UPSSSC Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 708 Forest Guard & Wildlife Guard Posts

Are you passionate about nature conservation and looking for a government job that allows you to protect our precious environment? The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) has announced a significant recruitment drive that might be your perfect match. If you are a 12th pass candidate seeking a stable and adventurous career in the state government, this is an opportunity you shouldn't miss.

The UPSSSC has released an official notification for the recruitment of 708 vacancies for the posts of Forest Guard (Van Rakshak) and Wildlife Guard (Vanya Jiv Rakshak) under the Forest and Wildlife Department of Uttar Pradesh. This role is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance, preventing poaching, and safeguarding the rich biodiversity of the state's forests and sanctuaries.

The online application process will commence in May 2026. Interested candidates who meet the eligibility criteria, particularly those who have a valid UPSSSC PET score, must submit their applications before the closing date of July 20, 2026. Read on to find all the essential details regarding qualifications, physical standards, and the selection process to kickstart your journey toward protecting nature!

About the Recruiter

The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) is the state organization authorized to conduct various examinations for appointments to the various subordinate state posts. Headquartered in Lucknow, UPSSSC ensures a fair and transparent selection process to staff numerous departments within the Government of Uttar Pradesh. The Forest and Wildlife Department, where these recruits will be placed, is dedicated to the conservation, protection, and management of the state's forests, wildlife, and natural resources.

Posts and Breakdown: Qualification, Age, & Salary Overview

To apply for these vital roles, candidates must ensure they meet the specific educational and age requirements. Here is the breakdown:

• Forest Guard / Wildlife Guard:

  • Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed the Intermediate (12th Class) Examination from the UP Board or any other equivalent recognized Board.

  • Essential Requirement: Candidates must possess a valid scorecard for the Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) conducted by UPSSSC in the previous year (e.g., UPSSSC PET 2025).

  • Age Limit: 18 to 40 years as of the crucial date mentioned in the notification.

  • Salary Structure: Selected candidates will be placed in Pay Band-1 (Rs. 5,200 - Rs. 20,200) with a Grade Pay of Rs. 1,900/- (Pay Matrix Level 2 as per the 7th Pay Commission), plus usual state government allowances.

• Note: Age relaxation is applicable for SC/ST/OBC and other reserved categories of Uttar Pradesh as per government norms.

Detailed Overview of the Job Profile

Working as a Forest or Wildlife Guard is a demanding yet highly rewarding field job.

• Forest Guard (Van Rakshak): Your primary duty is to patrol and protect the assigned forest beats. You will be responsible for preventing illegal logging, stopping encroachments, detecting and reporting forest fires, and assisting in afforestation projects.

• Wildlife Guard (Vanya Jiv Rakshak): Deployed mainly in national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and zoological parks, your focus will be on anti-poaching operations. You will monitor animal movements, assist in wildlife census activities, rescue injured animals, and ensure the safety of tourists visiting the protected areas.

• Both roles require a high level of physical fitness, alertness, and a genuine commitment to environmental conservation, often requiring duty in remote and rugged terrains.

Important Dates

Don't let this opportunity slip away. Keep track of these critical dates:

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official UPSSSC portal. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the UPSSSC portal at upsssc.gov.in.

2. Candidate Authentication: Log in to the "Candidate Authentication Through PET" section using your PET Registration Number, Date of Birth, Gender, Domicile, and Category, OR via OTP sent to your registered mobile number/email.

3. Fill the Application Form: Once logged in, your basic details from the PET form will auto-populate. Fill in the remaining required educational details and other specific information for the Forest/Wildlife Guard post.

4. Upload Documents: Upload your scanned photograph and signature in the prescribed format if not already available from your PET profile.

5. Pay the Application Fee: Pay the processing fee of Rs. 25/- (applicable to all categories) online via SBI e-challan, Net Banking, or Debit/Credit Card.

6. Final Submission: Review your application carefully and submit it. Take a printout of the final application form for future reference during document verification.

Selection Process

The selection process for Forest and Wildlife Guards is rigorous to ensure candidates are physically and mentally prepared for the job:

1. Shortlisting based on PET Score: Only candidates who meet the cutoff score based on their UPSSSC PET result will be shortlisted for the main written examination.

2. Main Written Examination: An objective-type test assessing candidates on Hindi Insight and Writing Ability, General Knowledge, and General Intelligence Test.

3. Physical Standard Test (PST) & Physical Efficiency Test (PET):

   • PST: Measurement of height and chest (e.g., Male: 168 cm, Female: 152 cm).

   • PET: A rigorous physical test usually involving walking carrying a specific weight (e.g., Male: 25 km walk with 10 kg weight in 4 hours; Female: 14 km walk in 4 hours).

4. Medical Examination & Document Verification: Final candidates will undergo a medical fitness test and verification of their original educational and category certificates.

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many total vacancies are available for the UPSSSC Forest and Wildlife Guard recruitment 2026? There are a total of 708 vacancies, which include both Forest Guard and Wildlife Guard positions.

2. Is the UPSSSC PET score mandatory for this recruitment? Yes, appearing in and having a valid score for the UPSSSC Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) is absolutely mandatory to apply for this Mains examination.

3. What is the last date to apply online for the UPSSSC Forest Guard post? The deadline for online registration and fee payment is July 20, 2026.

4. What is the educational qualification required? Candidates must have passed their 12th standard (Intermediate) from the UP Board or any recognized equivalent board.

5. Are female candidates eligible to apply? Yes, female candidates are fully eligible and encouraged to apply. They have specific, slightly relaxed physical standards compared to male candidates.

6. What is the application fee for this form? All candidates, regardless of their category, are required to pay a nominal online processing fee of Rs. 25/- at the time of application submission.

7. Can candidates from other states apply? Yes, candidates from other states can apply if they have a valid UPSSSC PET score. However, they will be considered under the Unreserved (General) category and will not receive any UP state-specific reservations.

8. What is the physical efficiency test (walking test) for male candidates? Male candidates are typically required to complete a 25 km walk carrying a 10 kg weight within a maximum time limit of 4 hours.

9. Is there negative marking in the UPSSSC Forest Guard written exam? Yes, generally, UPSSSC implements a negative marking system where 1/4th (25%) of the marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.

10. What subjects are covered in the written examination? The written exam usually covers three main subjects: Hindi Insight and Writing Ability, General Knowledge (with a focus on UP state), and General Intelligence Test (Reasoning).