AP Forest Department Recruitment 2025: Complete Guide for Forest Section Officer Posts

The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has announced a major recruitment drive for the AP Forest Department Recruitment 2025, offering 100 vacancies for Forest Section Officer positions in the A.P. Forest Subordinate Service. This comprehensive guide provides all essential details for aspiring candidates looking to build their career in forest conservation and management.

Download NotificationApply Link

Overview of AP Forest Department Recruitment 2025

The recruitment process will be conducted entirely in online mode for the post of Forest Section Officer in A.P. Forest Subordinate Service. The positions offer an attractive salary package in the scale of Rs. 32,670 – 1,01,970 and are open to candidates aged between 18-30 years as of July 1, 2025.

Key Highlights

• Total Vacancies: 100 positions (including Meritorious Sportsperson quota)
• Application Mode: Online through APPSC official website
• Age Limit: 18-30 years (as on 01.07.2025)
• Salary Scale: Rs. 32,670 – 1,01,970
• Application Period: July 28, 2025, to August 17, 2025 (until 11:59 PM)

Note: Calculate your exact age eligibility using the age calculator from Sarkari Ease to ensure you meet the requirements.

Vacancy Distribution

Important Notes:

• Detailed vacancy breakup available in Annexure-I
• Carried Forward vacancies will be filled first by relevant community candidates
• MSP and SC Group-wise vacancy details will be provided in an addendum

Special Provisions for Meritorious Sportspersons (MSP)

The recruitment includes special provisions for meritorious sportspersons under a 3% horizontal reservation quota:

MSP Selection Process

1. Notification: Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) will publish notifications in leading state newspapers
2. Selection Method: No written examination required for MSP candidates
3. Merit-based Selection: Based on final approved merit list from State Level Committee (SLC)
4. Integration: APPSC will integrate MSP merit list for horizontal reservation implementation

Application Process and Important Dates

How to Apply

1. Visit the official APPSC website: https://psc.ap.gov.in
2. Complete One Time Profile Registration (OTPR) if applying for the first time
3. Login using registered OTPR number
4. Submit application within the specified window

Critical Dates

OTPR Registration Requirements

• First-time applicants must register through One Time Profile Registration
• User ID will be sent to registered mobile number and email
• Retain mobile number and email for OTP/SMS updates
• Important: OTPR registration is NOT an application for any post

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: OTPR Registration

• Log in to APPSC website with your registered OTPR number
• If first-time applicant, complete OTPR application carefully
• Ensure all particulars are filled correctly
• Use “Modify OTPR” option if changes needed before proceeding

Step 2: Login and Application Submission

• Login with OTPR ID (User Name) and candidate-set password
• Click “Online Application Submission” (bottom right corner)
• Click “Fill Application” button for the desired notification number

Step 3: Fill Application Details

• Verify all pre-populated data from OTPR
• Fill application-specific details:
  • Local/Non-Local status
  • White card details (if applicable)
  • Examination center preferences
  • Qualification details
• Use “Save” to temporarily save due to technical issues
• Use “Save & Submit” to generate payment link

Step 4: Payment Process

• Verify basic details for fee calculation and age relaxation
• Complete payment through payment gateway
• Payment reference ID generated upon successful submission
• SMS alert sent to registered mobile number
• Download filled application PDF for reference

Step 5: Fresh Payment (if needed)

• If payment fails, restart from Step 2
• Complete fresh payment process

Application Fees and Payment Details

Fee Structure

Fee Exemptions

Examination fee exemption (Rs. 80) available for:

• SC, ST, BC & Ex-Servicemen candidates
• Families with household supply white card (AP Government)
• Unemployed youth (as per G.O.Ms.No.439)
• Note: Candidates from other states (except Ex-Servicemen) not eligible for exemptions

Payment Methods

• Online Payment Only: Net banking, Credit card, Debit card
• No Refunds: Fee once paid cannot be refunded or adjusted
• No Offline Payment: IPOs/Demand Drafts not accepted
• Correction Fee: Rs. 100 per correction (excluding name, fee, age relaxation changes)

Eligibility Criteria

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must satisfy the following conditions:

1. Health: Sound physical and mental health, free from bodily defects
2. Character: Good character and antecedents suitable for government service
3. Academic Qualifications: Must possess prescribed educational qualifications
4. Citizenship: Must be a citizen of India

Educational Qualifications

Candidates must possess one of the following qualifications as on the notification date:

Acceptable Degree Options

Science Subjects:

• Bachelor’s degree in Botany, Forestry, Horticulture, Zoology
• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics
• Bachelor’s degree in Geology or Agriculture

Engineering Disciplines:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with:
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering

Institution Requirements:

• Degree from any University established under Central Act, State Act, or Provincial Act
• Institution recognized by University Grants Commission
• Equivalent qualification as determined by concerned authorities

Important Notes on Qualifications

• Equivalence Claims: Candidates with equivalent qualifications must submit Government Orders within 10 days of application deadline
• Failure to provide equivalence proof will result in application rejection
• Final decision on equivalence rests with the concerned department

Physical Requirements and Standards

Height and Chest Measurements

Male Candidates

• Minimum Height: 163 cm
• Chest (full inspiration): Not less than 84 cm
• Chest Expansion: Minimum 5 cm

Female Candidates

• Minimum Height: 150 cm
• Chest (full inspiration): Not less than 79 cm
• Chest Expansion: Minimum 5 cm

Height Relaxations

5 cm relaxation available for:

• Gurkhas, Nepalese, Assamese
• NAFA, Naga, Manipur, Gauhati
• Kummoni, Sikkimese, Bhutanese
• Scheduled Tribes

Special provision for Scheduled Tribes:

• When reserved quota cannot be filled with standard requirements
• Minimum height: 158 cm
• Minimum chest: 78.8 cm (full inspiration)
• Minimum expansion: 5 cm

Vision Requirements

• Normal eyesight required apart from other physical standards
• Specific vision standards as prescribed by medical authorities

Selection Process and Examination Pattern

Screening Test Provisions

• Screening Test required if applicants exceed 200 times the number of vacancies
• Test Format: Objective type, Offline (OMR based)
• Date: September 7, 2025 (Afternoon session)
• Shortlisting ratio determined by Commission guidelines
• Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer

Main Examination

• Format: Objective type, Offline (OMR based)
• Dates: To be announced separately
• Based on merit from screening test (if conducted)
• Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer

Examination Centers

• Choice Options: Three center preferences allowed
• Final Allotment: Commission reserves right to allot any center based on availability
• Center availability depends on resources and logistics

Answer Sheet Guidelines

OMR Answer Sheet Requirements:

• Correctly bubble the Booklet Series
• Avoid tampering with whitener, eraser, blade, chalk powder
• Do not tamper with barcode
• Invalid Answer Sheets: Incorrectly bubbled or tampered sheets will be rejected
• No Reconsideration: Rejected/invalidated answer sheets cannot be reconsidered

Physical Tests and Medical Examination

Walking Test Requirements

This is a qualifying test (no marks awarded):

Male Candidates

• Distance: 25 km
• Time Limit: 4 hours

Female Candidates

• Distance: 16 km
• Time Limit: 4 hours

Selection Ratio for Physical Tests

• Candidates shortlisted at 1:2 ratio for physical tests
• Conducted by competent institutions with APPSC official presence

Medical Examination

Mandatory Requirements:

• Medical examination by Medical Board at Rajamahendravaram
• Health certificate in prescribed format (Article 49 of Civil Service Regulation)
• Certificate must confirm:
  • Sound hearing
  • General physical fitness for outdoor forest work
  • Successful vaccination marks

NCC Bonus Marks

Additional marks awarded to NCC certificate holders:

Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)

• Mandatory requirement for final selection
• Based on G.O.Ms.No.26, G.A. (Ser-B) Dept., dated February 24, 2023
• Conducted for candidates who qualify:
  • Main written examination
  • Walking test
  • Medical examination

Final Selection Process

The final merit list will be prepared considering:

1. Written Examination Marks: Primary selection criteria
2. Physical Test Qualification: Walking test and medical examination
3. Computer Proficiency Test: Mandatory qualification
4. NCC Bonus Marks: Where applicable
5. Roster Points: As per reservation guidelines

Reservation Policy and Community Certificates

Caste and Community Requirements

Required Certificates:

• SC/ST/EWS: Certificate from Revenue Authorities (Tahsildar rank or above)
• Backward Classes: Non-Creamy Layer Certificate from Revenue Authorities
• Community certificates must be submitted at all selection stages
• No subsequent changes in community claims allowed

Important Community Guidelines

• SC Reservation: Only Hindu candidates eligible (except Buddhist converts)
• Other State Candidates: BCs, SCs, STs, EWS from other states not entitled to reservation
• Community List: Refer to Schedule-I of rules (Annexure-IV)

Ex-Servicemen Reservations

• 2% Horizontal Reservation available
• Gender Distribution: 1% for women ex-servicemen, remaining 1% for men
• Eligibility: Armed Forces personnel can apply one year before retirement
• Lapse Provision: Unfilled ex-servicemen posts will lapse if no eligible candidates

Districts and Divisions for Local Candidates

Age Limits and Relaxations

Basic Age Requirements

• Minimum Age: 18 years
• Maximum Age: 30 years
• Calculation Date: As on July 1, 2025

Age Relaxations

Important Notes:

• SC/ST candidates using 10 years relaxation cannot apply for fresh SC/ST vacancies
• Age concessions from A.P. State Service Rules not applicable for Class-A posts
• Defense Services age concession not applicable for Forest Department posts

Important Guidelines for Candidates

For SC Category Applicants

• SC Sub-classification applicable
• Must specify group clearly:
  • SC (Group-I)
  • SC (Group-II)
  • SC (Group-III)

Document Preparation

1. Physical Measurement Certificate: From Medical Officer (Civil Assistant Surgeon rank or above)
2. Educational Certificates: Original qualification documents
3. Equivalence Documents: If claiming equivalent qualifications
4. NCC Certificates: For bonus marks eligibility
5. Community Certificates: For reservation benefits

Communication Updates

• Maintain registered mobile number and email ID
• All official communications sent via SMS/OTP
• Regular updates available on APPSC official website

Career Prospects and Benefits

Salary and Perks

• Pay Scale: Rs. 32,670 – 1,01,970
• Service Type: A.P. Forest Subordinate Service
• Job Security: Government employment with pension benefits
• Career Growth: Promotion opportunities within forest department hierarchy

Job Responsibilities

Forest Section Officers typically handle:

• Forest conservation and protection activities
• Wildlife management and biodiversity conservation
• Implementation of forest policies and programs
• Field supervision and administrative duties
• Community engagement in forest conservation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the application fee for AP Forest Department Recruitment 2025?

A: General candidates pay Rs. 330 (Rs. 250 processing + Rs. 80 examination fee). SC/ST/BC/Ex-servicemen and white card holders pay Rs. 250 (examination fee exempted). Unemployed youth also get examination fee exemption.

Q2: Can I apply if I have an equivalent degree not mentioned in the qualification list?

A: Yes, but you must submit Government Orders proving equivalence within 10 days of the application deadline, or your application will be rejected.

Q3: Is there any age relaxation available?

A: Yes. SC/ST/BC/EWS candidates get 5 years relaxation. SC/ST carried forward vacancy candidates get 10 years relaxation. Age calculated as on July 1, 2025.

Q4: What happens if I fail the walking test?

A: The walking test is mandatory and qualifying in nature. Failure to complete it within the prescribed time and distance will disqualify you from further selection process.

Q5: Can I apply without NCC certificate?

A: Yes, NCC certificates only provide bonus marks. They are not mandatory for application, but having them gives you additional advantages.

Q6: What is the validity of the OTPR registration?

A: OTPR is a one-time registration for all APPSC examinations. Once registered, you can use the same credentials for future applications.

Q7: What is the negative marking pattern?

A: Each wrong answer will be penalized with 1/3rd of the marks prescribed for the question, as per G.O. Ms. No.235, Finance (HR-I, Plg & Policy) Department.

Q8: What documents are required during the physical measurement?

A: You’ll need a physical measurement certificate from a Medical Officer not below Civil Assistant Surgeon rank, to be submitted at the appropriate time.

Q9: Can I change my registered mobile number or email after OTPR?

A: Contact APPSC support for procedures to update contact details. It’s crucial to maintain the same number for receiving updates.

Q10: Are candidates from other states eligible for reservations?

A: No. BCs, SCs, STs & EWS belonging to other states are not entitled for reservation benefits. They must pay full fees and compete in general category.

Stay Updated: Visit the official APPSC website regularly for updates, admit cards, results, and additional notifications related to AP Forest Department Recruitment 2025.