Forest Guard Vacancy 2026 notification has become one of the biggest opportunities for candidates preparing for government jobs in the forestry and wildlife department. Various state recruitment boards and forest departments have started releasing Forest Guard Recruitment 2026 notifications for thousands of vacancies across India. Candidates who have passed 10th or 12th class can apply for these posts depending on the state-wise eligibility criteria.
The Forest Guard job is considered a stable government job with good salary, allowances, job security, and promotion opportunities. Candidates selected for the post work under the Forest Department and are responsible for forest protection, wildlife conservation, patrolling, and prevention of illegal activities in forest areas.
According to recent recruitment updates, states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra, Tripura, and other states are expected to conduct Forest Guard recruitment drives in 2026. UPSSSC alone has announced 708 Forest Guard and Wildlife Guard vacancies for 2026 recruitment.
Forest Guard Vacancy 2026 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Forest Guard / Van Rakshak |
| Department | State Forest Department |
| Job Type | Government Job |
| Qualification | 10th / 12th Pass |
| Age Limit | 18 to 40 Years |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, PET/PST, Document Verification |
| Salary | ₹19,500 to ₹62,000 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Across India |
Forest Guard Vacancy 2026 Latest Update
Many state recruitment boards have started releasing Forest Guard recruitment notifications for 2026. Recently, UPSSSC released notification for 708 Forest Guard & Wildlife Guard posts. Candidates having Intermediate (12th pass) qualification can apply online.
Similarly, MPESB also announced recruitment for 1,679 posts including Forest Guard, Field Guard, and Jail Prahari posts.
Candidates preparing for government jobs should regularly check official recruitment portals because more state-wise Forest Guard notifications are expected soon.
Forest Guard Vacancy 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill the required eligibility criteria before applying online for Forest Guard Recruitment 2026.
Educational Qualification
The educational qualification differs according to the state recruitment board. However, most departments require candidates to pass 10th or 12th class from a recognized board.
Some expected qualifications are:
- 10th Pass
- 12th Pass / Intermediate
- Equivalent qualification from recognized board
According to recent Forest Guard eligibility notifications:
- MP Forest Guard requires 10th/12th qualification.
- UPSSSC Forest Guard requires Intermediate (12th Pass).
- Maharashtra Forest Guard recruitment also requires 12th pass qualification.
Age Limit
The minimum age limit for Forest Guard Vacancy 2026 is generally 18 years. The maximum age limit varies according to the state.
Expected age limit:
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age: 40 Years
Different states may have different upper age limits:
- UP Forest Guard: 18 to 40 years
- MP Forest Guard: 18 to 33 years
- Maharashtra Forest Guard: 18 to 27 years
- Bihar Forest Guard: 18 to 23 years
Age Relaxation
Reserved category candidates will get age relaxation as per government rules.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| PwD | 10 Years |
| Ex-Serviceman | As per Rules |
Forest Guard Vacancy 2026 Selection Process
The selection process for Forest Guard Recruitment 2026 generally includes multiple stages.
1. Written Examination
Candidates first have to appear in a written examination consisting of objective-type questions.
Subjects generally include:
- General Knowledge
- General Science
- Mathematics
- Hindi / English
- Reasoning
- Environment & Forestry
2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for Physical Efficiency Test.
Expected PET standards:
Male Candidates
- Running: 25 Km in 4 Hours
Female Candidates
- Running: 14 Km in 4 Hours
Physical standards may vary according to state recruitment rules.
3. Physical Standard Test (PST)
The recruitment board also checks:
- Height
- Chest
- Weight
- Physical fitness
4. Document Verification
Shortlisted candidates have to verify their original documents.
5. Medical Examination
Candidates must pass the medical fitness test before final appointment.
Forest Guard Vacancy 2026 Salary
Forest Guard is a well-paid government job with additional allowances and benefits.
Expected salary structure:
| Post | Salary |
|---|---|
| Forest Guard | ₹19,500 – ₹62,000 |
| Wildlife Guard | ₹21,700 – ₹69,100 |
MPESB recruitment notification also mentions Level-4 pay scale for Forest Guard posts.
Additional benefits include:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Medical Facilities
- Pension Benefits
- Travel Allowance
Forest Guard Vacancy 2026 Application Fee
The application fee depends on category and state recruitment board.
Expected fee structure:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹100 – ₹500 |
| SC / ST | ₹50 – ₹250 |
Some states may also charge portal fees separately.
Documents Required for Forest Guard Recruitment 2026
Candidates should keep the following documents ready while applying online:
- 10th Marksheet
- 12th Marksheet
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport Size Photograph
- Signature
- Caste Certificate
- Domicile Certificate
- Mobile Number
- Email ID
How to Apply Online for Forest Guard Vacancy 2026
Candidates can apply online by following these steps:
- Visit the official recruitment website of the state forest department.
- Open the Forest Guard Recruitment 2026 notification.
- Read all eligibility details carefully.
- Click on Apply Online link.
- Fill the application form carefully.
- Upload required documents.
- Pay application fee online.
- Submit the form and take printout.
Forest Guard Vacancy 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | Ongoing |
| Online Application Start | State-wise |
| Last Date to Apply | State-wise |
| Admit Card Release | Before Exam |
| Exam Date | 2026 |
Candidates are advised to regularly visit the official recruitment portal for latest updates regarding exam date, admit card, syllabus, and result.
Forest Guard Vacancy 2026 Exam Pattern
Expected exam pattern:
| Subject | Questions |
|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 25 |
| Mathematics | 25 |
| Reasoning | 25 |
| Science | 25 |
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 100
- Exam Type: Objective MCQ
Conclusion
Forest Guard Vacancy 2026 is a great opportunity for 10th and 12th pass candidates who want a stable government job in the Forest Department. Thousands of vacancies are expected across different states in India. Candidates should start preparing for the written exam and physical test early to improve their selection chances.
Interested candidates should keep checking the official recruitment websites for the latest notification, application dates, syllabus, admit card, and exam updates. With good preparation and physical fitness, candidates can secure a respectable government job as a Forest Guard in 2026.
