Introduction: A Golden Opportunity Awaits in Andhra Pradesh!
Your dream of building a rewarding career while protecting the pristine forests of Andhra Pradesh is here! The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has officially announced the APPSC Forest Section Officer Recruitment 2025, inviting passionate and dedicated individuals to fill 100 prestigious vacancies. This is more than just a job; it’s a chance to serve the state, conserve its natural heritage, and secure a stable future with an attractive salary package ranging from ₹32,670 to ₹1,01,970, along with numerous government benefits and allowances. If you have the zeal and the required qualifications, don’t miss this chance. The application window opens on July 28, 2025, and closes on August 17, 2025. Read on to discover everything you need to know to embark on this incredible journey!
Organization Details: Join the Ranks of APPSC
The APPSC is on the lookout for dynamic candidates to join the A.P. Forest Subordinate Service. This recruitment drive is a significant step towards strengthening the state’s forest department and offers a fantastic platform for growth.
- Hiring Body: Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC)
- Post Name: Forest Section Officer (FSO)
- Service: A.P. Forest Subordinate Service
- Total Posts: 100
- Job Location: Across various districts in Andhra Pradesh
- Application Mode: Online
APPSC FSO Vacancy Breakdown 2025
The commission has announced a total of 100 vacancies, which are a mix of carried forward and fresh posts. This distribution ensures opportunities for a wide range of candidates.
| Vacancy Type | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Carried Forward | 70 |
| Fresh | 30 |
| Total | 100 |
Note: The detailed breakup of vacancies, including district-wise and category-wise distribution, is available in the official notification (Annexure-I).
Eligibility Criteria: Do You Have What It Takes?
Before you apply, it’s crucial to ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements set by the APPSC. Fulfilling these criteria is the first step toward securing your dream job.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in India. The required disciplines are quite diverse, opening doors for graduates from various science and engineering backgrounds.
- Must possess a Bachelor’s degree with one of the following subjects:
- Botany
- Forestry
- Horticulture
- Zoology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Geology
- Agriculture
- OR, a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with one of the following specializations:
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
Age Limit (as on 01/07/2025)
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 30 years
Age Relaxation: The upper age limit is relaxable for reserved categories as per government rules:
- SC, ST, BC, and EWS: 5 Years
- SC/ST Carried Forward (CF) Vacancies: 10 Years
Physical Requirements
A career in the forest service demands physical fitness and endurance. Candidates must meet the following physical standards:
- For Men:
- Height: Not less than 163 cms.
- Chest: Not less than 84 cms round the chest on full inspiration, with a minimum expansion of 5 cms.
- For Women:
- Height: Not less than 150 cms.
- Chest: Not less than 79 cms round the chest on full inspiration, with a minimum expansion of 5 cms.
- Relaxation: A height relaxation of 5 cms is applicable for candidates belonging to Gurkhas, Nepalese, Assamese, NAFA, Naga, Manipur, Gauhati, Kummoni, Sikkimese, Bhutanese, and Scheduled Tribes. For ST candidates, if the reserved quota is not filled, the minimum height standard can be further relaxed to 158 cms.
- Walking Test: Selected candidates must qualify a walking test.
- Male Candidates: 25 Kms to be completed in 4 hours.
- Female Candidates: 16 Kms to be completed in 4 hours.
- Eyesight: Normal eyesight is mandatory.
Important Dates for APPSC FSO Recruitment 2025
Mark your calendars! Missing these deadlines could mean missing out on this opportunity. Stay organized and ensure you complete all formalities within the given timeframe.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 22/07/2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 28/07/2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 17/08/2025 |
| Screening Test Date | 07/09/2025 |
| Main Examination Date | To be announced |
Salary & Benefits: A Rewarding and Secure Career
The role of a Forest Section Officer is not just about the challenges and responsibilities; it’s also about the rewards. The APPSC offers a handsome salary package that ensures financial stability and a high quality of life. The pay scale for the FSO post is ₹32,670 – ₹1,01,970. This basic pay is supplemented by a host of allowances and benefits that significantly increase the in-hand salary.
As a government employee, you will be entitled to:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): To offset the impact of inflation, revised periodically.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Based on your posting location (city classification).
- Travel Allowance (TA): For official travel and duties.
- Medical Benefits: Comprehensive health coverage for you and your dependents.
- Pension Scheme: A secure post-retirement life under the National Pension System (NPS).
- Job Security: The stability that comes with a government job is unparalleled.
- Career Progression: Clear pathways for promotion to higher ranks within the forest department based on performance and seniority.
This attractive remuneration package makes the APPSC FSO role one of the most sought-after government jobs in Andhra Pradesh, promising both professional satisfaction and financial security.
Selection Process: The Path to Becoming a Forest Section Officer
The selection process is a multi-tiered system designed to select the most capable and deserving candidates. It is rigorous and comprehensive, testing various aspects of a candidate’s abilities.
- Screening Test (Preliminary Exam): If the number of applicants is high, a screening test (Objective Type, OMR based) will be conducted to shortlist candidates for the main exam. It will cover General Studies & Mental Ability and General Forestry.
- Main Written Examination: Shortlisted candidates will appear for the Main Examination, which is also an objective-type test. It consists of three papers: General Studies & Mental Ability, Mathematics, and General Forestry, along with a qualifying paper in English & Telugu.
- Physical Tests: Candidates who clear the main exam will be called for physical tests, which include the walking test and a thorough medical examination conducted by a Medical Board.
- Computer Proficiency Test (CPT): Candidates who qualify in the physical tests will undergo a CPT to assess their basic computer skills. This test is qualifying in nature.
- Document Verification: The final step involves the verification of all original documents.
Bonus Marks: NCC certificate holders will be given bonus marks in the final selection:
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate: 5 bonus marks
- NCC ‘B’ Certificate: 3 bonus marks
- NCC ‘A’ Certificate: 1 bonus mark
The final merit list will be prepared based on marks in the Main Examination, bonus marks (if applicable), and qualification in the physical and computer tests.
How to Apply for APPSC FSO Recruitment 2025
The application process is entirely online. Follow these steps carefully to submit your application successfully.
- Step 1: OTPR Registration: If you are a new user, you must first register on the APPSC portal through the One Time Profile Registration (OTPR) system. Fill in your bio-data carefully to generate your OTPR ID.
- Step 2: Login: Visit the official website and log in using your OTPR ID and password.
- Step 3: Fill Application Form: Click on “Online Application Submission” and select the notification for the Forest Section Officer post. Fill in all the required details, such as educational qualifications, choice of examination center, etc.
- Step 4: Pay Application Fee: Proceed to the payment gateway and pay the application fee using Net Banking, Credit Card, or Debit Card.
- Step 5: Submit and Print: After successful payment, submit your application. Download and take a printout of the final application form for your future reference.
Application Fees
- Application Processing Fee: ₹250/-
- Examination Fee: ₹80/-
- Total Fee: ₹330/-
Exemption from Examination Fee (₹80/-): The following categories are exempted from paying the examination fee:
- SC, ST, BC & Ex-Servicemen
- Families holding a household supply white card issued by the A.P. Government.
- Un-employed youth (as per G.O.Ms.No.439).
Note: Candidates from other states are not eligible for fee exemption.
Official Notification & Apply Link
To ensure you have all the accurate information, it is highly recommended to read the official notification thoroughly before applying.
- Download Official Notification PDF: Click Here
- Direct Apply Online Link: Click Here
Official Links
Stay updated with the latest information through these official channels.
- Official Website: psc.ap.gov.in
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