Forest Guard Recruitment 2026: Apply Online & Syllabus
For those who love nature and want a government job that isn't confined to an office desk, the Forest Guard (Van Rakshak) post is the ultimate dream. In 2026, with the government's increased focus on environmental protection and tiger reserves, thousands of vacancies are expected across various states. If you are waiting for the Forest Guard recruitment 2026 notification, get ready to prove your physical stamina.
Hello friends, I am Ritesh KK, founder of Blogsmix. Unlike Police jobs where running speed matters, Forest Guard jobs test your endurance. Can you walk 25 km in 4 hours? That is the real test here.
In this detailed 2026 guide, I will break down the Van rakshak bharti 2026 process state-wise, explain the strict physical eligibility, and provide a roadmap for the syllabus pdf.
What Does a Forest Guard Do?
You are the policeman of the jungle.
Key Duties:
1. Patrolling the forest beat (area) daily.
2. Preventing illegal logging (cutting trees) and poaching (killing animals).
3. Managing man-animal conflict (e.g., if a leopard enters a village).
4. Assisting in the forest census (counting tigers/elephants).
Upcoming Vacancies 2026 (State Wise)
Forest recruitment is a state subject. Here is the expected calendar:
- MP Forest Guard (Van Rakshak): Notification expected in March 2026. (Approx 2000 posts).
- Uttarakhand Forest Guard: Notification in July/August 2026 via UKSSSC.
- Maharashtra Vanrakshak: Notification in January/February 2026.
- UP Forest Guard: Notification via UPSSSC (PET Score might be mandatory).
Eligibility Criteria 2026
The academic requirement is low, but physical requirement is high.
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Education | 12th Pass (Intermediate) / Sometimes 10th Pass (depends on state). |
| Age Limit | 18 to 28 Years (Relaxation for SC/ST/OBC). |
| Height (Male) | 163 cm (ST: 152 cm). |
| Height (Female) | 150 cm (ST: 145 cm). |
| Chest | 79-84 cm (5 cm expansion mandatory for Males). |
The Physical Walking Test (The Game Changer)
This is unique to Forest Department jobs. You don't run; you walk fast.
Male: 25 Kilometers in 4 Hours.
Female: 14 Kilometers in 4 Hours.
Tip: This tests stamina, not speed. Many gym-goers fail this because they tire out after 10km. Practice long-distance walking on weekends.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026
Before the physical test, you must clear the Written Exam.
Subject Breakdown:
1. General Knowledge (GK): Focus on Environment, National Parks, and Geography.
2. General Science: Basic Biology and Physics (10th level).
3. Maths: Basic Arithmetic.
4. Language: Hindi or English (Grammar).
If you are struggling with Environmental Science topics (like Ecology or Biodiversity), free resources on LearnXCreate can provide simple summaries and notes perfect for revision.
How to Apply?
Step 1: Wait for the notification on the State Selection Board website (e.g., peb.mp.gov.in for MP or sssc.uk.gov.in for Uttarakhand).
Step 2: Register with your Aadhar and Employment Exchange number.
Step 3: Upload 10th/12th Marksheet.
Step 4: Pay the fee (approx ₹100 - ₹500).
Salary Structure 2026
It is a permanent government job.
- Pay Scale: Level-2 or Level-3 (Depending on State).
- Basic Pay: ₹19,900 - ₹21,700.
- Allowances: DA, HRA, Ration Money, and Special Jungle Allowance.
- In-Hand Salary: ₹28,000 - ₹34,000 per month (approx).
Medical Standards
You will be posted in deep forests, far from hospitals. Hence, medical fitness is strict.
- Vision: 6/6 or 6/9. No Color Blindness.
- Feet: No Flat Foot.
- Knees: No Knock Knees.
Conclusion
The Forest Guard recruitment 2026 notification is a call to adventure. It is not an easy job—you face wild animals and tough terrain—but it offers a thrill that no office job can give.
Start your walking practice today. Walking 25km requires months of training. Keep studying GK related to forests. If you love nature, this is the best career for you.
FAQs
1. Can I apply for other states?
Ans: Yes, General category candidates can apply for other states, but you must know the local language (e.g., Marathi for Maharashtra, Kannada for Karnataka).
2. Is there a uniform?
Ans: Yes, Forest Guards wear a Khaki uniform, similar to the police but with different badges and insignia (Van Vibhag logos).
3. Are guns issued to Forest Guards?
Ans: In sensitive zones (like Tiger Reserves or areas with poacher threats), guards are issued rifles or pump-action guns. In general beats, they carry lathis.
