UPSSSC Forest Guard 2026: 708 Posts, Eligibility & Physical Test Guide [Full Details]
If you are a government job aspirant in Uttar Pradesh who loves the outdoors and prefers a field-based career over a 9-to-5 desk job, then the UPSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2026 is the perfect opportunity for you.
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| UPSSSC Forest Guard 708 Post Notification 2026 |
The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) has officially announced the recruitment for 708 posts of Forest Guard (Van Rakshak) and Wildlife Guard (Vanyajeev Rakshak). In my opinion, this is one of the most exciting state government roles because it offers a unique blend of job security, a respectable salary, and an active lifestyle within the nature reserves of Uttar Pradesh.
📌 UPSSSC Forest Guard 2026: Recruitment Overview
Before diving into the technical details, let’s look at a quick summary of this notification. I always recommend saving or screenshotting this table for quick reference.
| Feature | Details |
| Organization | Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) |
| Post Names | Forest Guard & Wildlife Guard |
| Total Vacancies | 708 Posts |
| Advt. No. | 10-Exam/2026 (Tentative) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Education Qualification | 12th Pass + PET Scorecard |
| Age Limit | 18 to 40 Years |
| Job Location | Uttar Pradesh |
| Official Website |
🏢 About UPSSSC and the Forest Department
The UPSSSC is the premier body responsible for recruiting Group 'C' staff for the UP Government. The Forest Department plays a critical role in protecting the state's flora and fauna. As a Forest Guard, you aren't just an employee; you are a protector of the environment.
This year, the recruitment is divided into "General Selection" and "Special Selection" categories, ensuring a fair distribution of posts across different administrative needs.
🎓 Detailed Eligibility Criteria: Do You Qualify?
One of the most common questions I get is, "Can any 12th pass candidate apply?" The answer in Uttar Pradesh is a bit specific because of the PET (Preliminary Eligibility Test) system.
1. Educational Qualification
You must have passed the Intermediate (10+2) examination from the U.P. Board or any other recognized board.
The PET Requirement: This is the most important part. You must have appeared in the UPSSSC PET 2025/2026 and possess a valid scorecard. Your shortlisting for the main exam will be strictly based on your PET percentile.
2. Preferential Qualifications (Bonus)
While not mandatory, having these will give you an edge during a tie-breaker:
Served in the Territorial Army for at least 2 years.
Obtained a 'B' certificate from the National Cadet Corps (NCC).
🎯 Age Limit & Relaxations
The UP government offers a very generous age bracket, making this accessible to both freshers and experienced aspirants.
Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 40 Years
Age Calculation Date: Typically calculated as of July 1st of the recruitment year.
Category-wise Age Relaxation:
SC/ST/OBC (UP Domicile): 5 Years relaxation.
Ex-Servicemen: As per government norms.
Skilled Sportsmen: 5 Years relaxation.
📂 Vacancy Breakdown (708 Total Posts)
Understanding the vacancy distribution helps you understand the competition level.
| Post Name | General Selection | Special Selection | Total |
| Forest Guard | 318 | 329 | 647 |
| Wildlife Guard | 10 | 51 | 61 |
| Grand Total | 328 | 380 | 708 |
💰 Salary, Pay Scale & Career Benefits
The UP Forest Guard position is a Pay Level-2 post. While the starting salary might seem modest, the long-term benefits and stability are excellent.
Pay Scale: ₹5,200 – ₹20,200
Grade Pay: ₹1,900
Revised Pay Matrix (7th Pay Commission): ₹19,900 – ₹63,200.
In-Hand Salary: Approximately ₹28,000 – ₹32,000 per month (including DA, HRA, and other allowances depending on the city of posting).
📝 Selection Process: The Road to Success
Based on my analysis of previous years, the selection process for UP Forest Guard is rigorous, especially the physical stage.
Shortlisting: Based on UPSSSC PET Score.
Written Examination: Objective type test focusing on Hindi, GS, and Reasoning.
Physical Standard Test (PST): Measurement of height and chest.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET): The endurance test (Running).
Medical Examination & Document Verification.
🏃 Physical Standards: The Most Crucial Stage
Many candidates clear the written exam but fail the physical test. You must start preparing for this early.
1. Physical Measurements (PST)
Male (Gen/OBC/SC): Height 168 cm | Chest 84 cm (with 5 cm expansion).
Male (ST): Height 160 cm | Chest 82 cm.
Female (Gen/OBC/SC): Height 152 cm | Weight Min 45 kg.
Female (ST): Height 147 cm | Weight Min 45 kg.
2. The Endurance Test (The 25km Walk)
This is the "signature" test for Forest Guards.
Males: You must complete a 25 km walk/run in 4 hours while carrying a 10 kg weight in a backpack.
Females: You must complete a 14 km walk/run in 4 hours (usually without weight).
📖 Written Exam Pattern (Indicative)
The written exam usually consists of 200 questions for 200 marks:
Hindi Insight & Writing Ability: 80 Questions.
General Knowledge: 60 Questions.
General Intelligence Test (Reasoning): 60 Questions.
Note: There is a negative marking of 1/4th (0.25) for every wrong answer.
📅 Important Dates for 2026
Notification Release: June 2026
Application Start Date: 30-06-2026
Last Date to Apply: 20-07-2026
Last Date for Fee Adjustment: 27-07-2026
🔗 How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps carefully to avoid rejection:
Visit the official portal:
upsssc.gov.in Official Notification:- See details
Go to the "Live Advertisements" section and click on the Forest Guard Apply link.
Login via PET Registration: Enter your PET Registration Number and OTP/Personal Details.
Your basic details will be fetched automatically from the PET database.
Upload your latest photo and signature (if required).
Pay the application fee (usually ₹25 for all categories as it's a processing fee for shortlisting).
Submit and print the application form.
📂 Documents Checklist
High School (10th) Marksheet (for DOB proof).
Intermediate (12th) Certificate.
Valid PET Scorecard.
Caste Certificate (if claiming reservation).
Domicile Certificate (for UP residents).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can other state candidates apply for UP Forest Guard?
Yes, but they will be treated as General candidates and will not get the benefit of reservation or age relaxation. Also, they must have appeared in the UPSSSC PET exam.
Q2. Is the 25km run very difficult?
It is more of a stamina test than a speed test. Regular walking and jogging with a backpack can help you clear it easily.
Q3. Is there an interview for this post?
No, the interview was abolished for Group C posts. Selection is based purely on the Written Exam and Physical Test.
Q4. What is the duty of a Forest Guard?
Patrolling forest areas, preventing illegal logging/poaching, protecting wildlife, and assisting in forest fire management.
💡 Final Thoughts
The UPSSSC Forest Guard 708 Vacancy 2026 is a prestigious and adventurous career path. If you have a valid PET score and the physical stamina to trek through forests, you should not miss this. Start your physical training along with your written preparation to stay ahead of the curve.
Have questions? Drop a comment below and I will help you out!
