Forest Department Recruitment 2026: Bumper Vacancies for 10th Pass Candidates
Good news for job seekers! The Forest Department has officially released notifications for two new recruitment drives in 2026. These are government job opportunities with a large number of vacancies, open to candidates who have passed at least 10th grade. With over 4,000 positions available, this is a significant recruitment at an All India level, inviting applications from male and female candidates across all states and districts. The age limit for these recruitments ranges from 18 to 40 years, and applications have already begun.
This article provides complete information regarding age limits, application fees, salary details, the selection process, how and when to apply, and the necessary documents to ensure your application is successful.
Forest Department Recruitment Overview (Common Details)
These government job opportunities from the Forest Department comprise two distinct recruitment notifications for the year 2026. A total of over 4,000 vacancies have been announced. Candidates with a minimum qualification of 10th pass are eligible to apply. This is an All India recruitment, meaning male and female candidates from any state or district in India are encouraged to apply. The age criteria generally range from a minimum of 18 years to a maximum of 40 years. Applications for these positions have commenced.
First Recruitment: Forest Guard & Various Posts (2972 Vacancies)
This recruitment drive is by the Forest Department.
Posts Available
The available positions include Forest Guard, Game Watcher, Constable, Sub Officer, Fireman, Emergency Rescuer, Bandman, and Bugler.
Vacancy Details & Eligibility
A total of 2972 posts have been announced. Both male and female candidates from across India are eligible to apply, irrespective of their state or district of residence.
Salary & Age Limit
The salary for these posts ranges from approximately 12,000 to 70,000 per month, along with extra allowances and benefits. The age limit for applicants is a minimum of 18 years and a maximum of 40 years. Age relaxation benefits are provided as per rules: 5 years for SC/ST candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates.
Application Fee
There is no application fee for any category, including General, OBC, SC, and ST candidates. Applications are completely free.
Selection Process
The selection process includes a Physical Test, followed by a Written Exam, and finally, Document Verification. The Physical Test will primarily be for the Forest Guard vacancies and will involve a running assessment. Candidates will undergo scrutiny of all their documents during verification.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have a minimum qualification of 10th pass. Those who are 12th pass or graduates are also eligible to apply. Specific qualifications may vary depending on the particular post, details of which can be found in the official notification.
Important Dates & Documents
Applications for this recruitment started on January 22nd and will continue until February 22nd. Before applying, ensure you have the following essential documents ready:
- Passport-size photographs (minimum 4, maximum 20).
- Signature.
- ID Proof.
- All educational certificates and mark sheets (minimum 10th class, and any highest qualification). Ensure that details like your name, father’s name, mother’s name, and date of birth match exactly in your documents and application form to avoid rejection.
- Caste Certificate, if you belong to SC, ST, or OBC categories.
- Age Proof, which can be your 10th class mark sheet or birth certificate.
Second Recruitment: Forester, Forest Guard & Excise Constable (1518 Vacancies)
This is another recruitment opportunity from the Forest Department.
Posts Available
The positions under this recruitment include Forester, Forest Guard, and Excise Constable.
Vacancy Details & Eligibility
A total of 1518 posts are available. Both male and female candidates from anywhere in India are eligible to apply.
Salary & Age Limit
The salary for these roles is approximately 20,000 to 81,000 per month, in addition to extra allowances and benefits. The age limit is a minimum of 18 years and a maximum of 32 years. Age relaxation is applicable for SC, ST, and OBC-NCL candidates as per government rules.
Application Fee
The application fee is 500 for General and OBC candidates. For SC, ST, and PWD candidates, the application is completely free.
Selection Process
The selection process for this recruitment involves a Written Exam, followed by a Physical Test, and finally, Document Verification. The Written Exam pattern includes subjects like Mathematics, General Studies, English, Oriya, and Computer. There will be a total of 100 questions for 100 marks, with a duration of 1.5 hours. Negative marking will be applicable in this exam.
Educational Qualification
A minimum qualification of 10th pass is required, and 12th pass candidates are also eligible to apply.
Important Dates & Documents
Applications for this recruitment will run from January 7th to February 7th. Candidates must prepare the following documents before applying:
- Passport-size photographs (minimum 4, maximum 20).
- Signature.
- ID Proof.
- All educational certificates and mark sheets (from 10th class up to your highest qualification).
- Caste Certificate, if you belong to SC, ST, or OBC categories.
- Age Proof, which can be your 10th class mark sheet or birth certificate.
For any queries regarding these recruitments, it is advisable to consult the official notifications. Applicants are encouraged to apply well within the deadlines.