer Exams
8) Career Growth Path
- Forest Guard → Forester → Deputy Ranger → FRO → ACF → DFO
- Wildlife Assistant → Biologist → Warden → Conservator
- Driver → Head Driver → Logistics Officer
9) Exam & Interview Preparation Tips
- Focus on General Knowledge (environment, wildlife laws).
- Prepare for Physical Efficiency Tests (PET).
- Learn basic map reading & GPS handling.
- Keep documents attested & medical certificate ready.
10) FAQs
Q1. What is the average salary of a Forest Guard in India?
Answer: Forest Guards earn ₹28,000–35,000/month including allowances.
Q2. Which exams to give for Forest Range Officer?
Answer: State PSC (UKPSC, MPPSC, RPSC) & UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFS).
Q3. Do forest jobs include free housing?
Answer: Some states provide staff quarters; field allowances and kit grants are common.
Q4. Can 12th pass candidates apply?
Answer: Yes, for Forest Guard & Driver roles; higher posts need graduation.
Q5. Is there job security?
Answer: Yes, permanent posts have full government service benefits (pension, PF, insurance).