[Official Notification] UPSSSC Forest Guard Recruitment — 2026 Update

Post Date: June 30, 2026

Are you a young, energetic Indian citizen with a passion for nature and a desire to serve the state of Uttar Pradesh? A golden opportunity has just emerged from the Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) for aspiring Forest Guards and Wild Life Guards. This much-anticipated recruitment drive for 2026 is now officially underway, inviting applications from eligible candidates across the nation to join the vital ranks of forest protection.

Quick Overview: UPSSSC Forest Guard/ Wild Life Guard Recruitment 2026

Eligibility Criteria for UPSSSC Forest Guard/ Wild Life Guard 2026

Before you embark on your application journey, it's paramount to understand the precise eligibility requirements set forth by the UPSSSC. Meeting these criteria is the first and most crucial step towards securing a position as a Forest Guard or Wild Life Guard. Let's delve into the specifics:

Age Limit (as on July 01, 2026)

• Minimum Age: Candidates must have completed 18 years of age by July 01, 2026. This ensures that applicants possess a certain level of maturity and legal standing required for government service.
• Maximum Age: The upper age limit for general category candidates is 40 years as on July 01, 2026. This broad age bracket allows a wide range of individuals to apply, including those with prior experience or those seeking a career change.

Age Relaxation: In line with Uttar Pradesh Government rules and regulations, specific age relaxations will be applicable for candidates belonging to reserved categories such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and Ex-Servicemen. These relaxations are designed to promote inclusive representation in government services. For exact details on the extent of age relaxation for your specific category, it is highly recommended to consult the official notification (Advt No:- 12 Exam 2026) thoroughly. Typically, OBC candidates receive a 3-year relaxation, while SC/ST candidates receive a 5-year relaxation, but these are subject to official policy changes.

Educational Qualification

• Intermediate (Class 12th) Pass: Applicants must have successfully completed their Class 12th (Intermediate) examination from any board recognized by the Government of India. This foundational academic qualification ensures that candidates possess basic literacy and comprehension skills essential for the role.
• UPSSSC Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) 2025 Score Card: A crucial prerequisite for this recruitment is a valid score card from the UPSSSC Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) 2025. Only candidates who appeared for and obtained a qualifying score in the PET 2025 will be eligible to apply for the Forest Guard/Wild Life Guard posts. The PET serves as a preliminary screening mechanism, streamlining the application process for various Group 'C' posts under UPSSSC. It's imperative that your PET 2025 score is available and verifiable.

Candidates are advised to ensure they possess both the 12th pass certificate and the UPSSSC PET 2025 score card before initiating the application process. Without a valid PET score, your application will not be considered for shortlisting.

Physical Measurement Standards (PST)

Given the demanding nature of a Forest Guard's duties, which often involve extensive fieldwork in challenging terrains, specific physical standards are mandatory. Candidates must meet the following height requirements:

Beyond height, male candidates typically also need to meet specific chest measurement standards, which usually involve a minimum unexpanded chest measurement and a minimum expansion capacity (e.g., 5 cm). While not explicitly detailed in the provided source, it's a standard requirement for such roles. Applicants should refer to the full official notification for precise chest measurement criteria, if any, and any weight requirements that might be specified for female candidates.

Physical Endurance Test (PET)

The selection process includes a Physical Endurance Test (PET), which evaluates a candidate's physical fitness and stamina. Although the source mentions PET, it doesn't detail the specific events. Based on historical trends for Forest Guard recruitments, the PET typically involves:

• Walking/Running Test: This is the most common component. For male candidates, it often involves covering a distance of 25 km within 4 hours, carrying a specific weight (e.g., 10 kg). For female candidates, the distance is usually shorter, such as 14 km within 4 hours, without carrying weight. These tests simulate the long patrols and treks a Forest Guard might undertake.
• Cycling Test: Some recruitments also include a cycling test, where candidates must cover a certain distance within a specified time.
• Other Events: Depending on the specific requirements, other events like high jump, long jump, or shot put might also be included, though less common for Forest Guard roles compared to police services.

Candidates are strongly advised to begin preparing physically well in advance, focusing on endurance and stamina, to successfully clear the PET stage. The exact details of the PET events, distances, and time limits will be outlined in the comprehensive official notification.

Vacancy Details: UPSSSC Forest Guard/ Wild Life Guard 2026

The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission has announced a total of 708 vacancies for the posts of Forest Guard and Wild Life Guard in this 2026 recruitment cycle. These positions are crucial for the conservation and protection of Uttar Pradesh's rich biodiversity and forest resources. While the source content provides the total number, the detailed category-wise distribution (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, Female, PwD, etc.) for these 708 posts is typically elaborated in the full official notification. Candidates are encouraged to refer to the detailed advertisement for a precise breakdown of vacancies per category to assess their chances accurately.

These 708 posts represent a significant opportunity for individuals seeking a stable government job with a direct impact on environmental conservation. The roles of Forest Guard and Wild Life Guard are integral to maintaining ecological balance, preventing poaching, and managing forest resources effectively.

Application Fee for UPSSSC Forest Guard/ Wild Life Guard 2026

The application fee for the UPSSSC Forest Guard/ Wild Life Guard recruitment 2026 has been kept uniformly low to encourage wider participation. This nominal fee primarily covers the processing charges for your application. It's crucial to complete the fee payment within the stipulated deadline to ensure your application is successfully registered.