Forest Guard (Vanrakshak)

वनरक्षक (फॉरेस्ट गार्ड) · वनरक्षक

Forest guards protect forests and wildlife, patrol and prevent illegal cutting and poaching. The job is outdoors and physically demanding. Each state forest department recruits.

Study

Usually 12th pass (Maharashtra: 12th with science/geography/economics/maths). Check the official notice

Age

Maharashtra about 18-27. Check the official notice

Also

Height and running/walking test; state domicile.

How selection works

  1. Online application
  2. Written test
  3. Physical test
  4. Document verification
  5. Appointment

Pay

State scale; Maharashtra Vanrakshak pay level to verify. Check the official notice ↗

How to apply

State forest department site; Maharashtra: mahaforest.gov.in.

Physical test

Maharashtra: men 5 km run, women 3 km run with time limits; height about 163 cm men, 150 cm women. Other states use long walking tests. Check the official notice ↗

How to prepare

  • Start long-distance running months ahead; build to the full distance in the notification before you work on time.
  • Study forest, wildlife, environment and local geography questions; they appear often.
  • Practise state language grammar and general knowledge from the syllabus.
  • Practise walking/running on uneven ground if your state uses a long walking test.
  • Keep height and chest measured honestly at home; no relaxation is given on the day.

Mistakes people make

  • Leaving physical training until after the written result.
  • Applying without the 12th subject combination the rules ask for.
  • Not checking the state domicile requirement.
  • Ignoring the medical/eyesight standard.
In Maharashtra Maharashtra Forest Department recruits Vanrakshak through mahaforest.gov.in.