UPSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 708 Van Rakshak Posts
The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) has released the highly anticipated official notification for the recruitment of Forest Guards (Van Rakshak) and Wildlife Guards for the year 2026. A total of 708 vacancies have been announced under the Forest and Wildlife Department of Uttar Pradesh.
This is a stellar opportunity for 12th-pass candidates who possess a valid UPSSSC PET scorecard and wish to secure a government job in the state’s forestry sector. The online application process will commence on the official UPSSSC portal. Read below for complete details on eligibility, physical standards, important dates, and the selection process.
🚨 Crucial Update: Only candidates who have appeared for the UPSSSC Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) and possess a valid scorecard are eligible to apply for this Mains examination. Your PET registration number will be required to log in and submit the form.
Recruitment Overview: UP Van Rakshak 2026
| Recruitment Board | UP Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) |
| Post Name | Forest Guard (Van Rakshak) |
| Total Vacancies | 708 Posts |
| Advt No. | UPSSSC Forest Guard 2026 |
| Job Location | Uttar Pradesh |
| Pay Scale | Matrix Level-2 (₹19,900 – ₹63,200) |
| Official Website | upsssc.gov.in |
Important Dates
Candidates must adhere strictly to the schedule released by the commission. Ensure your application and fee payment are completed before the deadline:
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Detailed Notification Release | 18 May 2026 |
| Starting Date to Apply Online | 25 May 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Registration | 18 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment & Form Correction | 25 June 2026 |
| Written Exam Date | To be notified later |
Application Fee
For the initial shortlisting phase, all candidates are required to pay a nominal online processing fee. (Note: Shortlisted candidates will have to pay the main examination fee later).
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹ 25/-
- SC / ST / PwD: ₹ 25/-
- Payment Mode: Online via SBI e-Challan, Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Educational Qualification & PET Score
- 12th Pass: Candidates must have passed the Intermediate (10+2) examination from the UP Board or any recognized board/institution in India.
- UPSSSC PET Requirement: A valid UPSSSC PET scorecard is absolutely mandatory. Candidates will be shortlisted for the Mains written exam based on their normalized PET score.
2. Age Limit (As on 01.07.2026)
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age: 40 Years
- Age Relaxation: Applicable for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) of Uttar Pradesh domicile as per UP Govt rules (usually +5 years).
🏃♂️ Physical Standards & Efficiency Test (Crucial)
Since this is a uniformed field job, physical fitness is mandatory. Candidates must meet the following criteria:
Physical Standard Test (PST – Height):- Male: 163 cm (Gen/OBC/SC) | 152 cm (ST)
- Female: 150 cm (Gen/OBC/SC) | 145 cm (ST)
- Male Chest: 84 cm (Gen/OBC/SC) with 5 cm expansion | 82 cm (ST) with 5 cm expansion.
- Male Candidates: Must walk 25 Kms in 4 hours carrying a 10 Kg weight.
- Female Candidates: Must walk 14 Kms in 4 hours (no weight carrying required).
Category-Wise Vacancy Details (708 Posts)
The 708 posts are distributed among various reservation categories. Here is the tentative breakdown based on the notification:
| Category | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR / Gen) | 335 |
| Other Backward Class (OBC) | 163 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 70 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 125 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 15 |
| Total Vacancies | 708 Posts |
Selection Process
The UPSSSC Forest Guard selection process is rigorous and comprises the following stages:
- Shortlisting: Based on UPSSSC PET normalized scores.
- Written Examination (Mains): Objective-type test covering Hindi Insight & Writing Ability, General Knowledge, and General Intelligence Test.
- Physical Standard Test (PST) & Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Qualifying in nature (measurements and walking test).
- Medical Examination: To ensure fitness for forest duties.
- Document Verification (DV): Final check of all credentials.
How to Apply Online?
Follow these steps to submit your UPSSSC Forest Guard 2026 application:
- Visit the official UPSSSC website: upsssc.gov.in.
- On the homepage, navigate to the “Live Advertisements” segment.
- Click on the link for “Direct Recruitment under Advt. No. [X-Exam/2026] Forest Guard”.
- Login via PET: Authenticate using your PET Registration Number via Personal Details or OTP.
- Verify your pre-filled details, enter your educational qualifications (12th standard details), and proceed.
- Upload necessary documents if prompted, and pay the ₹25 application fee.
- Submit the application and print the final confirmation page for future reference.
Ready to Apply for UP Forest Guard?
The application link will be activated on May 25, 2026. Keep your PET registration number and 12th mark sheet ready.
Visit UPSSSC Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, appearing in the UPSSSC Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) and holding a valid scorecard is mandatory to apply for this Mains examination.
Male candidates must complete a 25 km walk in 4 hours carrying a 10 kg weight. Female candidates must complete a 14 km walk in 4 hours without any extra weight.
The general age limit is 18 to 40 years. Reserved category candidates from UP receive age relaxations as per government norms.
All candidates, regardless of category, must pay a nominal online processing fee of ₹25 during the initial application submission.