Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) has officially released the Forest Guard (Van Rakshak) and Wildlife Guard (Vanya Jeev Rakshak) Recruitment 2026 notification under Advertisement No. 12-Exam/2026, announcing a total of 708 permanent vacancies in the Forest and Wildlife Department of the Government of Uttar Pradesh. The online application window opened on June 30, 2026 and closes on July 20, 2026. This is a PET-2025 based recruitment, meaning only candidates who appeared in the UPSSSC Preliminary Eligibility Test 2025 and hold a valid normalized scorecard are eligible to apply. Below is a complete, verified breakdown of every important detail from the official notification.
UPSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) |
| Advertisement No. | 12-Exam/2026 |
| Notification Date | 23 April 2026 |
| Post Names | Forest Guard (Van Rakshak) & Wildlife Guard (Vanya Jeev Rakshak) |
| Total Vacancies | 708 |
| Department | Forest & Wildlife Department, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh |
| Application Start Date | 30 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 20 July 2026 |
| Correction/Reconciliation Window | Up to 27 July 2026 |
| PET-2025 Scorecard | Mandatory |
| Educational Qualification | Intermediate (Class XII) pass from recognized Board |
| Age Limit | 18 to 40 years (as on 1 July 2026) |
| Application Fee | Rs. 25 (all categories) |
| Pay Scale | Pay Level-2 (Rs. 19,900 to Rs. 63,200) |
| Selection Process | Written Exam → PST → PET → Medical → Document Verification |
| Official Website | upsssc.gov.in |
Vacancy Breakdown: 708 Posts
UPSSSC has notified 708 vacancies split across two post names and two selection categories — General Selection and Special Selection. The post-wise distribution is as follows:
- Van Rakshak (Forest Guard) — General Selection: 318 posts
- Vanya Jeev Rakshak (Wildlife Guard) — General Selection: 10 posts
- Van Rakshak (Forest Guard) — Special Selection: 329 posts
- Vanya Jeev Rakshak (Wildlife Guard) — Special Selection: 51 posts
All 708 posts are permanent government positions in the Forest and Wildlife Department of Uttar Pradesh.
An important point candidates must understand: Special Selection seats are reserved exclusively for OBC and ST candidates. General, EWS, and SC candidates can only be considered against General Selection seats. This means 380 of the 708 total seats — more than half — are accessible only to OBC and ST applicants. Horizontal reservation for women, ex-servicemen, freedom fighter dependants, and outstanding sportspersons applies over and above this vertical reservation structure as per UP government rules.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed Intermediate (Class XII) or an equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University. Additionally, a valid UPSSSC PET-2025 normalized scorecard is a mandatory requirement — without it, no candidate can apply regardless of academic qualification.
Preferential qualification (used as a tie-breaker at the time of final selection): NCC ‘B’ Certificate, 2 years of Territorial Army service, a Certificate in Computer Application, or recognition as a state-level sportsperson.
Age Limit (As on 1 July 2026)
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Maximum age: 40 years
- Age relaxation: SC/ST/OBC (UP domicile) — 5 years; Ex-Servicemen — up to 5 years; PwBD, freedom fighter dependants, and sportspersons as per applicable UP government norms
PET-2025 Mandatory Requirement
Unlike general open recruitments, this is a PET-based Main Examination. Only candidates who appeared in UPSSSC PET-2025 and were issued a valid scorecard by the Commission are eligible. Candidates with a UI (under investigation) or provisional status should note that their shortlisting remains conditional until their PET status is confirmed. Shortlisting for the Main Written Examination is done based on PET-2025 normalised scores — the top 15 times the number of category-wise vacancies are called for the written exam.
Physical Standards Test (PST)
Meeting the prescribed physical standards is a non-negotiable qualifying condition. Candidates who do not clear the PST are eliminated from the process regardless of how well they performed in the written examination. The physical standards are as follows:
| Category | Minimum Height | Chest (Males Only) |
|---|---|---|
| Male – General/OBC/SC | 168 cm | 84 cm unexpanded + minimum 5 cm expansion |
| Male – ST | 160 cm | 82 cm unexpanded + minimum 5 cm expansion |
| Female – General/OBC/SC | 152 cm | Weight: 45–58 kg |
A minimum 5 cm chest expansion is compulsory for all male candidates without exception.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Candidates who clear the written examination and PST are required to complete an endurance walk/run test under the following standards:
- Male candidates: 25 km walk/run carrying a 10 kg load, to be completed within 4 hours
- Female candidates: 14 km walk/run within 4 hours (no weight load required)
Editorial note: The 25 km loaded walk test and the mandatory chest expansion requirement are the two stages where otherwise well-prepared candidates most commonly fail. Chest expansion capacity develops over months of consistent respiratory and upper-body training — attempting to build it in the week before the PST is not realistic. Candidates applying now should begin physical preparation alongside written exam study immediately rather than treating the physical stages as a formality to handle later.
Exam Pattern: Main Written Examination
The Main Written Examination is an offline OMR-based test with the following structure:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of Questions | Objective (MCQ) |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks per wrong answer |
| Mode | Offline (OMR sheet) |
Syllabus Areas
The exam covers the following broad subject areas:
- General Knowledge (UP-focused): History, geography, culture, and current affairs of Uttar Pradesh
- Elementary Mathematics: Basic numerical ability and arithmetic
- Biology (Basic Concepts): Elementary science, environment, and ecology
- General Intelligence: Reasoning and mental ability
- Computer & Information Technology: Basic understanding of computer applications and recent technological developments
The written examination is the only scoring stage in the entire recruitment process. All subsequent stages — PST, PET, Medical Examination — are qualifying only. They do not add marks to or reduce the candidate’s final merit score. Final selection is determined solely by the written exam score among candidates who clear all qualifying stages.
Selection Process: Stage-by-Stage
Stage 1 — PET-2025 Shortlisting: Candidates with valid PET-2025 scorecards are shortlisted for the Main Written Examination. Up to 15 times the number of category-wise vacancies are called.
Stage 2 — Main Written Examination: 100 MCQs, 100 marks, 2 hours, offline OMR-based. This is the merit-determining stage.
Stage 3 — Physical Standard Test (PST): Qualifying only. Height, chest (for males), and weight (for females) are measured as per the prescribed standards.
Stage 4 — Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Qualifying endurance walk — 25 km for males with 10 kg load, 14 km for females, both within 4 hours.
Stage 5 — Medical Examination: Qualifying fitness test conducted by an authorized medical board to confirm physical and mental suitability for field-level forest duties.
Stage 6 — Document Verification & Final Selection: Original certificates verified. Final appointment offer issued to candidates who clear all stages, in order of merit based on Main Written Exam score.
Salary & Pay Scale
Forest Guard and Wildlife Guard posts are placed under Pay Level-2 of the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix, with a pay scale of Rs. 19,900 to Rs. 63,200 per month. The estimated in-hand salary at entry level is approximately Rs. 28,000–32,000 per month after Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and standard deductions such as NPS contribution.
In addition to basic pay, selected candidates receive DA, HRA, Travel Allowance (TA), Medical Allowance, and other state government benefits as per UP government rules in force at the time of joining. Selected candidates serve a probation period of 2 years from the date of joining. On successful completion of probation, they become eligible for all regular increments and long-term service benefits. Promotion opportunities exist through internal departmental examinations based on seniority and performance.
Job Profile: What a Forest Guard Does
Once selected and deployed, Forest Guard and Wildlife Guard personnel carry out the following core duties:
- Patrol assigned forest beats, wildlife sanctuaries, and reserved forest areas to prevent illegal felling, poaching, and encroachment
- Monitor wildlife habitats and support conservation activities
- Participate in fire prevention measures and respond to forest fires
- Guide visitors, enforce park and sanctuary regulations, and provide information on local flora and fauna
- Document field incidents and observations for forest management and legal purposes
- Assist in plantation drives and eco-restoration work as directed by the Forest Department
Application Fee
The application fee is a flat Rs. 25 for all categories — General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST, and PwBD. There is no separate category-wise differential charge. Payment can be made through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or SBI E-Challan.
Note: An additional Main Exam fee is payable separately by shortlisted candidates at the time of admit card download. This is separate from the initial Rs. 25 processing fee paid during application.
How to Apply Online for UPSSSC Forest Guard 2026
Step 1: Visit the official UPSSSC portal at upsssc.gov.in
Step 2: Navigate to the “Live Advertisement” section and click on the Forest Guard/Wildlife Guard Recruitment 2026 notification link.
Step 3: Log in using your PET-2025 Registration Number. Your personal and academic details pre-filled from your PET record will appear — verify every field carefully before proceeding.
Step 4: Fill in any remaining required details, upload your recent photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
Step 5: Pay the Rs. 25 application processing fee through Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or SBI E-Challan.
Step 6: Submit the completed form and download/print the confirmation page for your records.
Important note on fee reconciliation: If your payment is processed before the July 20 deadline but the bank reconciliation is not confirmed by that date, you have until July 27, 2026 to complete reconciliation. Your application form printout cannot be generated until reconciliation is confirmed. The July 27 reconciliation deadline is absolute — no exceptions are made after this date. Application corrections are also permitted only within this same window.
Important Dates at a Glance
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 23 April 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 30 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 20 July 2026 |
| Application Correction / Fee Reconciliation Deadline | 27 July 2026 |
| Main Written Exam Date | To be announced on upsssc.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the total vacancy in UPSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2026?
A total of 708 permanent posts have been notified — 647 for Forest Guard (Van Rakshak) and 61 for Wildlife Guard (Vanya Jeev Rakshak) — under Advertisement No. 12-Exam/2026, across General Selection and Special Selection categories.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for UPSSSC Van Rakshak 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is July 20, 2026. The application correction and fee reconciliation window closes on July 27, 2026.
Q3. Is PET-2025 mandatory for this recruitment?
Yes, absolutely. Only candidates who appeared in UPSSSC PET-2025 and hold a valid normalized scorecard issued by the Commission are eligible to apply. Candidates without a PET-2025 scorecard cannot apply under any circumstances.
Q4. What is the educational qualification for UPSSSC Forest Guard 2026?
Candidates must have passed Intermediate (Class XII) or equivalent from a recognized Board. A valid UPSSSC PET-2025 scorecard is an additional mandatory requirement alongside the academic qualification.
Q5. What is the age limit for UPSSSC Van Rakshak Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must be between 18 and 40 years of age as on 1 July 2026. Standard age relaxation applies for SC/ST/OBC/Ex-Servicemen/PwBD candidates as per UP government norms.
Q6. What is the exam pattern for UPSSSC Forest Guard written exam?
The Main Written Examination consists of 100 objective MCQ questions carrying 100 marks, with a duration of 2 hours and negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer. The exam is conducted offline on OMR sheets.
Q7. What are the physical standards for male candidates in UPSSSC Van Rakshak 2026?
Male candidates from General/OBC/SC categories need a minimum height of 168 cm and chest of 84 cm with a minimum 5 cm expansion. ST male candidates need a minimum height of 160 cm and chest of 82 cm with 5 cm expansion.
Q8. What is the PET standard for UPSSSC Forest Guard 2026?
Male candidates must complete a 25 km walk/run carrying a 10 kg load within 4 hours. Female candidates must complete 14 km within 4 hours with no weight load requirement.
Q9. What is the application fee for UPSSSC Forest Guard 2026?
The application fee is a flat Rs. 25 for all categories, payable online through Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or SBI E-Challan.
Q10. What is the salary of UPSSSC Van Rakshak after selection?
Forest Guard and Wildlife Guard posts fall under Pay Level-2 with a pay scale of Rs. 19,900 to Rs. 63,200 as per the 7th Pay Commission. The estimated in-hand salary at entry level is approximately Rs. 28,000–32,000 per month after DA, HRA, and standard deductions.
Q11. What is the difference between General Selection and Special Selection in this recruitment?
General Selection seats are open to all eligible categories. Special Selection seats are reserved exclusively for OBC and ST candidates. Of the 708 total posts, 380 fall under Special Selection, making it inaccessible to General, EWS, and SC candidates.
Q12. Can I edit my application after submission?
Yes. UPSSSC provides a correction window up to July 27, 2026, within which candidates can make permitted corrections to their application form. No changes are accepted after this date.
Q13. Where can I check official updates on UPSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2026?
All official updates — admit card release, exam schedule, result announcements, and corrigenda — are published exclusively on upsssc.gov.in. No individual communication is sent to candidates; it is the candidate’s responsibility to monitor the official website regularly.
Important Links
| Link Purpose | URL |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | https://upsssc.gov.in//ViewPdf.aspx?ss2XKF/cntZMY/QS8H1aTFqt7TVl91dOlzlMwUgIiWk= |
| Apply Online | https://upsssc.gov.in |
| Official Website | https://upsssc.gov.in |
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