Forest Guard
વનરક્ષક (ફોરેસ્ટ ગાર્ડ)
- Qualification
- Passed 12th (HSC) with Science stream preferred in some cycles
- Age
- 18–33 yrs
- Vacancies
- Varies per notification — typically 300–800 posts
- Fixed Pay
- ₹19,950/month
1 Overview
Forest Guard (વનરક્ષક) is a Class III post under the Gujarat Forest Department, recruited through GSSSB. Forest Guards are responsible for protecting reserved and protected forest areas, wildlife monitoring, anti-poaching patrols, and assisting in afforestation programs.
The role demands both academic knowledge (general studies, environment) and physical fitness, since day-to-day duties involve patrolling forest terrain. Selection includes a written test followed by a Physical Efficiency Test for shortlisted candidates.
2 Eligibility
| Nationality | Citizen of India |
|---|---|
| Education | Passed 12th (HSC) with Science stream preferred in some cycles; verify subject requirement in the current notification |
| Age limit | 18–33 years |
| Age relaxation | Upper-age relaxation for reserved categories as per Gujarat Govt rules |
| Domicile | Not restricted, though familiarity with local terrain/language is beneficial |
3 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge & Environment | 40 | 40 |
| General Science | 20 | 20 |
| Gujarati Language & Grammar | 20 | 20 |
| General Mathematics & Reasoning | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Negative marking: 0.33 marks deducted per wrong answer
Note: PET (walking/running test over forest-like terrain) is typically qualifying; confirm exact distance/time norms in the latest notification.
4 Syllabus
General Knowledge & Environment
- Forests & wildlife of Gujarat and India
- Environmental conservation & biodiversity
- Current affairs — India & Gujarat
- Government schemes related to forestry
General Science
- Basic physics, chemistry & biology (10+2 level)
- Ecology & environmental science basics
Gujarati Language
- Grammar & vocabulary
- Comprehension passages
Mathematics & Reasoning
- Number system & percentage
- Logical reasoning
- Basic data interpretation
5 How to Apply
- Visit the GSSSB official website (gsssb.gujarat.gov.in) and find the current Forest Guard advertisement
- Register or log in to the GSSSB online application system
- Fill personal, educational and physical-standard details
- Upload photo, signature and required certificates
- Pay the application fee online
- Submit and download the confirmation for the PET round
6 Previous Year Papers
Forest Guard Question Paper 2023
Forest Guard Question Paper 2022
Forest Guard Question Paper 2021
7 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the educational qualification for Forest Guard?
Candidates need to have passed 12th (HSC); some recruitment cycles prefer or require the Science stream, so check the current notification.
Is there a physical test for Forest Guard recruitment?
Yes, shortlisted candidates undergo a Physical Efficiency Test involving walking or running over a set distance within a time limit.
What is the salary of a Forest Guard in Gujarat?
Selected candidates receive a fixed pay of ₹19,950 per month for the first five years, then move to the regular 7th CPC Level-3 scale.
Which department conducts Forest Guard recruitment?
Forest Guard recruitment is conducted by GSSSB on behalf of the Gujarat Forest Department.