UPSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2026: Notification Out for 708 Vacancies; Check Dates & Eligibility

The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) has officially released the recruitment notification for Forest Guard (Van Rakshak) and Wildlife Guard (Vanya Jeev Rakshak) for the year 2026. This recruitment drive, under Advertisement No. 12-Exam/2026, opens up 708 vacancies for candidates who have cleared the PET 2025 exam.

If you are looking for a stable government job that combines a love for nature with a disciplined lifestyle, this is your chance. Below is a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know to secure your spot.

UPSSSC Forest Guard 2026: Key Highlights

The 2026 recruitment cycle is a significant opportunity for youth in Uttar Pradesh. The posts are permanent and offer a competitive salary under Pay Level-2 (₹19,900 to ₹63,200). With a total of 708 seats, the competition is expected to be high, making it essential to understand the core details of the notification.

Important Dates for Applicants

The commission has provided a strict timeline for the application process. Candidates are advised not to wait until the last minute, as the official website often experiences high traffic.

• Notification Release: April 23, 2026

• Online Registration Starts: June 30, 2026

• Last Date to Apply & Pay Fee: July 20, 2026

• Correction Deadline: July 27, 2026 (For minor errors in name, category, or gender).

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

To filter for the most capable candidates, UPSSSC has set three primary layers of eligibility:

1. PET 2025 Score (The Gateway)

You must have appeared for the Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) 2025. Shortlisting for the Main Written Exam will be done based on your normalized PET score. Candidates with a zero or negative score are automatically ineligible.

2. Educational Qualification

Candidates must have passed the Intermediate (Class 12) examination from the U.P. Board or an equivalent recognized education board. This is the minimum academic requirement for both Forest Guard and Wildlife Guard roles.

3. Age Limit (as of July 1, 2026)

• Minimum Age: 18 years

• Maximum Age: 40 years

Relaxations: SC/ST/OBC candidates receive up to 5 years of relaxation. Ex-servicemen and state employees also receive benefits as per government mandates.

Vacancy Distribution

The vacancies are strategically distributed across different categories to ensure a balanced recruitment process. Out of the 708 total seats:

• Forest Guard: 647 posts (General Selection: 318, Special Selection: 329)

• Wildlife Guard: 61 posts (General Selection: 10, Special Selection: 51)

• Note: Special selection posts are specifically aimed at fulfilling backlogs or specific category requirements.

Selection Process & Exam Pattern

Becoming a Forest Guard requires both mental sharpness and physical grit. The selection is divided into four distinct phases:

Phase 1: Written Examination

The offline written test consists of 100 objective questions for 100 marks. The duration is 2 hours, and there is a 0.25 negative marking for every wrong answer.

• Subject Related (Forest/Environment): 50 Marks

• Elementary Maths & Biology: 15 Marks

• Computer & IT Knowledge: 15 Marks

• UP General Knowledge: 20 Marks

Phase 2: Physical Standard Test (PST)

Candidates must meet these minimum physical measurements:

• 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 45–58 kg.

Phase 3: Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

This is a test of pure endurance

• Males: 25 km walk/run carrying a 10 kg weight in 4 hours.

• Females: 14 km walk/run in 4 hours (No weight requirement for females in the latest 2026 guidelines).

How to Apply Online?

1. Go to upsssc.gov.in.

2. Log in using your PET 2025 registration details.

3. Fill out the application form (personal data is often pre-filled from your PET record).

4. Upload the required documents and pay the ₹25 fee.

5. Save and print your confirmation page.

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

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