Madhya Pradesh State Forest Service Recruitment 2026 – 36 Forest Ranger & ACF Posts, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Salary & Career

Madhya Pradesh State Forest Service Recruitment 2026

The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) has announced recruitment for 36 posts of Forest Ranger and Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) under the State Forest Service for 2026. These positions are aimed at candidates who are committed to forest management, wildlife conservation, and sustainable development of natural resources in Madhya Pradesh.

Forest officers hold a pivotal role in safeguarding forests and wildlife, enforcing forest laws, and implementing environmental policies. This recruitment provides an opportunity for candidates to serve the environment while pursuing a stable and respected government career.

The following sections provide detailed information on eligibility, application process, important dates, exam structure, and syllabus for these prestigious positions.

Important Dates

Staying updated on official timelines is critical for applicants to avoid missing deadlines. The key dates for this recruitment are as follows:

• Notification Release: January 5, 2026
• Start of Online Application: January 10, 2026
• Last Date to Apply: February 10, 2026
• Admit Card Release: March 2026 (tentative)
• Preliminary Examination: April 2026 (tentative)
• Main Examination: June 2026 (tentative)
• Interview / Personality Test: August 2026 (tentative)
• Final Result Announcement: September 2026 (tentative)

Candidates should regularly check the official MPPSC website for any updates or changes in the schedule.

Vacancy Details

A total of 36 vacancies have been released, distributed across different categories following government norms. These positions are divided into:

1. Forest Ranger: Responsible for forest management, monitoring wildlife, enforcing forest laws, and assisting in conservation programs.
2. Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF): Involves planning and implementing forest policies, supervising staff, and conducting surveys and research in forestry.

Tentative category-wise distribution:

Category	Number of Posts
General (UR)	12
OBC	9
SC	6
ST	9

Candidates should verify exact numbers in the official notification.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• Forest Ranger: Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Agriculture, Botany, Zoology, Environmental Science, or related fields.
• Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF): Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Agriculture, Horticulture, Botany, Zoology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or allied subjects.

Age Limit

• Minimum Age: 21 years
• Maximum Age: 30 years
• Relaxation:
  • SC/ST candidates: 5 years
  • OBC candidates: 3 years
  • Ex-servicemen: As per government rules

Nationality

• Must be an Indian citizen.
• Certain relaxations may apply for Madhya Pradesh domiciled candidates.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online via the official MPPSC portal. The steps include:

1. Registration:
   • Visit https://www.mppsc.nic.in
   • Register with basic details such as name, date of birth, email, and mobile number
   • Generate login credentials
2. Filling Application Form:
   • Log in using credentials
   • Fill in personal information, educational qualifications, category details, and experience
   • Upload scanned photograph, signature, and relevant certificates
3. Payment of Application Fee:
   • General/OBC: ₹500
   • SC/ST/PwD: ₹250
   • Payment via net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI
4. Submission:
   • Review all entries carefully
   • Submit and download confirmation page

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

Selection Procedure

The recruitment process involves multiple stages to assess candidates’ knowledge, skills, and suitability for forest service roles:

1. Preliminary Examination: Objective questions covering general knowledge, current affairs, forestry, and environment.
2. Main Examination: Descriptive exam testing advanced knowledge in forestry, administration, and scientific subjects.
3. Interview / Personality Assessment: Evaluation of decision-making ability, personality, and overall suitability for forest management responsibilities.

Exam Structure

Preliminary Examination

• General Studies: 100 marks (Objective)
• General Science & Environment: 100 marks (Objective)
• Current Affairs: 50 marks (Objective)
• Forestry & Wildlife Basics: 50 marks (Objective)
• Total Marks: 300
• Duration: 2–3 hours
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer

Main Examination

• Format: Descriptive
• Subjects: Forestry, agriculture, botany, zoology, environmental science, and general administration
• Marks: 600–800 (as per official notification)
• Duration: 3–4 hours per paper

Candidates are advised to consult the official notification for exact marks distribution and paper structure.

Syllabus Overview

Forestry & Environmental Science

• Forest ecology, types, and management
• Wildlife conservation and legislation
• Silviculture and forest management techniques
• Soil and water conservation
• Forest policy, planning, and implementation

General Knowledge & Current Affairs

• Geography, history, and polity of India
• Government schemes related to environment and wildlife
• Sustainable development, climate change, and biodiversity conservation

General Science

• Biology, botany, and zoology fundamentals
• Ecology and environmental chemistry
• Basic principles of conservation biology

A comprehensive understanding of these topics is essential to succeed in both the preliminary and main exams.

Preparation and Career Guide

Preparation Strategy

Success in the Madhya Pradesh State Forest Service examination requires a combination of conceptual knowledge, practice, and strategic planning. Here are effective approaches for each stage of the selection process.

1. Preliminary Examination

The preliminary exam is an objective-type screening test. Preparation tips:

• General Studies: Focus on Madhya Pradesh and Indian history, geography, polity, and culture.
• Current Affairs: Follow national and international news, government schemes related to forests and environment, and scientific developments.
• Forestry & Environment: Study forest types, wildlife species, conservation laws, silviculture, and forestry management practices.
• Practice Mock Tests: Solve previous years’ papers and online mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.

2. Main Examination

The main exam is descriptive and tests in-depth knowledge and analytical skills:

• Forestry: Understand forest management techniques, forest policy, forest economics, and mensuration.
• Botany & Zoology: Focus on plant and animal classification, ecology, biodiversity, and conservation practices.
• Environmental Science: Study climate change, pollution control, sustainable development, and environmental legislation.
• Administration & Policy: Learn about Indian forest laws, wildlife acts, and government schemes for forest and wildlife protection.
• Answer Writing Practice: Practice descriptive answers with clear structure, relevant examples, and proper diagrams where needed.

3. Interview / Personality Assessment

The interview evaluates decision-making, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills:

• Develop awareness of current environmental issues and government initiatives.
• Be confident in discussing practical solutions for forest management and wildlife conservation.
• Prepare for scenario-based questions related to law enforcement, conflict resolution, and forest administration.

Recommended Books and Resources

Forestry and Environment:

• Textbook of Forestry by K.C. Khurana
• Forest Management and Forest Policy in India
• MPPSC Forest Service previous years’ papers and syllabus guide
• Government publications on wildlife and biodiversity

General Knowledge and Current Affairs:

• NCERT textbooks (Class 6–12) for History, Geography, and Science
• Monthly magazines like Yojana and Kurukshetra
• Newspapers: The Hindu, Indian Express

Botany and Zoology:

• Plant Biology by Peter H. Raven
• Animal Diversity by Hickman

Practice Tools:

• Online mock tests for preliminary examination
• Sample descriptive answer writing for main examination

Detailed Selection Process

The selection is structured to assess academic knowledge, analytical ability, and practical understanding:

1. Preliminary Exam: Filters candidates based on general knowledge, environmental awareness, and forestry fundamentals.
2. Main Exam: Assesses in-depth knowledge in forestry, botany, zoology, environmental science, and administration.
3. Interview / Personality Test: Evaluates communication skills, judgment, leadership qualities, and commitment to forest service duties.

Candidates must clear each stage to proceed to the next, with the final merit list prepared based on cumulative performance.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Forest Service officers in Madhya Pradesh enjoy a structured career path with opportunities for growth and specialization:

• Initial Posting: As Forest Ranger or Assistant Conservator of Forests
• Promotions: Can progress to Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Conservator of Forests (CF), and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF)
• Specializations: Wildlife management, forest economics, GIS and remote sensing in forestry, environmental policy
• Training Opportunities: Attend national and international workshops, seminars, and specialized forestry training programs

The career offers leadership roles in forest management, wildlife conservation, and environmental governance, along with opportunities to contribute to sustainable development initiatives.

Salary and Benefits

Forest Service officers receive a competitive government salary with additional allowances:

Component	Approx. Range
Basic Pay	₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level 10–12, as per 7th CPC)
Dearness Allowance	As per government norms
Travel & HRA	Varies by posting location
Other Benefits	Pension, medical facilities, leave travel concession, professional development allowances

Additional perks include housing in government-provided quarters, transport facilities, and opportunities for foreign training programs.

Important Preparation Tips

• Make a daily study schedule covering general studies, forestry, and environmental science.
• Regularly revise previous year question papers to understand trends and frequently asked topics.
• Join coaching or online courses if guidance is needed for descriptive writing or environmental law.
• Focus on practical knowledge of forest management, wildlife protection, and biodiversity conservation.
• Stay physically fit, as field postings may require trekking and outdoor inspections.

Conclusion

The Madhya Pradesh State Forest Service recruitment 2026 offers a unique opportunity for passionate candidates to build a meaningful career in forest management, wildlife conservation, and environmental protection. With a clear understanding of eligibility, a structured preparation plan, and awareness of the selection process, aspirants can confidently aim for success. This role not only provides competitive salary and benefits but also allows officers to make a lasting impact on Madhya Pradesh’s natural resources and biodiversity. Proper planning, dedicated study, and practical knowledge are key to securing a position in this prestigious government service.

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