MP State Forest Service Exam 2026 Notification Details
MP State Forest Service Exam 2026: The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) has officially released the recruitment notification (Advt. No. 30/2025) for the State Forest Service Examination 2026. This is a golden opportunity for Science, Engineering, and Technology graduates to secure a prestigious Class-II Gazetted Officer position in the MP Forest Department. The commission is inviting online applications for 36 posts of Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) and Forest Ranger. The selection process is rigorous, involving a Preliminary Exam (scheduled for 26 April 2026), a Mains Exam, and an Interview. Candidates looking for a challenging career in environmental conservation with a lucrative government salary must apply before the deadline.
Key Highlights about Recruiting Organisation & Recruitment Notification
The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) is the state’s premier recruiting body responsible for selecting officers for civil and forest services. The State Forest Service Exam is highly competitive and selects the finest minds for the management of Madhya Pradesh’s rich biodiversity. This year, the recruitment focuses on filling 36 vacancies across two executive profiles.
- Recruiting Body: Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC)
- Exam Name: State Forest Service Exam 2026
- Post Names: Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) & Forest Ranger
- Total Vacancies: 36
- Job Location: Madhya Pradesh
- Application Mode: Online
- Salary: ACF (Level 12) & Forest Ranger (Grade Pay ₹3600)
- Last Date to Apply: 09 February 2026
Vacancy Breakdown
The MPPSC has announced a total of 36 vacancies, distributed between the two posts. The detailed category-wise and post-wise breakdown is as follows:
| Post Name | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) | 06 |
| Forest Ranger | 30 |
| Total | 36 |
(Note: The vacancy count is subject to change. The above figures include posts under the Main Part (87%) and Provisional Part (13%) as per current reservation rules.)
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must strictly meet the specific educational and physical eligibility criteria defined by MPPSC.
Educational Qualification
- Degree Requirement: Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Engineering, or Technology from a recognized university.
- Subject Stream: Unlike the State Service Exam, this exam is restricted to candidates with a background in Science/Tech disciplines (e.g., Agriculture, Forestry, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, etc.).
Age Limit (as on 01.01.2026)
- Assistant Conservator of Forest: Minimum 21 Years – Maximum 40 Years.
- Forest Ranger: Minimum 21 Years – Maximum 33 Years.
- Relaxation: Upper age limit relaxation is available for SC/ST/OBC/Women/Govt Employees as per MP Govt norms (e.g., 5 years relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/Women of MP domicile).
Physical Standards
Since this is a uniformed service, candidates must qualify the following physical standards:
- Height:
- Male: 163 cm (ST: 152 cm)
- Female: 150 cm (ST: 145 cm)
- Chest Girth:
- Male: 79 cm (Min 5 cm expansion)
- Female: 74 cm (Min 5 cm expansion)
- Walking Test (Endurance Test):
- Male: 25 km in 4 hours
- Female: 14 km (ACF) / 16 km (Ranger) in 4 hours
Salary and Benefits
The MP State Forest Service offers a highly attractive salary structure aligned with the 7th Pay Commission.
- Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF): A Class-II Gazetted Post.
- Pay Scale: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level 12).
- Perks: Official vehicle, government accommodation, and high social status.
- Forest Ranger: A Permanent Executive Post.
- Pay Scale: ₹9,300 – ₹34,800 + Grade Pay ₹3,600.
- Benefits: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Medical benefits, and Pension under NPS.
Selection Process Explained
The selection process is designed to test mental aptitude and physical endurance.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
- Date: 26 April 2026.
- Format: Objective Type (OMR Based).
- Merit Calculation: For the Forest Service, the merit list for Mains is prepared based on the Total Marks of Paper I (General Studies) AND Paper II (General Aptitude). Both papers are counted, unlike the Civil Services exam.
Stage 2: Main Examination
- Format: Online/OMR based Objective Test.
- Sections: Part A (MP GK, Politics, Economy) and Part B (Forestry & General Science).
- Marking: Negative marking is applicable.
Stage 3: Interview
- Candidates who qualify the Mains will face a Personality Test/Interview.
Stage 4: Physical & Medical Test
- Mandatory qualification of the 25km/14km/16km walking test and medical fitness standards.
How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit Official Portal: Navigate to the MPOnline MPPSC portal (link below).
- Select Exam: Click on “State Forest Service Exam 2026” under the Active Applications tab.
- Registration: Enter your basic details. Ensure your name and Date of Birth match your 10th Class Marksheet exactly.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your Photograph and Signature in the prescribed JPG format.
- Payment: Pay the application fee using Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or via an authorized MPOnline Kiosk.
- Print Application: After a successful transaction, ensure “Payment Done” is visible on the receipt and print the application form for future reference.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 31 December 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 10 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 09 February 2026 |
| Correction Window Dates | 15 Jan 2026 – 11 Feb 2026 |
| Admit Card Availability | 16 April 2026 |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 26 April 2026 |
Application Fees
The application fee varies by category and domicile status (Refer Appendix-3 of Notification):
| Category | Fee Details |
|---|---|
| MP Domicile SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD | ₹250/- (Approx – Verify in Notification) |
| Unreserved / All Other States | ₹500/- (Approx – Verify in Notification) |
| Portal Charges | ₹40/- (Additional) |
Essential Links
| Link Name | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Download Notification PDF |
| Online Application Link | Apply Online Here |
| Official Website Link | Visit MPPSC Website |
| Whatsapp Channel for Government Jobs | Join WhatsApp Channel |
| Telegram Channel for Government Jobs | Join Telegram Channel |
State Government Telegram Channels:
- Madhya Pradesh Government Jobs – Join MP Govt Jobs Channel
The MP State Forest Service Exam 2026 is a gateway to a prestigious career in nature conservation and public service. With 36 vacancies for Assistant Conservator of Forest and Forest Ranger, eligible science graduates should not miss this opportunity. Ensure you meet the physical standards and submit your online application before 09 February 2026. Start your preparation now for the Prelims on 26 April!