HP Assistant Forest Guard Recruitment 2026: The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has issued a notification dated 27 October 2026 regarding the engagement of 500 Assistant Forest Guards across the state. The new scheme aims to strengthen forest protection, wildlife conservation and departmental activities at the grassroots level.
As per the notification, 50% of the posts will be filled through open competition, while the remaining 50% will be allocated to eligible Van Mitras through a competitive examination. Candidates who have passed 10+2 and fulfil the prescribed age, domicile and physical requirements should review the scheme carefully.
The engagement will initially be for a tentative period of five years on a fixed monthly remuneration. However, the department has not specified the exact salary amount or application dates in the notification.
HP Assistant Forest Guard Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Recruitment Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Department | Himachal Pradesh Forest Department |
| Post Name | Assistant Forest Guard |
| Total Vacancies | 500 |
| Notification Date | 27 October 2026 |
| Qualification | 10+2 Pass |
| Age Limit | 18–35 Years |
| Selection Process | Physical Test and Written Examination |
| Written Exam Marks | 100 |
| Training Period | 6 Months |
| Engagement Period | Tentative 5 Years |
| Application Mode | Online/Offline, as notified |
| Application Dates | Not Announced |
| Active HP Govt Jobs | Click Here |
HP Assistant Forest Guard Vacancy 2026 Distribution
The department has proposed 500 posts under the newly created Assistant Forest Guard cadre. The recruitment scheme specifies the following distribution:
| Category of Engagement | Vacancies Percentage |
|---|---|
| Open Competition | 50% |
| Eligible Van Mitras | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
Recruitment will take place at the Forest Circle level. Applicants must apply for the circle in which they are permanent residents, and their candidature will be considered only for that circle. The detailed advertisement will provide the applicable category-wise vacancy and reservation information.
Eligibility Criteria for HP Assistant Forest Guard 2026
Educational Qualification: Applicants must have passed the 10+2 examination from a recognised Board or University.
Age Limit: Candidates must be at least 18 years old and must not be older than 35 years. Age relaxation for SC, ST and OBC candidates will be provided according to applicable Government instructions.
Domicile Requirement: Candidates must be Bonafide Himachali and permanent residents of the concerned Forest Circle.
Applicants must also be physically fit, possess sound mental health and meet the other general conditions specified in the notification. Knowledge of Himachal Pradesh’s customs, manners and dialects is desirable.
HP Assistant Forest Guard Recruitment 2026 Physical Standards
Candidates will have to qualify in the Physical Standard and Efficiency Test (PSET). The physical standards specified in the notification are as follows:
| Physical Measurement | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Height | 165 cm | 150 cm |
| Minimum Chest | 79 cm | 74 cm |
| Chest Expansion | 5 cm | 5 cm |
Scheduled Tribe candidates will receive relaxation of up to 5 cm in height and 4 cm in chest measurement without expansion, as specified in the notification.
Physical Efficiency Test Requirements
| Test | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Running | 1.6 km in 6 minutes 15 seconds | 1.6 km in 8 minutes |
| Additional Test | 6 Beam Pull-Ups and 9-foot Ditch | 10-foot Long Jump and Zig-Zag Balance |
The Physical Efficiency Test will be qualifying in nature. Van Mitras who have already qualified the prescribed physical test during their engagement will be exempted from the PSET under this scheme.
Selection Process and Written Examination
The selection process will involve application scrutiny, physical testing, a written examination and preparation of the merit list.
The written examination will carry 100 marks and will be conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Ayog or another authorised recruiting agency or competent authority.
The detailed syllabus, examination duration, number of questions and negative marking provisions have not been specified in the supplied notification.
The final merit list will be prepared Forest Circle-wise and category-wise, based on written examination marks and the applicable reservation policy. A category-wise waiting list for 10% of advertised posts will also be prepared and remain valid for six months from the result declaration date.
Salary and Training Details
Selected candidates will receive a consolidated fixed monthly remuneration during the first five years of engagement or until regularisation, as applicable under the scheme. The exact monthly salary has not been mentioned in the notification.
Candidates selected for engagement must complete six months of mandatory training at a designated Forest Training Institute or Academy. An examination will be conducted after training, and candidates must obtain at least 40% marks in the induction training examination to continue as Assistant Forest Guards.
The engagement will be temporary, and the service benefits applicable to regular Government employees will not be available in the same manner under this scheme.
How to Apply for HP Assistant Forest Guard Recruitment 2026?
The department will invite applications through advertisements issued at the Forest Circle level. Applications may be submitted online through a designated website or offline using prescribed forms, depending on the instructions issued by the authorities.
Candidates should check the detailed advertisement for the application procedure, required documents, fees, vacancy distribution and deadlines. The application start date, last date and official application link have not been specified in the notification dated 27 October 2026.
