HP Assistant Forest Guard Recruitment 2026: The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has issued a notification regarding the engagement of 500 Assistant Forest Guards in the state. The notification, dated 27 October 2026, outlines the eligibility criteria, educational qualifications, age limit, physical standards, physical efficiency test, written examination, and other terms and conditions for engagement.
According to the notification, the engagement will be made for a tentative period of five years on a fixed monthly remuneration. The recruitment process will provide opportunities through open competition as well as for eligible Van Mitras already engaged in the department.
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Join WhatsApp ChannelCandidates interested in the HP Assistant Forest Guard Recruitment 2026 should read the eligibility requirements and selection procedure carefully before applying.
Table of Contents
HP Assistant Forest Guard Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Department | Himachal Pradesh Forest Department |
| Post Name | Assistant Forest Guard |
| Total Posts | 500 |
| Notification Date | 27 October 2026 |
| Engagement Period | Five years (tentative) |
| Nature of Engagement | Temporary |
| Recruitment Method | Open Competition and Departmental Van Mitra Quota |
| Open Competition Quota | 50% |
| Van Mitra Quota | 50% |
| Educational Qualification | 10+2 pass |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Maximum Age | 35 years |
| Physical Test | Physical Standard and Efficiency Test (PSET) |
| Written Examination | 100 Marks |
| Training Period | Six months |
| Application Mode | Online or Offline, as specified by the department |
| Application Start Date | To be announced |
| Last Date to Apply | To be announced |
| Official Notification | Assistant Forest Guard Engagement Scheme dated 27 October 2026 |
| Get HP Govt Jobs Updates | Click Here |
HP Assistant Forest Guard Vacancy 2026
The Himachal Pradesh Government has approved the creation of a new cadre of Assistant Forest Guards to strengthen forest protection and management at the grassroots level.
A total of 500 Assistant Forest Guard posts are proposed under the scheme.
The vacancies will be filled through the following two methods:
| Recruitment Method | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Open Competition | 50% |
| Eligible Van Mitras through Competitive Examination | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
The engagement process will be conducted at the Forest Circle level. Applicants must apply for the Forest Circle in which they are permanent residents. Their candidature will be considered only for their own circle.
The final category-wise vacancy distribution and reservation details will be provided through the relevant recruitment advertisement.
HP Assistant Forest Guard Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must fulfil the general, educational, age, and physical eligibility requirements specified in the notification.
1. General Eligibility
According to the notification, candidates must fulfil the following conditions:
- The candidate must be a Bonafide Himachali.
- The candidate must be a permanent resident of the concerned Forest Circle.
- The candidate must be physically fit and of sound mind.
- The candidate must never have been involved in an act of criminal nature.
- Knowledge of the customs, manners, and dialects of Himachal Pradesh is desirable.
2. Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed the 10+2 examination from a recognised Board or University.
Candidates should ensure that they possess the required educational qualification before applying.
3. Age Limit
The age criteria specified in the notification are as follows:
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Maximum Age | 35 years |
| SC/ST/OBC Candidates | Age relaxation as per applicable Government instructions |
The exact age-calculation date should be checked in the detailed recruitment advertisement.
HP Assistant Forest Guard Physical Standards 2026
Candidates shortlisted after scrutiny of their applications and documents will be required to undergo the Physical Standard and Efficiency Test (PSET).
The physical standards mentioned in the notification are given below.
Physical Standards for Male Candidates
| Physical Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Minimum Height | 165 cm |
| Minimum Chest Measurement | 79 cm |
| Minimum Chest Expansion | 5 cm |
Physical Standards for Female Candidates
| Physical Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Minimum Height | 150 cm |
| Minimum Chest Measurement | 74 cm |
| Minimum Chest Expansion | 5 cm |
Relaxation for Scheduled Tribe Candidates
The notification provides relaxation in physical standards for Scheduled Tribe candidates:
- Height: Relaxation of up to 5 cm.
- Chest without expansion: Relaxation of up to 4 cm.
Candidates should refer to the applicable recruitment instructions for the implementation of these relaxations.
HP Assistant Forest Guard Physical Efficiency Test (PSET)
The Physical Efficiency Test will be qualifying in nature. Candidates must meet the prescribed requirements to qualify for the next stage.
The physical efficiency requirements mentioned in the notification are as follows.
Physical Efficiency Test for Male Candidates
| Test | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Running | 1.6 km in 6 minutes 15 seconds |
| Beam (Pull-Ups) | 6 repetitions |
| Ditch | 9 feet |
Physical Efficiency Test for Female Candidates
| Test | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Running | 1.6 km in 8 minutes |
| Long Jump | 10 feet |
| Zig-Zag Balance | Required |
During the test, candidates will be provided with chest numbers, which must be worn until the completion of the PSET.
The PSET will be conducted by a committee constituted for the concerned Forest Circle. The department may arrange the test through Military or Para-Military Forces wherever feasible.
Exemption for Van Mitras: Van Mitras who have already qualified the prescribed physical test at the time of their engagement as Van Mitras will be exempted from the PSET under this scheme.
HP Assistant Forest Guard Selection Process 2026
The selection process described in the notification includes the following stages:
- Submission of the application.
- Scrutiny of applications and documents.
- Physical Standard and Efficiency Test (PSET).
- Written examination carrying 100 marks.
- Preparation of the merit list.
- Document verification and completion of engagement formalities.
- Mandatory training after selection.
Candidates must qualify the physical test before proceeding to the written examination.
HP Assistant Forest Guard Salary 2026
The notification states that selected candidates will receive a consolidated fixed monthly remuneration during the first five years of engagement or until regularisation, as applicable under the scheme.
However, the notification does not specify the exact monthly remuneration amount.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Type | Fixed consolidated monthly remuneration |
| Engagement Period | First five years or until regularisation, as applicable |
| Exact Monthly Amount | Not specified in the notification |
| Regular Government Employee Benefits | Not admissible under this scheme |
HP Assistant Forest Guard Training 2026
Selected candidates will have to undergo mandatory training for six months at a designated Forest Training Institute or Academy.
The training programme will follow the course curriculum designed by the Academic Council constituted by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), Himachal Pradesh.
An examination will be conducted at the end of the training period. Candidates must appear in this examination, and those who secure at least 40% marks in the induction training examination will be eligible to continue as Assistant Forest Guards under the scheme.
HP Assistant Forest Guard Job Responsibilities
The notification outlines several responsibilities for Assistant Forest Guards, particularly those assigned to forest beats.
Their duties will include:
- Patrolling forests and helping protect forest resources.
- Preventing illegal felling of trees and forest encroachment.
- Preventing smuggling and wildlife-related offences.
- Supporting forest fire prevention and control activities.
- Carrying out afforestation and nursery management work.
- Supporting soil and water conservation activities.
- Protecting wildlife and assisting in the enforcement of forest-related laws.
- Maintaining forest boundaries, roads, buildings, and other departmental assets as assigned.
- Supporting forest regeneration and plantation activities.
- Assisting in the implementation of government forestry and environmental schemes.
- Performing other duties assigned by authorised departmental officers.
Assistant Forest Guards may also be assigned special duties related to timber depots, forest produce, and other departmental operations.
How to Apply for HP Assistant Forest Guard Recruitment 2026
The applications will be invited at the Forest Circle level through advertisements issued by the concerned authorities.
Depending on the instructions issued by the department, application forms may be submitted online through a designated website or offline through prescribed application forms.
The general application procedure will be as follows:
- Check the recruitment advertisement issued for your Forest Circle.
- Read the eligibility conditions and category-wise vacancy details.
- Confirm that you are a permanent resident of the concerned Forest Circle.
- Complete the application form using the prescribed method.
- Pay the prescribed application fee, if applicable.
- Submit the application along with the required documents.
- Keep a copy of the submitted application for future reference.
- Follow the department’s instructions regarding document scrutiny, the PSET, and the written examination.
Important Dates: HP Assistant Forest Guard Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Scheme Notification Date | 27 October 2026 |
| Application Start Date | To be announced |
| Last Date to Apply | To be announced |
| Physical Test Date | To be announced |
| Written Examination Date | To be announced |
| Result Date | To be announced |
Important Links
| Link Description | Status |
|---|---|
| Assistant Forest Guard Scheme Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Detailed Recruitment Advertisement | Awaited |
| Online Application Link | Not specified in the notification |
| Physical Test Schedule | To be announced |
| Written Examination Syllabus | To be announced |
| Result and Merit List | To be announced |
HP Assistant Forest Guard Recruitment 2026 (FAQs)
1. How many vacancies are announced under the HP Assistant Forest Guard scheme?
The notification provides for the engagement of 500 Assistant Forest Guards in Himachal Pradesh.
2. What is the educational qualification for Assistant Forest Guard Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must have passed the 10+2 examination from a recognised Board or University.
3. What is the age limit for HP Assistant Forest Guard Recruitment 2026?
The prescribed age limit is 18 to 35 years. Age relaxation for SC, ST, and OBC candidates will be provided according to applicable Government instructions.
4. What is the salary of an Assistant Forest Guard in Himachal Pradesh?
The selected candidates will receive a fixed consolidated monthly remuneration. The exact amount is not specified in the supplied notification.
