GPSC ACF & Range Forest Officer 2026: Vacancy, Eligibility, Physical Test & Complete Guide
Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) has released Advt. No. 03/2026-27 for the recruitment of 26 posts of Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) Class-2 and Range Forest Officer (RFO) Class-2 under the Forest and Environment Department, Government of Gujarat. The pay scale ranges from ₹39,900 to ₹1,67,800 under the 7th Pay Commission.
This is an exciting opportunity for science graduates who dream of working in forest conservation. The online application has started on 1 April 2026 and the last date to apply is 15 April 2026. The selection includes a Preliminary Exam, Main Written Exam, Interview, and a mandatory Physical/Walking Test. Read all the details on GovtJobsAlert.in carefully. If you’re looking for government jobs in Gujarat, this is a rare chance.
Key Highlights — GPSC ACF & Forest Ranger Recruitment 2026
Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) conducts this recruitment for the Forest and Environment Department. ACFs and Range Forest Officers are responsible for protecting forest resources, managing wildlife sanctuaries, and implementing conservation policies across Gujarat.
- Post Names: Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) Class-2, Range Forest Officer (RFO) Class-2
- Total Vacancies: 26 Posts (1 ACF + 25 RFO)
- Salary / Pay Scale: ₹39,900 – ₹1,67,800 (Pay Level 7 to Level 9)
- Job Location: Forest areas across Gujarat
- Last Date to Apply: 15 April 2026
How Many Vacancies Are Available in GPSC ACF & Forest Ranger 2026?
| Post Name | Class | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) | Class-2 | 1 |
| Range Forest Officer (RFO) | Class-2 | 25 |
| Total | 26 |
RFO Category-wise: UR — 11, EWS — 2, SC — 6, ST — 3. Women and PwBD reservation as per Gujarat Government rules. 1 post reserved for PwBD (Leprosy Cured / Acid Attack Victim category).
What Is the Eligibility for GPSC ACF & Forest Ranger 2026?
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree with one of the following as a principal subject: Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, or Engineering/Technology.
Special advantage: Candidates with B.Sc. (Forestry) as principal subject will receive an additional 10% bonus marks on the total of Main Exam + Interview marks.
If you hold a graduate qualification in science subjects, this is one of the best forest service opportunities available.
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Maximum Age: 35 years (as on 15 April 2026)
Age Relaxation: SC/ST/EWS male (5 years), Reserved category women (10 years, max 45), Unreserved women (5 years), PwBD (10 years, max 45), Ex-Servicemen (service + 3 years).
Physical Requirements (Mandatory)
- Walking Test: Men — 25 km, Women — 16 km (must be completed within prescribed time)
- Candidates must be free from: knock knee, squint eye, flat feet, varicose veins, colour blindness, and other conditions
- Medical fitness certificate required from authorized medical board
What Is the Salary for GPSC ACF & Forest Ranger 2026?
The pay follows the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix for Gujarat state government employees.
- ACF Class-2: Pay Level 9 — ₹53,100 – ₹1,67,800
- RFO Class-2: Pay Level 7 — ₹39,900 – ₹1,26,600
- Dearness Allowance (DA): As per current state government rate
- HRA: Based on posting location classification
With all allowances, the approximate in-hand salary for ACF ranges from ₹65,000 to ₹85,000 per month and for RFO from ₹50,000 to ₹70,000 per month.
Forest officers also receive additional field allowances, risk allowances, and benefits like NPS, medical reimbursement, and LTC.
What Is the Selection Process for GPSC ACF & Forest Ranger 2026?
The selection involves four stages.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Screening)
- Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper-1 | General Studies – I & II | 200 + 200 |
| Total | 400 |
- Duration: 3 hours per paper
- This is a screening test only — marks not counted in final merit
- Approximately 15 times the vacancies will qualify for Main Exam
Stage 2: Main Written Examination (Descriptive)
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper-1 | Gujarati Language | 150 |
| Paper-2 | English Language | 150 |
| Paper-3 | General Studies – I | 150 |
| Paper-4 | General Studies – II | 150 |
| Paper-5 | General Studies – III | 150 |
| Total | 750 |
Stage 3: Interview / Personality Test
- Marks: 100
- Final merit based on Main Exam (750) + Interview (100) = 850 marks
Stage 4: Physical / Walking Test & Medical Examination
All provisionally selected candidates must clear the walking test and medical examination.
Check the GPSC syllabus details on GovtJobsAlert.in for preparation tips.
How to Apply Online for GPSC ACF & Forest Ranger Recruitment 2026?
Before applying, keep your photograph (JPG, max 10 KB), signature (JPG, max 10 KB), and degree certificates ready.
- Visit the GPSC OJAS portal at gpsc-ojas.gujarat.gov.in (direct link in Essential Links below)
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR) if not already done, or log in with existing credentials
- Fill in all required details — personal, communication, educational qualifications, and language proficiency
- Upload your photograph and signature in the prescribed format
- Pay the application fee of ₹100 through the online payment gateway
- Confirm your application, note down your Application Number and Confirmation Number, and take a printout
Important Dates — GPSC ACF & Forest Ranger Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 1 April 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 1 April 2026 (1:00 PM) |
| Last Date to Apply | 15 April 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Preliminary Exam Date | To be announced |
| Main Exam Date | To be announced |
Application Fees — GPSC ACF & Forest Ranger Recruitment 2026
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / UR / OBC | ₹100 + processing charges |
| SC / ST / EWS / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen | Exempted |
Payment mode: Online — Net Banking, Card Payment, or UPI.
Essential Links — GPSC ACF & Forest Ranger Recruitment 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online for GPSC ACF & RFO 2026
- Visit GPSC Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram for Gujarat Govt Jobs
If you love nature and dream of protecting India’s forests, this is your calling. With 26 posts and a salary up to ₹1,67,800, the GPSC ACF & Forest Ranger exam is a wonderful opportunity. The last date to apply is 15 April 2026 — start your preparation today. Keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in for more Gujarat government job updates.