The Assam Forest Department has announced the Forest Department Recruitment 2026, inviting eligible candidates to apply for multiple posts under the Forest Department and Assam Police Forest Force (AFPF). This recruitment is an excellent opportunity for Assam residents to work in forest protection, wildlife conservation, and emergency response services.
The online application period is open from 22nd January 2026 to 22nd February 2026, and the application process is completely free.
1. Vacancies
The department is recruiting for several posts, with details on grade pay and category-wise distribution as follows:
| Post | Grade Pay | Total Vacancies | Category-wise Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forester Grade-I | ₹6,400 | 211 | Unreserved: 125, OBC/MOBC: 49, Tea Tribes & Adivasi: 2, SC: 13, ST(P): 17, ST(H): 5 |
| Forest Guard | ₹5,600 | 504 | Unreserved: 276, OBC/MOBC: 109, Tea Tribes & Adivasi: 3, SC: 16, ST(P): 98, ST(H): 2 |
| Game Watcher | ₹5,600 | 74 | Unreserved: 39, OBC/MOBC: 14, SC: 7, ST(P): 9, ST(H): 5 |
| AFPF Constable | ₹5,600 | 405 | Unreserved: 129, OBC/MOBC: 167, Tea Tribes & Adivasi: 5, SC: 24, ST(P): 67, ST(H): 13 |
Note: Age relaxation and special provisions for ex-servicemen will follow The Assam Ex-servicemen (Reservation of Posts in State Services) Rules, 2021.
2. Eligibility Criteria
Citizenship
- Must be an Indian citizen and permanent resident of Assam.
- Selected candidates will need to provide proof of residence (exemptions for SC, ST, OBC/MOBC apply).
Age Limit (as on 01-01-2026)
| Post | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Forester Grade-I, Forest Guard, Game Watcher, Constable (Grade-III), Bandman, Bugler | 18–40 years |
| AFPF Constable, Constable (WO/WT, UB), Fireman, Emergency Rescuer | 18–25 years |
| Sub-Officer | 20–24 years |
Relaxation in Age:
- SC/ST: +5 years
- OBC/MOBC: +3 years
- Ex-servicemen: +2 years
- Trained Home Guards (for APRO posts): +3 years
Educational Qualifications
| Post | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Forester Grade-I | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline |
| Forest Guard, Game Watcher, Constable (UB) | HS (10+2) or equivalent |
| AFPF Constable, Constable (Grade-III), Bandman, Bugler | HSLC or equivalent |
| Fireman, Emergency Rescuer | HS (Science) |
| Sub-Officer, Constable (WO/WT) | HS (Science) with PCM |
| Boatman | HSLC + Swimming proficiency; additional skills like sports, martial arts, or lifeguard training are advantageous |
3. Physical & Medical Standards
Height & Chest Requirements
| Post | Male Height | Female Height | Chest (Male only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forester, Forest Guard, Game Watcher | 163 cm (General), 153 cm (ST) | 150 cm | 79–80 cm normal, +5 cm expansion |
| Other Posts | 162.5–160 cm (as per category) | 152–154 cm (as per category) | — |
Medical Standards
- Must be free from any physical deformities or health issues that can affect duty.
- Vision: 6/6 in one eye, 6/9 in the other
- No color blindness or squint
4. How to Apply
- Register on the official SLPRB Assam portal.
- Complete personal, academic, and post-preference details accurately.
- Upload mandatory documents in JPEG/JPG/PNG format:
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Age proof (HSLC certificate)
- Educational certificates (as per post)
- Home Guard/NCC certificate (if applicable)
- Employment Exchange registration
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Swimming certificate (for Boatman)
Ensure all documents comply with the required size and format, as incomplete uploads may lead to disqualification.
5. Selection Process
Stages
Depending on the post, candidates will be selected through:
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Medical Examination
- Physical Standard Test (PST)
- Written Test
- Walking Test (Forester, Forest Guard, Game Watcher)
- Oral/Viva Voce
- Trade Proficiency Test (Bandman, Bugler)
- Swimming & Boating Test (Boatman)
Written Test Syllabus
- Forester Grade-I: Logical Reasoning, English, History & Culture of Assam & India, General Knowledge
- Other Posts: Arithmetic, English, Logical Reasoning, Assam History, Geography, Polity, Economy, General Knowledge, and Current Affairs
Exams will be conducted in Assamese, Bodo, Bengali, or English.
Merit Calculation
Final selection is based on:
- PET: 40 marks
- Written Test: 50–100 marks (depending on post)
- NCC: up to 5 marks
- Oral/Viva: 5 marks
- Boating/Trade Test: 10 marks (if applicable)
6. FAQs
Q1: Is there an application fee?
A: No, the application is completely free.
Q2: Can candidates from outside Assam apply?
A: No, only permanent residents of Assam are eligible.
Q3: Is prior experience required?
A: Not mandatory, except for posts like Home Guard (APRO).
Q4: Can I apply for multiple posts?
A: Yes, you can select multiple posts during registration.
Q5: Are there age relaxations?
A: Yes, for SC/ST, OBC/MOBC, ex-servicemen, and trained Home Guards.
Q6: How is the Boatman post selected?
A: Selection includes PET, Medical, PST, Written Test, Oral/Viva, and Swimming & Boating Test.
Q7: What happens if my documents are incomplete?
A: Missing or incorrect documents will lead to disqualification with no chance of resubmission.
7. Conclusion
The Forest Department Recruitment 2026 is a unique opportunity for Assam residents to serve in forest management, wildlife protection, and emergency services. Candidates should carefully check eligibility, ensure all documents are complete, and prepare thoroughly for both physical and written exams to increase their chances of selection.
8. Disclaimer
- All information is based on the official SLPRB notification dated 16-01-2026.
- Vacancy numbers may change due to administrative reasons.
- SLPRB reserves the right to modify, cancel, or change the recruitment process at any stage.
- Candidates must provide accurate documents and information, as misrepresentation may lead to disqualification.
- Recruitment will be conducted strictly according to SLPRB rules.
