Exciting news for nature lovers and defense aspirants! The Forest Department of India has announced a massive recruitment drive for the year 2026. With over 15,500 vacancies expected across various states, this is a golden opportunity to work in the lap of nature while serving the environment.
The recruitment includes various positions such as Forest Guard (Van Rakshak), Forester (Vanpal), Wildlife Guard, and Ranger. In this article, we provide complete details on eligibility, physical standards, salary, and state-wise vacancy updates for Van Vibhag Vacancy 2026.
Van Vibhag Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Organization | Forest Department (State/Central) |
| Post Names | Forest Guard, Forester, Wildlife Guard, Ranger |
| Total Vacancies | 15,500+ (Estimated All India) |
| Qualification | 10th / 12th Pass / Graduate |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, PET/PST & Medical |
| Official Website | State-specific Forest Portals |
State-wise Vacancy Updates 2026
1. MP Forest Guard (Van Rakshak) Bharti
The Madhya Pradesh Professional Selection Board (MPESB) has released a notification for 1,679 posts including Van Rakshak and Kshetra Rakshak.
- Online Apply Start: February 28, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: April 30, 2026 (Extended)
- Qualification: 10th Pass from a recognized board.
2. Bihar Forest Guard (Vanrakshak) Bharti
Bihar is expected to release a notification for approximately 2,052 posts of Forest Guard and Forester under CSBC.
- Expected Date: May – June 2026
- Qualification: 12th (Intermediate) Pass.
3. Odisha Forest Guard (OSSSC)
Odisha has active vacancies for 943 posts of Forest Guard and Forester.
- Exam Date: Starting from April 16, 2026.
- Salary: ₹19,900 (Level 4).
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for Forest Department jobs, you must meet these general requirements:
- Educational Qualification: * Forest Guard/Wildlife Guard: Minimum Class 10th or 12th pass.
- Forester/Ranger: Generally requires a Graduate degree in Science or Agriculture.
- Physical Fitness: Since the job involves patrolling in forests, candidates must be physically strong and have good stamina.
Age Limit (As of 2026)
- Minimum Age: 18 Years.
- Maximum Age: 23 to 33 Years (varies by state).
- Note: Age relaxation is provided for SC/ST (5 years) and OBC (3 years) as per government rules.
Physical Standard Test (PST) & PET
| Activity/Standard | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
| Height | 163 – 170 cm | 150 – 158 cm |
| Chest | 79 – 84 cm | N/A |
| Walking/Running | 25 km in 4 hours | 14 km in 4 hours |
Salary and Benefits
Van Vibhag employees enjoy a stable salary with additional field allowances:
- Forest Guard: ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 (Level 2/4).
- Forester: ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 (Level 5/7).
- Perks: Government quarters in forest colonies, Uniform allowance, and specialized field risk allowances.
How to Apply for Van Vibhag Vacancy 2026
Follow these steps to apply through your respective state’s official portal:
- Visit the official Forest Department or State Selection Board website (e.g., esb.mp.gov.in for MP or csbc.bihar.gov.in for Bihar).
- Look for the “Recruitment” or “Latest Advertisements” tab.
- Register yourself and fill out the online application form.
- Upload required documents (Photo, Signature, 10th/12th Marksheet).
- Pay the application fee (₹100 to ₹500 depending on the state and category).
- Submit and download the confirmation page.
Conclusion
The Van Vibhag Recruitment 2026 is a perfect career choice for those who love the outdoors and want a secure government job. With massive vacancies in states like MP and Bihar, the competition will be high. Start your physical training (especially walking/running) along with your written exam preparation. For the latest notification PDFs and district-wise details, keep visiting our blog autosc.in.