Hello friends! Great news came out for all government job seekers in Uttar Pradesh. The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC), Lucknow has officially released the notification for Forest Guard (Van Rakshak) and Wildlife Guard (Vanya Jeev Rakshak) recruitment for the year 2026. If you have cleared your 12th standard and want a stable government job that also serves the environment, this is a beautiful opportunity for you.
Under Advertisement No. 12-Exam/2026, there are a total of 708 vacancies up for grabs. The online application link is active right now, so you should not wait for the last moment. Let us look at all the details like dates, eligibility, and selection steps in simple words below.
What are the Important Dates for UPSSSC Forest Guard 2026?
You must keep a note of these dates so you don't miss anything by mistake. The application process happens completely online, and the key dates are listed in the table below:
| Event Type | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| Notification Released Date | 23 April 2026 |
| Online Application Starts From | 30 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 20 July 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 20 July 2026 |
| Last Date for Form Correction | 27 July 2026 |
| Written Exam Date | To be announced soon |
How many Vacancies are available in UP Forest Guard 2026?
This year, the commission has announced 708 vacancies distributed between General Selection and Special Selection categories. It provides a very fair chance to everyone. Here is the exact post-wise division:
| Post Name | Selection Type | Total Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Guard (Van Rakshak) | General Selection | 318 |
| Wildlife Guard (Vanya Jeev Rakshak) | General Selection | 10 |
| Forest Guard (Van Rakshak) | Special Selection | 329 |
| Wildlife Guard (Vanya Jeev Rakshak) | Special Selection | 51 |
| Grand Total Vacancies | 708 | |
Am I Eligible to Apply for UPSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment?
To apply for these positions, you need to fulfill two main criteria regarding your educational background and the mandatory state exam scorecard:
- Educational Qualification: You must have passed the Intermediate (Class 12) examination from any recognized board in India.
- Mandatory Requirement: You must have appeared in the UPSSSC PET 2025 exam and possess a valid scorecard. Shortlisting for the main exam will be purely done based on your PET 2025 normalized scores.
- Age Limit (As on 01 July 2026): Your minimum age should be 18 years and maximum age should not be more than 40 years. Relaxation in maximum age is applicable for OBC, SC, and ST candidates as per UP government rules.
What is the Application Fee for all Categories?
The best part about UPSSSC forms is that the initial processing fee is very nominal. Whether you belong to General, OBC, EWS, or SC/ST category, you only have to pay a basic online processing fee to submit your registration form.
| Category | Application Fee | Processing Fee | Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹0 | ₹25 | ₹25 |
| SC / ST | ₹0 | ₹25 | ₹25 |
| Divyangjan (PH) | ₹0 | ₹25 | ₹25 |
*Note: Shortlisted candidates will have to pay a separate Main Exam fee later before downloading their admit cards.
What is the Selection Process and Physical Standards required?
Getting selected as a Forest Guard requires clearing multiple stages since the job demands good physical health along with mental clarity. The stages are:
- Shortlisting through your PET 2025 Score.
- Main Written Examination (Objective Type).
- Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET).
- Medical Examination & Document Verification.
Physical Measurement Requirements (PST):
- Male Candidates (Gen/OBC/SC): Height must be at least 168 cm. Chest should be minimum 84 cm with at least 5 cm expansion capacity.
- Male Candidates (ST): Minimum height required is 160 cm.
- Female Candidates (Gen/OBC/SC): Minimum height is 152 cm. Weight must be between 45 kg to 58 kg.
- Female Candidates (ST): Minimum height required is 147 cm.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Details:
This test checks your real stamina and endurance levels:
- For Males: You have to walk or run for 25 km carrying a 10 kg weight within a maximum time limit of 4 hours.
- For Females: You have to walk or run for 14 km (no extra weight required) within 4 hours.
What is the Written Exam Pattern for 2026?
The written exam has 100 questions carrying 100 marks in total. You will get exactly 2 hours (120 minutes) to complete the test. Be careful while marking answers because there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong response.
- Post Specific Subject Knowledge: 50 Questions (50 Marks)
- Elementary Mathematics & Biology: 15 Questions (15 Marks)
- Computer & Information Technology Knowledge: 15 Questions (15 Marks)
- General Information about Uttar Pradesh: 20 Questions (20 Marks)
What steps should I follow to fill the Online Form?
To avoid any technical mistakes, you should fill the form patiently using these simple steps:
- First, go to the official website of the commission at upsssc.gov.in.
- Look at the homepage and find the "Live Advertisements" section, then click on the link for Advertisement No. 12-Exam/2026.
- Now, log in by entering your UPSSSC PET 2025 registration number and personal details via OTP or Personal details route.
- Fill in the remaining application details very carefully and check all spells of your name.
- Upload your scanned signature and photograph if the portal asks you to update them.
- Pay the online processing fee of ₹25 using UPI, Debit Card, or Net Banking.
- Submit your application form and do not forget to take a printout of the final confirmation screen for future needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I apply for UPSSSC Forest Guard if I did not clear PET 2025?
Ans: No, a valid UPSSSC PET 2025 scorecard is completely mandatory. Without it, you cannot register for this Main Exam recruitment drive.
Q2: What is the last date to apply online for this vacancy?
Ans: The last date to fill out the online form and make the fee payment is 20 July 2026.
Q3: Is there any negative marking in the UP Forest Guard main exam?
Ans: Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 (1/4th) marks for every incorrect answer marked by you.
Q4: What is the initial pay scale for a selected candidate?
Ans: The post comes under Pay Level-2 with a basic salary scale of ₹19,900 to ₹63,200 plus extra state government allowances like DA and HRA.