Introduction: HPPSC ACF Recruitment 2025 Overview
The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has announced an exciting recruitment drive for the post of Himachal Pradesh Forest Service (HPFS) (Assistant Conservator of Forests), Group-A (Gazetted). This notification, Advertisement Number 37/5-2025, invites online applications from eligible candidates for a total of 08 vacancies in the Department of Forests, H.P. The application process commenced on May 14, 2025, and the deadline for submitting online applications and fees is June 10, 2025 (11:59 P.M.). This is a significant opportunity for individuals aspiring to build a career in forest conservation and management within the picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh.
Organization Details: About HPPSC and Forest Department, H.P.
- Hiring Body: Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC)
- Department: Department of Forests, H.P.
- Post Name: Himachal Pradesh Forest Service (HPFS) (Assistant Conservator of Forests), Group-A (Gazetted)
- Total Number of Posts: 08
- Job Location: Himachal Pradesh
The HPPSC is the constitutional body responsible for conducting recruitment examinations and selecting candidates for various government services in Himachal Pradesh. The Department of Forests, H.P., plays a crucial role in the conservation, protection, and management of the rich forest resources of the state.
HPPSC Assistant Conservator of Forests Vacancy Breakdown 2025
The 08 vacancies for the Assistant Conservator of Forests are distributed across various categories as follows:
| Category | Number of Posts |
| Unreserved | 02 |
| Scheduled Caste of HP | 01 |
| Scheduled Tribe of HP | 01 |
| OBC of HP (Backlog) | 02 |
| EWS of HP | 01 |
| General Ex-Servicemen of H.P. (Backlog) | 01 |
| Total | 08 |
Note: The number of posts may increase or decrease.
Eligibility Criteria for HPPSC ACF Recruitment 2025
Candidates must carefully review the eligibility criteria regarding educational qualifications, age limit, and physical standards before applying. The eligibility will be determined as of the closing date for submission of Online Recruitment Applications (ORA), which is June 10, 2025.
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in Science or Engineering from any recognized University with at least one of the following subjects:
- Agriculture
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Computer Applications/Science
- Engineering (Agricultural / Chemical / Civil / Computer / Electrical / Electronics / Mechanical)
- Environmental Science
- Forestry
- Geology
- Horticulture
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
- Veterinary Science
- Zoology
- OR Honours Certificate holders of any of the Government run Forest Rangers Colleges, provided they are sponsored by the State.
- Proviso 1: In case of graduates with pure Mathematics or Statistics, they must have taken Science subjects in their 10+2 or equivalent examination.
- Proviso 2: Candidates belonging to the General Category can avail a maximum of 6 chances to appear in the examination. There is no limit on chances for candidates belonging to SCs/STs/OBCs categories.
- Proviso 3: A Government servant holding a substantive/officiating appointment in Himachal Pradesh is eligible if they possess at least a Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized University with at least one of the above-mentioned subjects. The chance limit (6 for General, no limit for SC/ST/OBC) applies, inclusive of chances availed as a direct candidate.
Age Limit (as on 01.01.2025)
- General Category: 35 years and below.
- Government Service Candidates: For candidates already in the service of the Government (including ad-hoc or contract basis), the upper age limit is 42 years.
- Age Relaxation:
- Bonafide SC of H.P. / ST of H.P. / OBC of H.P.: 5 years relaxation in the upper age limit.
- H.P. Govt. employees and Ex-Servicemen of H.P.: Age relaxation as per Government’s instructions.
- Important Note on Date of Birth: Only the date of birth recorded in the Matriculation / Secondary Examination Certificate will be accepted.
Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the following minimum physical standards:
Male Candidates:
- Height: 163 Cms
- Chest: 79 Cms (without expansion), 84 Cms (with expansion)
- Capacity to walk: 25 Kms in 4 Hours
Female Candidates:
- Height: 150 Cms
- Chest: 74 Cms (without expansion), 79 Cms (with expansion)
- Capacity to walk: 16 Kms in 4 Hours
Relaxation in Height Standards for Scheduled Tribes and certain races (Gorkhas, Assamese, Meghalaya, Ladakhis, Sikkimmes, Garhwalis, Kumoanis, Naga, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizo, Lahaul & Spiti):
- Male candidate: 152.0 Cms
- Female candidate: 145.0 Cms
Note: This post is not suitable for persons with benchmark disabilities.
Desirable Qualification
- Knowledge of customs, manners, and dialects of Himachal Pradesh & suitability for appointment in the peculiar conditions prevailing in the Pradesh.
Important Dates for HPPSC ACF Recruitment 2025
Keep track of these crucial dates:
| Event | Date |
| Advertisement Number | 37/5-2025 |
| Notification Date | 14-05-2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 14-05-2025 |
| Closing Date for Application Submission | 10-06-2025 (11:59 P.M.) |
| Closing Date for Fee Payment | 10-06-2025 (11:59 P.M.) |
| Date for Determining Eligibility | 10-06-2025 |
| Age Reckoning Date | 01-01-2025 |
| Preliminary Examination Date | To be Notified |
| Main Examination Date | To be Notified |
Candidates are advised to visit the Commission’s website regularly for updates.
Salary & Benefits: HPPSC Assistant Conservator of Forests Pay Scale
Selected candidates for the post of Himachal Pradesh Forest Service (Assistant Conservator of Forests) will be appointed in the pay scale of Level -18 (Rs. 56100-177500). In addition to the basic pay, appointees will be entitled to allowances and perks as per the rules and regulations of the Himachal Pradesh Government. This includes Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), and other benefits associated with a Group-A Gazetted post.
Selection Process for HPPSC ACF Recruitment 2025
The selection process for the HPFS (Assistant Conservator of Forests) involves multiple stages:
- Preliminary Examination / Screening Test:
- Objective type (Multiple Choice Questions).
- 100 questions, 1 mark each (Total 100 marks).
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Syllabus:
- History, Geography, and Socio-Economic development of Himachal Pradesh (30 Marks).
- Knowledge of current events of national and international importance and such matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspects (30 Marks).
- Modern History (From 1857 onwards) of India, Indian Culture, Indian Polity, Indian Economy, Geography of India, Disaster Management, Environment and Gender issues, and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi (40 Marks).
- Negative Marking: One-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for each wrong answer.
- Marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination will not be counted for the final merit list but are qualifying for the Main Examination.
- The number of candidates admitted to the Main Written Examination will be 20 times the total number of vacancies.
- Main (Written) Examination:
- This will include three compulsory papers and two optional papers.
- Compulsory Papers:
- General Knowledge (100 marks)
- General English (100 marks – Essay 30 marks, Summary/Précis 20 marks, Other 50 marks)
- Hindi (100 marks – Essay 30 marks, Translation 10 marks, Explanation 20 marks, Idioms/Corrections etc. 40 marks)
- Optional Papers: Candidates must choose two optional subjects from the list provided (e.g., Agriculture, Botany, Chemistry, Forestry, etc.). Each optional paper will be of 200 marks. The standard of examination for optional subjects will be that of a Bachelor’s degree.
- All papers (compulsory and optional) will be of three hours duration.
- Candidates must obtain at least 40% marks in each compulsory paper and 45% marks in aggregate in the written examination to qualify. It is also necessary to obtain 40% marks in each optional paper to qualify.
- Candidates who qualify the written examination will be called for the physical standard test. The number of candidates called for the physical test will be five times the number of vacancies.
- Physical Standard Test:
- Candidates qualifying the Main Written Examination will undergo a physical standard test as detailed in the “Eligibility Criteria” section.
- This includes height, chest measurements, and a walking test.
- Interview / Personality Test (100 marks):
- Candidates who qualify the written examination and the physical standard test will be called for an interview/personality test.
- The number of candidates called will be three times the number of vacancies advertised.
- The objective is to assess the candidate’s personal suitability for the service, mental caliber, intellectual qualities, social traits, and interest in current affairs, including knowledge of customs, manners, and dialects of Himachal Pradesh.
- Document Verification:
- Original certificates will have to be produced at the time of the Interview / Personality Test. This includes certificates for age proof (Matriculation), educational qualifications (degree certificates and mark sheets), category certificates (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Ex-Servicemen etc.), Bonafide Himachali Certificate (for reserved categories), and others as applicable.
The final ranking will be determined based on the marks obtained in the Main Examination (written as well as interview/personality test).
How to Apply Online for HPPSC ACF Recruitment 2025
Candidates must apply online through the official website of the HPPSC. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the HPPSC official website.
- One Time Registration (OTR): If not already registered, click on “Apply Online” on the Home Page. Register and create your profile on the “One Time Registration” (OTR) system.
- Login and Apply: After logging into your OTR account, the list of advertisements will be displayed on your dashboard. Select the advertisement for Himachal Pradesh Forest Service (Assistant Conservator of Forests) Examination-2025.
- Fill the Application Form: Carefully fill in all the required details in the Online Recruitment Application (ORA).
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of requisite documents, including photograph and signatures of the prescribed size. This includes:
- Matriculation certificate for age proof.
- Degree certificates along with Mark Sheets of all years/Consolidated Mark Sheet.
- Valid Category certificate(s) (SC, ST, OBC, EWS, Ex-Servicemen, Ward of Ex-Servicemen, WFF etc.) if applicable.
- Bonafide Himachali Certificate (for reserved category candidates).
- Valid EWS/BPL Certificate, if applicable.
- Ex-Servicemen Discharge Certificate/Service Book, if applicable.
- Choose Optional Subjects: Candidates must opt for two optional subjects for the HPFS (ACF) (Mains) Examination-2025 from the list provided.
- Preview and Declaration: Before final submission, preview the uploaded documents and ensure they are legible, readable, and true. Provide an undertaking/declaration confirming this.
- Pay Application Fee: Pay the examination fee online through debit/credit card, UPI, or any other online digital mode. The application is considered submitted only after the fee is acknowledged and credited to the Commission’s account.
- Submit Application: After completing all steps and verifying the information, submit the online application.
- Keep a Printout: It is advisable to keep a printout of the submitted application form for future reference.
Important Points for Applicants:
- Read the detailed instructions available on the Commission’s website carefully before applying.
- Ensure you possess the requisite essential qualifications by the closing date (10-06-2025).
- Mention your e-mail and mobile number correctly for receiving alerts.
- Incomplete applications or applications without the requisite fee or documents will be rejected.
- No changes are allowed in the ORA once submitted, except for category change as per rules.
Application Fees for HPPSC Assistant Conservator of Forests Exam 2025
The category-wise examination fee is as follows:
| Sr. No. | Category | Exam Fee |
| 1 | Male candidates of General, Economic Weaker Section (EWS) (not included in BPL category), Wards of Freedom Fighter (WFF), Wards of General Ex-Servicemen, and General Ex-Servicemen of Himachal Pradesh (relieved on own request before normal tenure). | ₹600.00/- |
| 2 | Candidates of Other States (including reserved category candidates of other states). | ₹600.00/- |
| 3 | Male candidates of SC, ST, OBC, Wards of SC/ST/OBC Freedom Fighter (WFF), Wards of SC/ST/OBC Ex-Servicemen, EWS covered under UR-BPL categories of Himachal Pradesh, and Ex-Servicemen candidates of Himachal Pradesh (SC, ST, OBC categories relieved on own request before normal tenure). | ₹150.00/- |
| 4 | The Ex-Servicemen candidates of Himachal Pradesh who are relieved from the Defence Services after completion of their normal tenure of service under the Government of India. | No Fee |
| 5 | Female Candidates. | No Fee |
Mode of Payment: The fee must be paid online via debit/credit card, UPI, or any other online digital mode. Fee once paid will not be refunded.
Official Notification & Apply Link
- Official Notification PDF: Download Here
- Online Application Link: Apply Online Here
- Official Website: HPPSC Official Website
Stay Connected for Latest Job Alerts
Never miss an update on government job recruitments! Join our channels:
- Whatsapp Channel for Government Jobs Alert: Join Here
- Telegram Channel Link for Government Jobs Alert: Join Here
- Telegram Channel for Himachal Pradesh Government Jobs: Join Here
This recruitment offers a prestigious career path for eligible individuals in the Himachal Pradesh Forest Service. Ensure you meet all criteria and apply before the deadline. Good luck!