UPSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2026 notification has been released by the Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission for 708 permanent positions of Van Rakshak (Forest Guard) and Vanya Jeev Rakshak (Wildlife Guard). The online application window opened on 30/06/2026 and will close on 20/07/2026. Candidates who qualified in the Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET-2025) and hold an Intermediate (10+2) qualification are eligible to apply through https://upsssc.gov.in.
With only 20 days remaining to apply, eligible candidates should submit their applications immediately to avoid missing the deadline.
UPSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2026 | Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC), Lucknow |
| Advertisement Number | 12-Pariksha/2026 |
| Post Name | Van Rakshak (Forest Guard) & Vanya Jeev Rakshak (Wildlife Guard) |
| Total Vacancies | 708 Posts |
| Job Type | Permanent (Sthayi) |
| Pay Scale | Level-2, ₹19,900 to ₹63,200 |
| Educational Qualification | Intermediate (10+2) |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Official Website | https://upsssc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Published | 23/04/2026 |
| Online Application Start | 30/06/2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 20/07/2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Reconciliation & Correction | 27/07/2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
UPSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2026 requires candidates to have qualified in PET-2025, hold Indian citizenship, and possess an Intermediate qualification from a recognised board. Age must be between 18 and 40 years as on 01/07/2026, with relaxation available to reserved categories as per Uttar Pradesh government rules.
As per the official notification released by UPSSSC under Advertisement No. 12-Pariksha/2026, all candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements.
Nationality & Preliminary Qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Candidate must be a citizen of India |
| PET-2025 Qualification | Must have appeared in Preliminary Eligibility Test-2025 and received a Score Card from UPSSSC |
| Educational Qualification | Intermediate (10+2) passed from Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad, Uttar Pradesh, or equivalent recognised board |
Age Limit
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General / EWS (Unreserved) | 18 to 40 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | Up to 43 years (3 years relaxation) |
| SC / ST | Up to 45 years (5 years relaxation) |
| UP State Government Employees | Up to 45 years (5 years relaxation) |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per UP Government rules (military service period + 3 years) |
| Mukhyamantri Abhyetavrutti Beneficiaries | As per UP Government Order dated 30/01/2026 |
Age will be determined using the date of birth recorded in the High School (10th) or equivalent certificate. OBC candidates receive 3 years of age relaxation, while SC and ST candidates receive 5 years. UP state government employees and ex-servicemen are also eligible for specified relaxations. Candidates claiming multiple reserved category benefits will receive only the most advantageous relaxation.
Preferential Qualifications (Optional)
The following qualifications are preferential and may enhance candidacy but are not mandatory:
- Service in the Territorial Army for a minimum of 2 years
- “B” Certificate of National Cadet Corps (NCC)
- Certificate in Computer Application from a Central or State Government recognised institution
- Representation of Uttar Pradesh State in any sport or game at national or international level
Who Should Consider This Recruitment?
- Candidates between 18 and 40 years of age with an Intermediate (10+2) qualification are eligible to apply.
- PET-2025 qualified candidates who received a Score Card from UPSSSC meet the mandatory preliminary requirement.
- Reserved category candidates (OBC, SC/ST) can apply with extended age limits up to 43-45 years as applicable.
- Ex-servicemen and UP state government employees may claim additional age relaxation under applicable rules.
- Both male and female candidates are eligible; female candidates must meet the prescribed physical standards for the role.
- Candidates with certificates in computer applications, NCC “B” grade, or state-level sports representation have preferential qualification status.
UPSSSC Forest Guard & Wildlife Guard Recruitment 2026 | Vacancy Breakdown
| Post Name | Type | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Guard (General Selection) | Permanent | 318 |
| Wildlife Guard (General Selection) | Permanent | 10 |
| Forest Guard (Special Selection) | Permanent | 329 |
| Wildlife Guard (Special Selection) | Permanent | 51 |
| Total | Permanent | 708 |
About the Forest Guard Role
Forest Guards in the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department work to protect, conserve, and manage forest resources, wildlife, and natural habitats across state-protected areas. The role combines field operations including forest patrolling, wildlife surveillance, fire prevention, and anti-poaching duties with routine administrative responsibilities. Forest Guard posts fall under Level-2 of the 7th Central Pay Commission structure, placing this as a Group C entry-level position in the central government pay matrix. Career progression in this role typically follows departmental promotion policies, with opportunities to advance to Head Guard and senior field management positions based on performance and vacancy availability. SSB and other armed forest services often provide training in survival skills, animal behaviour, fire management, and law enforcement relevant to forest conservation work.
Pay Scale and Benefits
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level-2 (7th CPC) |
| Pay Band | ₹19,900 to ₹63,200 |
| Grade Pay | As per 7th CPC Level-2 structure |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As per Government of India norms (currently variable) |
| Other Allowances | HRA, Travel Allowance, Uniform Allowance, and other benefits as per UP Government rules |
At Level-2 under the 7th Pay Commission, Forest Guard employees typically receive an in-hand salary ranging from approximately ₹25,000 to ₹35,000 per month after statutory deductions, before adding location-based HRA and other allowances. The exact in-hand amount varies based on posting location, years of service, and applicable allowances. Forest Guards also receive government job security, pension eligibility, and health insurance benefits available to permanent state government employees.
Application Fee
| Category | Total Payable |
|---|---|
| All Categories (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS) | ₹25 (Online Process Fee Only) |
The application fee is nil for all categories. A mandatory online process fee of ₹25 is payable by every candidate regardless of category. This fee can be paid online through Credit Card, Debit Card, Internet Banking, UPI, or SBI e-Challan. The application form will be automatically submitted only after successful fee payment and reconciliation. Candidates must not make any payment to unauthorised individuals claiming to collect fees on behalf of UPSSSC.
Selection Process
The selection process for UPSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2026 consists of multiple stages: shortlisting for the written examination based on PET-2025 normalised scores, a written exam, physical standard test, physical efficiency test, medical examination, and document verification.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Shortlisting for Main Exam | Based on PET-2025 Normalised Score; candidates up to 15 times the number of advertised posts (up to cut-off marks) will be shortlisted |
| Written Examination | 100 Questions, 100 Marks, 120 Minutes; Objective Multiple Choice; ¼ (25%) negative marking per wrong answer |
| Physical Standard Test (PST) | Height and chest measurements as per prescribed standards; qualifying in nature |
| Physical Efficiency Test (PET) | Males: 25 km walk/run carrying 10 kg weight in 4 hours; Females: 14 km walk/run in 4 hours; qualifying in nature |
| Medical Examination | Conducted by District Community Health Centres Medical Board; qualifying in nature |
| Document Verification | Verification of original certificates and documents |
Written Examination Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-1: Forest & Environment Knowledge | 50 | 50 | 120 Minutes |
| Part-2: Elementary Mathematics & Biology | 15 | 15 | (Combined) |
| Part-3: Computer & IT Knowledge | 15 | 15 | |
| Part-4: Uttar Pradesh General Information | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 120 Minutes |
Physical Standard Test (PST) – Minimum Requirements
| Gender | Category | Minimum Height | Chest (Unexpanded / Expanded) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | General / OBC / SC | 168 cm | 84 cm / 89 cm (min. 5 cm expansion) | – |
| Male | ST | 160 cm | 82 cm / 87 cm (min. 5 cm expansion) | – |
| Female | General / OBC / SC | 152 cm | – | 45 to 58 kg |
| Female | ST | 147 cm | – | 45 to 58 kg |
How to Apply for UPSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2026
The application process is strictly online through the official UPSSSC portal. All steps must be completed before the closing date of 20/07/2026. Applications submitted through any other medium will not be accepted.
- Visit the official website upsssc.gov.in and locate the relevant advertisement under the Live Advertisement section on the homepage.
- Login using the OTP sent to the mobile number or email linked to your PET-2025 Registration Number.
- After login, your personal details from PET-2025 (name, father’s/husband’s name, mother’s name, UP domicile status, category, EWS status, horizontal reservation details, date of birth, gender, marital status, contact details) will be displayed automatically.
- Fill in the mandatory educational qualification details from the advertisement, including board/university name, year of passing, certificate number/roll number, date of issue, and marks obtained.
- Select your post preference, any additional or preferential qualifications you possess, and enter your permanent and correspondence address details.
- The photograph and signature uploaded during PET-2025 will be displayed automatically; no changes can be made to these documents.
- Read the Declaration carefully, select all required checkboxes, enter the verification code, and click the “Save and Submit” button.
- Pay the prescribed online process fee of ₹25 through Credit Card, Debit Card, Internet Banking, UPI, or SBI e-Challan as instructed on the website.
- After successful fee payment and reconciliation, download and print your application form and retain it for all future reference and document verification stages.
Complete your application in a single sitting without interruption. Do not submit incomplete or inaccurate information, as applications containing false or unverifiable details will be rejected at any stage. Only one application per candidate will be accepted; in case of multiple submissions, only the last application will be considered.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- All reserved category candidates from Uttar Pradesh must mention their category in the application form.
- Candidates claiming multiple reserved category benefits will receive only the most advantageous relaxation.
- Non-domiciles of Uttar Pradesh are not eligible for reservation benefits and will be treated as Unreserved (UR).
- EWS category candidates must possess a valid EWS certificate issued between 01/04/2026 and 20/07/2026 (based on FY 2025-26 income, valid for FY 2026-27).
- Divyang (Persons with Disability) candidates must update their disability category/sub-category as per the latest UP Government orders.
- Ex-Servicemen who will be discharged from military service by 20/07/2026 are eligible to claim reservation benefits under applicable rules.
- Outstanding sportspersons must produce certificates issued by the competent authority in the prescribed format.
- No individual correspondence will be made by the Commission; all information is uploaded on upsssc.gov.in only.
- Candidates in Central or State Government service must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer.
- Any misconduct, unfair means, or malpractice during the examination will result in candidature cancellation and potential debarment from all future UPSSSC examinations.
- Male candidates with more than one living wife are not eligible; female candidates married to men with living wives are not eligible unless exempted by the Governor.
- UPSSSC reserves the right to amend, modify, or cancel the recruitment process at any stage without prior notice.
What Happens After You Apply
- Application window closes on 20/07/2026.
- Shortlisting for the Written Examination will be based on your PET-2025 normalised score. Candidates up to 15 times the number of advertised posts will be shortlisted as per official notification.
- Written Examination will be conducted for all shortlisted candidates with 100 questions covering Forest knowledge, Mathematics, Biology, Computer IT, and Uttar Pradesh General Information.
- Physical Standard Test (PST) will be conducted to measure height and chest expansion against prescribed minimum standards.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET) will require male candidates to complete a 25 km walk/run carrying 10 kg weight in 4 hours, and female candidates to complete a 14 km walk/run in 4 hours.
- Medical Examination will be conducted by a Medical Board to ensure fitness for the role.
- Document Verification of all original certificates and documents will be performed for qualified candidates.
- Final merit list will be released and candidates will receive joining instructions as per official notification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is eligible to apply for UPSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2026?
Ans. Candidates must be Indian citizens who qualified in PET-2025 and hold an Intermediate (10+2) qualification from a recognised board. Age must be between 18 and 40 years as on 01/07/2026, with relaxation for reserved categories. The candidate must have received a PET-2025 Score Card from UPSSSC to be eligible.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for this recruitment?
Ans. The last date to submit the online application and fee is 20/07/2026. Fee reconciliation and application correction can be done until 27/07/2026. No applications will be accepted after the closing date.
Q3. Can candidates who did not appear in PET-2025 apply for this recruitment?
Ans. No. Candidates who did not appear in PET-2025 or have not been issued a Score Card by UPSSSC are not eligible to apply for this recruitment.
Q4. What is the physical efficiency test (PET) requirement for female candidates?
Ans. Female candidates must complete a walk/run of 14 km in 4 hours as the Physical Efficiency Test. This is a qualifying stage, and candidates must clear this test to proceed to the medical examination.
Q5. Are there any preferential qualifications for UPSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2026?
Ans. Yes. While not mandatory, candidates with any of the following qualifications have preferential status: Territorial Army service (2+ years), NCC “B” Certificate, Computer Application certificate from a government-recognised institution, or state-level representation in sports. These qualifications may enhance your candidacy during selection.
Q6. What is the application fee for this recruitment?
Ans. The application fee is nil for all categories. However, a mandatory online process fee of ₹25 is payable by every candidate and can be paid via Credit Card, Debit Card, Internet Banking, UPI, or SBI e-Challan.
Q7. Can I modify my application after submission?
Ans. After submission, personal details cannot be changed. However, you can correct certain details until 27/07/2026 through the fee reconciliation process. Photograph and signature uploaded during PET-2025 cannot be modified under any circumstance.
Q8. What documents are required during the document verification stage?
Ans. All original certificates must be produced at the document verification stage, including your 10th board certificate (for age verification), Intermediate qualification certificate, PET-2025 Score Card, caste certificate (if applicable), EWS certificate (if applicable), and any preferential qualification certificates. Keep these documents safe from the time of application onwards.
Your Next Step
Eligible candidates must complete their application through upsssc.gov.in before 20/07/2026 to secure their candidacy in this major recruitment drive. Candidates who qualify the written examination will advance to physical testing and medical evaluation stages as per the official selection timeline. Stay informed about exam date announcements and admit card releases by regularly visiting our job alert service for the latest updates on UPSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2026.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Download Official Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| Apply Online | Apply Now |
| Official Website | Visit Website |
