A&N Administration Recruitment 2026: 348 Mazdoor & Group C Posts

The Office of the Divisional Forest Officer, South Andaman (Nodal Officer, South Andaman District) under the Department of Environment & Forests, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, has released a comprehensive recruitment notification for 348 Group ‘C’ Industrial and Non-Ministerial posts. This is an excellent opportunity for eligible Indian citizens looking for government jobs in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The recruitment drive includes various positions such as Mazdoor, Raftman, Grader, Asst. Sawyer, Beltman, Oiler, Timber Recorder, Tallyman, and Grinder.

Interested candidates can apply online through the official website https://erecruitment.andamannicobar.gov.in. The application window opens on March 16, 2026, and the crucial last date for online application submission and fee payment is April 29, 2026. Candidates are advised to review the detailed eligibility criteria, selection process, and application instructions carefully before applying.

Quick Overview

Vacancy Details

The recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 348 Group ‘C’ vacancies across various divisions. The breakdown of posts is as follows:

Mazdoor Vacancies (Total: 296)

Other Group ‘C’ Non-Ministerial Posts (Total: 52)

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following eligibility conditions as of the closing date of application (29/04/2026) to be considered for these posts:

Nationality

• Applicant must be an Indian Citizen.

Age Limit (as on 29/04/2026)

Age Relaxation

The age will be determined based on the Date of Birth provided in the 10th Pass Certificate or Birth Certificate only.

Educational Qualification & Other Qualifications

For Mazdoor, Raftman, Grader, Asst. Sawyer:

• Essential: Secondary School Examination (10th Std.) Passed from a recognized Board/Institution.
• Additional for Mazdoor, Grader, Asst. Sawyer: Should qualify in the trade test, must have good physique.
• Additional for Raftman: Must know Swimming/diving, should qualify in the trade test, must have good physique.
• Desirable: Knowledge of Hindi.

For Beltman, Oiler, Timber Recorder, Tallyman, Grinder:

• Essential: Secondary School Examination (10th Std.) Passed from a recognized Board/Institution OR ITI Certificate in the concerned trade from a recognized Industrial Training Institute.
• Additional: Should qualify in the trade test, must have good physique.
• Desirable: Knowledge of Hindi.

Application Fee

• Fee can be paid online through BHIM UPI, Net-Banking, Visa, Master Card, Maestro, RuPay Credit or Debit Card.
• The last date for online fee payment is 29/04/2026 (2359 Hrs).
• Applications received without the prescribed fee will be summarily rejected.
• Fee once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.

Important Dates

Selection Process

The selection process for these posts involves a multi-stage evaluation designed to assess candidates’ physical fitness, trade skills, and general suitability.

1. Physical Test (Three Levels)

   Candidates must furnish an undertaking of physical and mental fitness. Failing any test will lead to disqualification.

   • Level-I Test: Running Test (Shortlisting)
     • Male candidates: Complete 10 kms.
     • Female candidates: Complete 08 kms.
     • Candidates will be shortlisted at 15 times the number of vacancies based on this test.
   • Level-II Test: Long Jump (Qualifying)
     • This test is qualifying in nature and must be cleared within three attempts.

     Category	Male Candidates	Female Candidates
     General & OBC	12 feet	9 feet
     ST	9 feet	7 feet

   • Level-III Test: Weight Carrying Test (Final Selection)
     • Male candidates: Carry 30 kgs weight over a distance of 500 meters.
     • Female candidates: Carry 20 kgs weight over a distance of 500 meters.
     • A merit list for final selection will be prepared based on performance in this test, along with a waitlist (maximum 10% of notified vacancies).

2. Trade Test (For Group ‘C’ Non-Ministerial Posts)

   For posts like Raftman, Grader, Asst. Sawyer, Beltman, Oiler, Timber Recorder, Tallyman, and Grinder, a Grade-Specific Trade Test will be conducted by DCF, Mill Division, Chatham at a later stage, based on the Physical Test merit list and applicant preferences.

3. Document Verification (DV)

   Successful candidates from the Physical Test will be called for document verification. Original certificates and self-attested copies of all mandatory documents must be produced.

4. Character and Antecedents Verification

   Verification of character and background will be conducted for selected candidates.

5. Medical Examination

   Candidates will undergo a medical examination by the appropriate authority.

Final selection will be based on merit in the Physical Test, successful document verification, character and antecedents verification, and medical examination.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the A&N Administration Recruitment 2026:

1. Visit the official recruitment portal: https://erecruitment.andamannicobar.gov.in.
2. Click on the relevant recruitment notification for Mazdoor and other Group ‘C’ posts.
3. Register yourself by providing all mandatory details.
4. Fill out the online application form carefully with accurate information.
5. Upload a recent passport-size photograph (JPEG format, 8-bit, 10-50 KB size, 100×200 pixels resolution, light/white background, 80% face visible, no red-eye).
6. If you have registered with a local Employment Exchange, enter your registration number in the specified box.
7. Pay the application fee of ₹100 online (if applicable) through BHIM UPI, Net-Banking, or Credit/Debit Card. Women and ST candidates are exempted from fee payment.
8. Review your application form thoroughly before final submission.
9. After successful submission, download and print a copy of your application form for future reference.

Important Links

Job Profile & Career Scope

The Group ‘C’ industrial and non-ministerial posts in the Department of Environment & Forests, A&N Administration, typically involve field-based work crucial for forest management and related activities. Roles like Mazdoor, Raftman, Timber Recorder, and Grinder are integral to the operational aspects of the department.

• Mazdoor: General labour work, assisting in various forest-related tasks, manual handling of materials.
• Raftman: Involved in timber rafting, requiring swimming and diving skills, crucial for transporting wood through water bodies.
• Grader/Asst. Sawyer/Beltman/Oiler/Tallyman/Grinder: These roles are more specialized, involving specific industrial tasks related to timber processing, machinery operation, measurement, and record-keeping within forest divisions.

Career Scope: These are entry-level Group ‘C’ positions. Employees can expect stable government employment with regular increments. Opportunities for internal promotions and advancements to higher pay levels exist based on performance, experience, and departmental examinations. Working in the Andaman & Nicobar Administration offers a unique environment, combining administrative duties with exposure to diverse ecological settings.

Preparation Tips

To succeed in the A&N Administration Group ‘C’ recruitment, a focused approach to the Physical Test and Trade Test is essential.

Physical Test Preparation

• Running Test: Start a regular running regimen. Gradually increase your distance and speed. Focus on endurance for 10 km (males) and 8 km (females). Include interval training.
• Long Jump: Practice long jump techniques. Focus on approach run, take-off, flight, and landing. Proper form can significantly improve distance.
• Weight Carrying Test: Incorporate strength training exercises, especially for core and lower body. Practice carrying weights (starting with lighter ones) for the specified distance to build stamina and technique.
• Overall Fitness: Maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and ensure adequate rest. Avoid injuries by warming up before any physical activity.

Trade Test Preparation (for specific posts)

• Identify Specific Trade: Understand the exact nature of the trade test for your chosen post (e.g., swimming/diving for Raftman, specific industrial skills for Beltman/Oiler).
• Skill Practice: If possible, practice the required skills. For instance, Raftman candidates should hone their swimming and diving abilities.
• Safety: Always prioritize safety during practice, especially for physically demanding or trade-specific tasks.

General Tips

• Read Notification Thoroughly: Understand all eligibility criteria, required documents, and instructions.
• Application Accuracy: Fill out the online application form with utmost care to avoid any discrepancies that could lead to rejection.
• Document Readiness: Keep all original certificates and self-attested photocopies ready for the document verification stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can candidates from other states apply for these posts?

A: Yes, the notification states that applicants must be Indian Citizens. There is no explicit restriction on candidates from other states, but specific reservation benefits (like for ST/OBC/EWS) might be subject to the domicile rules of A&N Islands as per extant guidelines.

Q2: Is there any negative marking in the Physical Test?

A: The notification does not mention any negative marking for the Physical Test. The tests are primarily for shortlisting and final selection based on performance in specific tasks.

Q3: What documents are required at the time of the Physical Test?

A: Candidates must carry at least one photo-bearing identity proof (Driving License, Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, College/University ID Card, Income Tax PAN) in original and the Admit Card downloaded from the website. A recent, colored passport-size photograph with a light background is also required.

Q4: What if I forget to take a printout of the online application immediately after submission?

A: The website allows applicants to download their filled-in forms later as well. So, you can retrieve and print it at a later time if you miss it initially.

Q5: When will the Admit Cards for the Physical Test be released?

A: The Admit Cards will be made available on the official website https://erecruitment.andamannicobar.gov.in approximately 2 weeks before the Physical Test (Level-I). Dates for the physical test will be published later.

Q6: What happens if I fail any part of the Physical Test?

A: The notification explicitly states that candidates failing any test (Level-I, II, or III) shall not be given a second chance under any circumstances and will be disqualified from the recruitment process.

Q7: Is knowledge of Hindi mandatory?

A: Knowledge of Hindi is listed as ‘Desirable’ for all posts, not ‘Essential’. This means it’s an added advantage but not a mandatory qualification for application.

Q8: What is the probation period for these posts?

A: There will be a probation period of 2 years, which may be extended if performance is not found to be satisfactory by the Competent Authority.

Q9: How will ties in marks be resolved?

A: In case of a tie in aggregate marks, the older candidate (based on Date of Birth) will be given preference. If the tie persists, alphabetical order of the first name will be considered.

Q10: What if there is an issue with my online application or registration?

A: Candidates can contact the administration via email at dfosa.recruitment@gmail.com or by telephone at 03192-255228 (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Mon-Fri) for clarification or to resolve problems related to online application registration.