Introduction – The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) has just released Advertisement No. 12‑Exam/2026 for the Main Examination of Van Rakshak (Forest Guard) and Vanya Jeev Rakshak (Wildlife Guard). A total of 708 front‑line posts are open in the UP Forest Department, offering Pay Level‑2 (₹19,900 – ₹63,200). The online window opens on 30 June 2026 and shuts on 20 July 2026. Only candidates who cleared UPSSSC PET 2025 with a valid normalized score card can apply – no fresh entrants are permitted.
Recruitment Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Department/Board | Uttar Pradesh Forest Department (under UPSSSC) |
| Post Name | Van Rakshak (Forest Guard) & Vanya Jeev Rakshak (Wildlife Guard) |
| Exam Name | UPSSSC Main Examination – Van Rakshak / Vanya Jeev Rakshak 2026 |
| Total Vacancy | 708 |
| Category | New Recruitment (Group C) |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| State | Uttar Pradesh |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 23 April 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 30 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 20 July 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 20 July 2026 |
| Form‑Correction End Date | 27 July 2026 |
| Main Exam Date | To be announced |
Application Fee Details
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹25 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women / Ex‑Servicemen | ₹25 |
| Payment Mode | Online (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI, SBI E‑Challan) |
The fee is flat because the PET 2025 fee has already been paid.
Vacancy & Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit: 18 years – 40 years as on 01 July 2025.
Relaxation: SC/ST/OBC (UP domicile) – 5 years; Ex‑Servicemen – up to 5 years; PwBD, freedom‑fighter dependants, and sportspersons as per UP government norms.Educational Qualification: Minimum Intermediate (12th Pass) from UP Board or any recognized board/university and a valid normalized score card of UPSSSC PET 2025.
Physical Standards (mandatory for final selection):
Category Height Chest (Male) / Weight (Female) Male – General/OBC/SC ≥ 168 cm Chest 84 cm + 5 cm expansion Male – ST ≥ 160 cm Chest 82 cm + 5 cm expansion Female – General/OBC/SC ≥ 152 cm Weight 45‑58 kg Female – ST ≥ 147 cm — Physical Efficiency Test (PET): 25 km walk in 4 hrs carrying 10 kg (male) / 14 km walk in 4 hrs (female).
Tie‑breaker Preferences (optional): NCC ‘B’ Certificate, 2 years Territorial Army service, Computer Application Certificate, or state‑level sportsperson status.
Post‑wise Vacancy Breakdown
| Selection Type | Post Name | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| General | Van Rakshak (Forest Guard) | 318 |
| General | Vanya Jeev Rakshak (Wildlife Guard) | 10 |
| Special (SC/OBC) | Van Rakshak (Forest Guard) | 329 |
| Special (SC/OBC) | Vanya Jeev Rakshak (Wildlife Guard) | 51 |
| Total | Combined | 708 |
Horizontal reservations for women, ex‑servicemen, freedom‑fighter dependants, and outstanding sportspersons are applied as per Uttar Pradesh state rules.
Salary & Perks
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level‑2 (7th CPC Pay Matrix) |
| Basic Pay | ₹19,900 per month (starting) |
| Pay Scale | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 |
| Allowances | Dearness Allowance, HRA, Transport Allowance, Uniform Allowance (as per state rules) |
| In‑hand (approx.) | ₹28,000 – ₹32,000 per month after DA & HRA |
| Other Benefits | Pension, medical facilities, promotion path to Forester / Range Forest Officer |
Selection Process
Main Written Examination – 100 MCQs, 100 marks, 2 hours, OMR‑based, ¼ negative marking.
Paper Pattern- Part 1 – Subject Knowledge (Forestry, Environment, Wildlife, Geography): 50 questions – 50 marks
- Part 2 – Elementary Mathematics & Biology: 15 questions – 15 marks
- Part 3 – Computer & IT Awareness: 15 questions – 15 marks
- Part 4 – General Information about Uttar Pradesh: 20 questions – 20 marks
Physical Standard Test (PST) – Qualifying only, candidates shortlisted in a 15 × vacancy ratio based on normalized Main Exam score.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) – Endurance walk as described above (qualifying).
Medical Examination – Verification of overall health and fitness.
Document Verification & Final Selection – Merit list prepared solely on Main Exam marks; all other stages are pass/fail.
How to Apply Online
- Open the official UPSSSC portal: https://upsssc.gov.in/default.aspx
- Click “Live Advertisement” and locate Advertisement No. 12‑Exam/2026.
- Log in with your PET 2025 Registration Number; an OTP will be sent to your registered mobile/email.
- Personal details will auto‑populate from PET 2025 – verify every field carefully.
- Enter educational information (Intermediate pass) and select your preferred post(s) – Van Rakshak, Vanya Jeev Rakshak, or both.
- Read the declaration, preview the form, and click Submit.
- Pay the ₹25 fee via your preferred online mode (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI, or SBI E‑Challan).
- Download the Application Printout and Fee Receipt – keep them safe for future reference.
If any mistake is discovered, you can correct the form until 27 July 2026 using the same login credentials.
Important Links
| Link Name | Direct Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Apply Online |
| Download Notification | Download Notification |
| Official Website | Visit Site |
| Join WhatsApp Group | Join Now |
| Join Telegram Channel | Join Now |
| Current Affairs Quiz | Join Now |
Conclusion
UPSSSC’s Forest Guard recruitment offers 708 well‑paid Group C positions for PET 2025 qualifiers. With a modest ₹25 fee and a clear, step‑by‑step online process, the deadline of 20 July 2026 is fast approaching. Verify every detail against the official notification before submitting your application to avoid costly errors.
Date
Start: 30 June 2026 End: 20 July 2026
Who can apply for the UPSSSC Forest Guard 2026 posts?
Only candidates who appeared in UPSSSC PET 2025 and possess a valid normalized score card are eligible. Fresh aspirants without a PET 2025 score cannot apply.
Is there any age relaxation for ex‑servicemen?
Yes. Ex‑servicemen receive up to 5 years relaxation over the upper age limit of 40 years, subject to documentary proof.
What is the format of the Main Written Examination?
The paper consists of 100 MCQs divided into four sections (Subject Knowledge, Mathematics & Biology, Computer Awareness, Uttar Pradesh General Knowledge) with a total of 100 marks and a ¼ negative marking scheme.
How is the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) conducted?
Male candidates must complete a 25 km walk in 4 hours while carrying a 10 kg load; female candidates must finish 14 km in 4 hours without additional load.
Can I correct mistakes after submitting the application?
Yes. The form‑correction window remains open until 27 July 2026. Log in with the same PET 2025 credentials to make changes.
What documents should I keep ready for the document verification stage?
Keep your PET 2025 score card, 10th & 12th mark sheets, age proof, category certificate (if applicable), height/weight certificate, and photographs (as per the notification).
