APPSC Forest Section Officer Recruitment 2026
The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has released the APPSC Forest Section Officer Recruitment 2026 Notification for the direct recruitment of Forest Section Officers in the A.P. Forest Subordinate Service. A total of 26 vacancies have been notified under Notification No. 17/2026, dated 16 October 2026.
Candidates who possess a Bachelor’s degree in the prescribed subjects and meet the physical fitness requirements can apply online through the official APPSC website. The selection process includes a written examination, walking test, medical examination and Computer Proficiency Test (CPT).
The online application process started on 16 October 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their applications up to 5 November 2026. Interested applicants should check the educational qualification, age limit, physical standards, district-wise vacancies, examination pattern and other eligibility conditions before applying.
APPSC Forest Section Officer Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organisation | Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) |
| Department | A.P. Forest Subordinate Service |
| Name of the Post | Forest Section Officer (FSO) |
| Notification Number | 17/2026 |
| Notification Date | 16 October 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 26 |
| Job Location | Andhra Pradesh |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Pay Scale | ₹32,670 – ₹1,01,970 |
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
| Maximum Age | 30 Years |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree in prescribed subjects |
| Selection Process | Written Examination, Walking Test, Medical Examination and CPT |
| Application Start Date | 16 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 5 November 2026 |
| Official Website | psc.ap.gov.in |
APPSC Forest Section Officer Vacancy 2026
APPSC has announced 26 Forest Section Officer vacancies under the A.P. Forest Subordinate Service. The posts are distributed across 16 districts of Andhra Pradesh.
District-Wise Vacancy Details
| S.No. | District | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Srikakulam | 1 |
| 2 | Vizianagaram | 1 |
| 3 | Visakhapatnam | 1 |
| 4 | Kakinada | 1 |
| 5 | East Godavari | 2 |
| 6 | Eluru | 4 |
| 7 | NTR | 2 |
| 8 | Palnadu | 2 |
| 9 | Prakasam | 2 |
| 10 | SPSR Nellore | 1 |
| 11 | Tirupati | 1 |
| 12 | Annamayya | 2 |
| 13 | YSR Kadapa | 2 |
| 14 | Kurnool | 2 |
| 15 | Sri Sathya Sai | 1 |
| 16 | Chittoor | 1 |
| Total | 26 |
The detailed category-wise vacancy distribution is provided in Annexure-I of the official notification. Candidates should refer to that annexure for the Open Competition, SC, BC and EWS vacancy details.
Reservation note: The notification provides for applicable vertical reservations. However, Annexure-I specifically states that no vacancies have been provided under horizontal reservation in the current vacancy indent. The notification also specifies local reservation provisions and special reservation conditions for local Scheduled Tribe candidates in Scheduled Areas.
Eligibility
Educational Qualification
Candidates applying for the Forest Section Officer post must possess a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university in any one of the following subjects:
- Botany
- Forestry
- Horticulture
- Zoology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Geology
- Agriculture as a subject
Alternatively, candidates possessing a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering in any one of the following disciplines are also eligible:
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
The degree must be obtained from a university established or incorporated under a Central Act, State Act or Provincial Act, or an institution recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC), or an equivalent qualification.
Candidates claiming an equivalent qualification must submit a copy of the relevant Government Order to APPSC within 10 days after the last date for submitting applications. Failure to produce the required Government Order may result in rejection of the application.
The prescribed educational qualification must be possessed as on the date of the detailed notification, i.e., 16 October 2026.
APPSC Forest Section Officer Physical Standards
Physical fitness is an important eligibility condition for the Forest Section Officer post. Candidates must satisfy the prescribed height, chest measurement and chest expansion requirements.
Physical Measurements for Male Candidates
| Requirement | Minimum Standard |
|---|---|
| Height | 163 cm |
| Chest Measurement (Full Inspiration) | 84 cm |
| Chest Expansion | 5 cm |
Physical Measurements for Female Candidates
| Requirement | Minimum Standard |
|---|---|
| Height | 150 cm |
| Chest Measurement (Full Inspiration) | 79 cm |
| Chest Expansion | 5 cm |
Relaxation in Physical Standards
The notification provides a relaxation of 5 cm in the minimum height requirement for candidates belonging to the specified communities and groups, including Gurkhas, Nepalese, Assamese, NAFA, Naga, Manipur, Gauhati, Kummoni, Sikkimese, Bhutanese and Scheduled Tribes.
For Scheduled Tribe candidates, where the reserved quota cannot be fully utilised due to a shortage of candidates meeting the prescribed physical standards, the minimum requirements may be relaxed to:
- Height: 158 cm
- Chest measurement: 78.8 cm
- Chest expansion: 5 cm
Candidates must also possess normal eyesight.
Walking Test
Candidates shortlisted after the written examination must undergo a qualifying walking test.
| Category | Walking Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Male Candidates | 25 km | 4 Hours |
| Female Candidates | 16 km | 4 Hours |
The walking test is a physical endurance test and carries no marks. It is compulsory for candidates called for the test.
APPSC will shortlist candidates in a 1:2 ratio with reference to the notified vacancies for the physical test.
Age Limit
The age limit for APPSC Forest Section Officer Recruitment 2026 is:
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 30 years
The candidate’s age will be calculated as on 1 July 2026.
Age Relaxation
Age relaxation is applicable to eligible reserved categories and other candidates as per the notification.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST/BC/EWS | 5 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Deduction of eligible service period plus 3 years |
| NCC Instructors | Deduction of eligible NCC service period plus 3 years |
| Regular AP State Government Employees | Deduction of regular service up to a maximum of 5 years |
| Retrenched Temporary State Census Department Employees with at least 6 months’ service | 3 Years |
Employees working in State Government corporations and municipalities are not eligible for the regular government employee age relaxation mentioned in the notification.
Candidates claiming age relaxation must possess the required supporting certificates.
APPSC Forest Section Officer Salary 2026
Candidates selected for the Forest Section Officer post will receive a pay scale of:
₹32,670 – ₹1,01,970
In addition to the basic pay, appointed candidates may receive applicable allowances and benefits as per Andhra Pradesh Government rules and service conditions.
APPSC Forest Section Officer Selection Process 2026
The selection process for APPSC Forest Section Officer Recruitment 2026 consists of the following stages:
- Written Examination
- Walking Test (Physical Endurance Test)
- Medical Examination
- Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)
The final selection will be based on written examination merit, subject to qualifying the prescribed physical tests, medical examination and CPT, along with applicable reservation and bonus marks.
1. Written Examination
The written examination will be conducted in Computer Based Recruitment Test (CBRT) mode. The examination consists of three main papers and one qualifying language test.
2. Walking Test
Candidates shortlisted after the written examination must complete the prescribed walking distance within four hours. The walking test is qualifying in nature and does not carry marks.
3. Medical Examination
Candidates must undergo a medical examination conducted by the Medical Board at Rajamahendravaram. The Medical Board will assess the candidate’s general physical fitness, hearing and suitability for outdoor work in the Forest Department.
4. Computer Proficiency Test
Candidates provisionally shortlisted after the written examination must qualify the Computer Proficiency Test. The CPT assesses basic computer knowledge and practical skills in office automation software.
NCC Certificate Bonus Marks
The notification provides bonus marks for eligible NCC certificate holders:
| NCC Certificate | Bonus Marks |
|---|---|
| NCC ‘C’ Certificate | 5 Marks |
| NCC ‘B’ Certificate | 3 Marks |
| NCC ‘A’ Certificate | 1 Mark |
The applicable bonus marks will be considered during final selection as specified in the notification.
APPSC Forest Section Officer Exam Pattern 2026
The written examination is of Degree Standard, except for the qualifying language test and Mathematics paper, which are at SSC Standard.
Written Examination Scheme
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Test | General English and General Telugu | 100 | 100 | 100 Minutes |
| Paper-I | General Studies & Mental Ability | 150 | 150 | 150 Minutes |
| Paper-II | Mathematics | 150 | 150 | 150 Minutes |
| Paper-III | General Forestry | 150 | 150 | 150 Minutes |
| Total | 550 | 550 | 550 Minutes |
The qualifying language test carries 100 marks, with 50 marks for General English and 50 marks for General Telugu. Candidates must qualify in English and Telugu individually.
The three main papers carry a total of 450 marks.
Negative Marking
APPSC has prescribed negative marking for the written examination. For every incorrect answer, one-third of the marks prescribed for that question will be deducted.
Candidates should carefully attempt questions and avoid unnecessary guessing.
APPSC Forest Section Officer Syllabus 2026
The official syllabus is provided in Annexure-II of Notification No. 17/2026.
Qualifying Test: General English and General Telugu
General English (50 Marks):
- Comprehension
- Phrases and idioms
- Vocabulary and punctuation
- Logical rearrangement of sentences
General Telugu (50 Marks):
- Synonyms and vocabulary
- Grammar
- Telugu to English meanings
- English to Telugu meanings
Paper-I: General Studies and Mental Ability
The important topics include:
- Major current events and issues relating to international, national and Andhra Pradesh affairs
- General Science and its applications in daily life
- Developments in Science, Technology and Information Technology
- Indian History, with emphasis on Andhra Pradesh and the Indian National Movement
- Geography of India, with focus on Andhra Pradesh
- Indian Polity and Governance
- Constitutional issues, public policy, reforms and e-Governance
- Indian Economy and Planning
- Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection
- Disaster Management
- Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
- Data Analysis, Tabulation and Interpretation
Paper-II: Mathematics
The Mathematics paper is at SSC Standard and covers:
- Arithmetic
- Number System
- Rational and Real Numbers
- Percentages, Profit and Loss
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Ratio and Proportion
- Time and Work
- Time and Distance
- HCF and LCM
- Algebra
- Polynomials and Quadratic Equations
- Trigonometry
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Statistics and Data Representation
Paper-III: General Forestry
General Forestry is an important subject in the examination. The syllabus covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Plant Science: Plant physiology, plant nutrition, photosynthesis, respiration, plant reproduction, seed production, plant diseases and vegetation zones of Andhra Pradesh.
- Forests and Ecology: Biodiversity, ecosystems, ecological succession, food chains, wildlife conservation, endangered species and forest protection.
- Horticulture: Branches of horticulture, propagation methods, grafting, budding, greenhouse crop production and horticultural crops.
- Soil Science: Soil classification, soil properties, soil erosion, soil conservation and land reclamation.
- Water Resources and Watershed Management: Water resource management, water quality, forest hydrology, water harvesting and soil conservation.
- Silviculture, Agro-Forestry and Social Forestry: Forest regeneration, agroforestry systems, social forestry and community forest management.
- Animal Health and Nutrition: Animal nutrition, fodder management, animal diseases and their control.
- Economic Zoology: Insects, fish, molluscs, snakes, venomous animals and genetic counselling.
- Forest Economics, Legislation and Administration: Forest economics, cost-benefit analysis, forest laws and the structure of the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department.
- Forest Mensuration and Remote Sensing: Tree measurement, forest surveying, remote sensing, GIS and forest management plans.
- Environmental Science: Pollution, climate change, global warming, waste management and renewable and non-renewable resources.
Candidates should refer to Annexure-II of the official notification for the complete topic-wise syllabus.
Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)
Candidates shortlisted for the CPT must qualify the practical computer examination.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Test | Proficiency in Office Automation |
| Type | Practical Examination |
| Duration | 60 Minutes |
| Maximum Marks | 100 |
| SC/ST Qualifying Marks | 30 |
| BC Qualifying Marks | 35 |
| OC Qualifying Marks | 40 |
The CPT syllabus includes computer fundamentals, operating systems, internet and email, word processing, spreadsheets and presentation software.
The practical assessment may include document preparation and formatting, typing speed, tables, mail merge, Excel formulas and charts, and PowerPoint presentations.
APPSC Forest Section Officer Application Fee 2026
Candidates applying for the Forest Section Officer post must pay the prescribed application processing fee and examination fee.
| Fee Particulars | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Processing Fee | ₹250 |
| Examination Fee | ₹80 |
| Total Fee | ₹330 |
Examination Fee Exemption
The following categories are exempted from payment of the ₹80 examination fee:
- SC candidates
- ST candidates
- BC candidates
- Ex-Servicemen
- Eligible unemployed youth, subject to the prescribed conditions
- Families holding a Household Supply White Card issued by the Andhra Pradesh Civil Supplies Department, subject to the notification conditions
The application processing fee of ₹250 is payable as prescribed.
Candidates from other states are not eligible for the fee exemption or reservation benefits mentioned for Andhra Pradesh candidates and must pay the prescribed fees.
The fee must be paid online through the available payment gateway using Net Banking, Credit Card or Debit Card. The fee once paid will not be refunded.
APPSC Forest Section Officer Important Dates 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 16 October 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 16 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 5 November 2026 |
| Written Examination Date | To be announced |
| Hall Ticket Release Date | To be announced |
Candidates should regularly visit the APPSC website for updates regarding the examination schedule and hall tickets.
How to Apply for APPSC Forest Section Officer Recruitment 2026?
Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the official APPSC website by following these steps:
- Visit the official website: psc.ap.gov.in.
- Candidates applying for the first time must complete One Time Profile Registration (OTPR).
- Log in using the registered OTPR ID and password.
- Select the online application submission option.
- Find Notification No. 17/2026 for Forest Section Officer.
- Click on the application link and enter the required details.
- Fill in educational qualifications, local or non-local status, district preferences and examination centre preferences.
- Upload the required photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
- Check all the information entered in the application form carefully.
- Click on Save & Submit and proceed to the payment gateway.
- Pay the applicable application fee.
- After successful payment, download and save the submitted application form for future reference.
Important: Saving the application alone does not complete the application process. Candidates must click the Save & Submit button and successfully complete the payment process wherever applicable. Only then will the application be treated as finally submitted.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Candidates should carefully check the prescribed educational qualification and physical standards before applying.
- Applicants claiming local status must produce the prescribed study certificates from Class I to Class VII or a residence certificate, as applicable.
- Candidates who studied up to Class VII in an educational institution must submit study certificates; residence certificates will not be accepted in such cases.
- The post is organised into district cadres, with 95% local reservation as provided under the Presidential Order 2025.
- Candidates belonging to Scheduled Tribes claiming local status in Scheduled Areas must satisfy the special local ST eligibility conditions mentioned in the notification.
- Candidates who migrated from Telangana to Andhra Pradesh during the period specified in the notification must obtain the required Local Status Certificate, if applicable.
- Candidates must possess the required reservation and age-relaxation certificates within the prescribed period.
- Government employees applying for the recruitment must inform their Head of Office or Department in writing.
- A correction facility will be available for seven days after the last date of applications, with a fee of ₹100 for each correction. Name, fee and age-relaxation fields cannot be corrected.
- Candidates must attend all compulsory examination papers. Absence in any paper will result in disqualification.
Important Links – APPSC Forest Section Officer Recruitment 2026
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| Apply Online | APPSC Online Application |
| Official Website | https://psc.ap.gov.in |
Candidates are advised to download and read the complete Notification No. 17/2026 before submitting their applications.
APPSC Forest Section Officer Recruitment 2026 offers an opportunity for eligible degree holders interested in working in the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department. Candidates should carefully verify the academic qualification, physical measurements, walking test requirements and district-wise reservation conditions before applying. Eligible applicants should complete the online application process before 5 November 2026.
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