The Assam Forest Department has officially announced the Forest Department Recruitment 2026, inviting applications from eligible candidates for various posts under the Forest Department and Assam Police Forest Force (AFPF). This recruitment is a great opportunity for Assam residents to serve in forest conservation, wildlife protection, and emergency services.
The online application window is open from 22nd January 2026 to 22nd February 2026, and the application process is completely free.
1. Available Vacancies
The department has announced vacancies for several posts, along with their grade pay and category-wise distribution:
| 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
- Applicants must be Indian citizens and permanent residents of Assam.
- Proof of residence is mandatory for selected candidates (SC/ST/OBC/MOBC candidates may have exemptions).
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 |
Age Relaxation:
- 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; higher qualifications, 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
- Candidates must be free from deformities or medical conditions that can hinder performance.
- 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.
- Fill in 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)
Make sure all documents meet the specified format and size requirements, as incomplete uploads may lead to disqualification.
5. Selection Process
Stages of Selection
The selection process varies by post and includes:
- 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 work 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 post preferences 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: Through PET, Medical, PST, Written Test, Oral/Viva, and Swimming & Boating Test.
Q7: What if my documents are incomplete?
A: Missing or incorrect documents will result in disqualification with no chance of resubmission.
7. Conclusion
The Forest Department Recruitment 2026 is a golden opportunity for Assam residents to build a career in forest management, wildlife protection, and emergency services. Candidates should carefully review eligibility, ensure all documents are correct, and prepare thoroughly for physical and written exams to maximize 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 details and documents; misrepresentation may lead to disqualification.
- The recruitment process will follow SLPRB rules strictly.
