The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has released the Forest Section Officer (FSO) Notification for 2025, announcing 100 vacancies for this prestigious position. The recruitment process includes a screening examination, main examination, physical tests, and a computer proficiency test. Candidates with relevant graduation degrees in specific scientific or engineering fields are eligible to apply. The online application window opened on July 28, 2025, and closes on August 17, 2025. The screening test is scheduled for September 7, 2025.
APPSC Forest Section Officer departmental Notification 2025 details salary exam pattern
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Forest Section Officer limited department |
| Organization | Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) |
| Vacancies | 100 |
| Education | Graduate in specific subjects or Engineering |
| Age Limit | 18 to 30 years |
| Salary | As per state govt norms (approx. ₹47,700 – ₹1,51,760) |
| Selection Process | Screening Test, Main Exam, Physical Test, Computer Proficiency Test |
| Official Website | https://psc.ap.gov.in/ |
| location | AP govt jobs 2025 notifications |
| Important Dates | Dates |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | July 22, 2025 |
| Online Application Start | July 28, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | August 17, 2025 (11:59 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | August 17, 2025 |
| Screening Test Date | September 7, 2025 |
| Post | Vacancies | Eligibility Fields |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Section Officer | 100 | Graduation in Botany, Forestry, Horticulture, Zoology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Geology, Agriculture, or Engineering in Chemical, Mechanical, or Civil |
| Eligibility Details | Salary Details | Age Limit Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree in specified science or engineering subjects from a recognized university | Pay scale approximately ₹47,700 to ₹1,51,760 per month as per state government norms | Age must be between 18 and 30 years as of the notification date |
| Important Links | URL |
|---|---|
| Official APPSC Career Page | https://psc.ap.gov.in/ |
| APPSC Forest Section Officer Notification PDF |
|
| Online Application Portal | https://applications-psc.ap.gov.in/DIRECTRECRUITMENT_APPLICATION/ |
Education & Age Limit Details
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in any of the following disciplines: Botany, Forestry, Horticulture, Zoology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Geology, Agriculture, or a bachelor’s degree in Engineering with specialization in Chemical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering from any recognized university as per the University Grants Commission standards.
The age limit to apply is 18 to 30 years. Age relaxation rules as per government norms apply to reserved category candidates.
Salary Details
The Forest Section Officer will receive a salary according to the Andhra Pradesh state government pay scale, which generally falls between ₹47,700 and ₹1,51,760 per month (Level 11 of the pay matrix).
Exam Syllabus and Pattern
Screening Test:
- Objective-type multiple-choice questions.
- Topics include General Studies, General Science, Current Affairs, and specific knowledge of forestry and related subjects.
- The screening test is qualifying in nature to shortlist candidates for the main examination.
Main Examination:
- Conducted in offline OMR mode.
- Consists of questions focusing in-depth on Forestry, Environmental Science, Botany, Zoology, and other relevant technical subjects.
Physical Examination:
- Physical fitness tests as prescribed by APPSC.
Computer Proficiency Test (CPT):
- Tests basic computer skills including MS Office, Internet browsing, and data entry.
APPSC Forest Section Officer salary career growth details
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (2025) | ₹32,670–₹1,01,970 per month |
| In-Hand Salary | ₹34,000–₹49,000 per month |
| Allowances | DA, HRA, TA, medical, field perks |
| Promotion Path | FSO → FRO → ACF → DCF → CF |
| Highest Promotion | Possible IFoS by seniority |
| Job Profile | Field supervision, anti-poaching, etc. |
APPSC Forest Section Officer (FSO) Salary (2025)
Basic Pay Scale: ₹32,670 to ₹1,01,970 per month.
In-hand Salary (Approximate): ₹34,000 to ₹49,000 per month, which includes allowances.
Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), Medical Aid, Field Allowance, Risk Allowance, Security Allowance, Uniform Allowance, Conveyance, and more.
Benefits: Pension under NPS, government health plans, accommodation or HRA, paid leave, and field equipment.
Career Growth & Promotion Path
Initial Position: Forest Section Officer (FSO)
First Promotion: Forest Range Officer (FRO) – after about 5–10 years with good service, seniority, and clearing departmental tests.
Further Promotions: With additional experience, departmental exams, and good work record, further promotions are possible to:
Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF)
Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF)
Conservator of Forests (CF)
Promotion to Indian Forest Service (IFoS): Senior officers (ACF or DCF level) may be promoted to Indian Forest Service under quota and based on eligibility and vacancies, though this takes 15+ years and is competitive.
Job Role & Work Profile
Key Responsibilities:
Protecting forests and wildlife
Managing forest areas and staff
Preventing illegal activities like poaching or logging
Field inspections, maintaining forest boundaries, and assisting in afforestation
Community engagement and eco-tourism projects
Physical Requirements: Field work is physically demanding; eligibility entails medical and physical tests.
Nature of Work: Involves independent charge of forest sections, reporting to higher officers, and coordination with local communities.
Online Application Process
- Visit the official APPSC website’s career section.
- Register with valid credentials if a new user.
- Fill the online application form accurately.
- Upload the necessary documents (photograph, signature, educational certificates).
- Pay the application fee online before the deadline.
- Submit the application and save the confirmation receipt.
Admit Card & Exam Date
- The admit card will be issued online on the official website a few weeks before the examination.
- The screening test is scheduled for September 7, 2025.
- Candidates must download and print the admit card for entry to the examination hall.
Answer Key & Result Details
- The answer key for the screening test will be published online by APPSC after the exam.
- Candidates can raise objections against the answer key within a stipulated period.
- The result of the screening test and main exam will be declared on the official website.
- Selected candidates will be called for the Computer Proficiency Test and physical tests.
AP Forest Section Officer (FSO) vs Forest Range Officer (FRO): Eligibility, Salary, and Promotion Details
APPSC Forest Range Officer updates 2025
1. Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Forest Section Officer (FSO) | Forest Range Officer (FRO) |
|---|---|---|
| Age Limit | 18–30 years | 18–30 years |
| Educational | Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Botany, Zoology, Horticulture, | Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Botany, Chemistry, Engineering, |
| Qualification | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, etc. | Environmental Science, Forestry, Geology, Maths, Physics, |
| Statistics, Veterinary Science, Zoology, etc. | ||
| Physical Standards | Men: 163cm (height), 79cm chest + 5cm expansion | Men: 163cm (height), 79cm chest + 5cm expansion |
| Women: 150cm (height), 74cm chest + 5cm expansion | Women: 150cm (height), 74cm chest + 5cm expansion | |
| (Slight relaxation for ST category) | Walking test: Men – 25km in 4 hours; Women – 16km in 4 hours | |
| Selection Process | Screening + Mains written, Physical & Medical Test | Written exam + Physical (walking/medical) Test |
2. Salary (2025)
| Criteria | FSO Salary | FRO Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹32,670 – ₹1,01,970 per month | ₹48,440 – ₹1,37,220 per month; starting in-hand ₹50,000–₹60,000 |
| In-Hand Salary | ₹34,000 – ₹49,000 per month (with allowances) | ₹50,000 – ₹60,000 per month (with allowances) |
| Allowances | DA, HRA, TA, Uniform, Field/Risk allowances, NPS, etc. | DA, HRA, TA, Field, Medical, NPS, Leave, etc. |
3. Promotion & Career Growth
| FSO (Entry through APPSC) | FRO (Entry through APPSC or promotion from FSO) |
|---|---|
| – Start as FSO | – Start as FRO |
| – Promotion after 5–10 years (on passing exams/seniority) to FRO | – Promotion prospects to Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), and Conservator of Forests (CF) |
| – Further promotions: Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) → DCF → CF | – Eligible for Indian Forest Service (IFoS) by promotion (subject to quota and eligibility) |
| – Opportunity for promotion to Indian Forest Service (IFoS), subject to vacancy, seniority, and rules | – Generally faster track to managerial/leadership posts than FSO start |
Key Takeaways
FRO has a higher entry salary and greater managerial responsibilities than FSO.
FSO is the direct feeder cadre for FRO; promotions depend on experience, vacancies, and passing departmental exams.
Both posts require similar educational backgrounds but FRO can have a broader range of eligible degrees.
Promotions (FRO/FSO) depend on seniority, performance, departmental exams, and reservation/vacancy factors.
Both roles enjoy steady pay increments, allowances, government benefits, and career advancement opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the last date to apply for APPSC Forest Section Officer 2025?
A1: The last date to apply is August 17, 2025, until 11:59 PM.
Q2: What is the minimum educational qualification required?
A2: A bachelor’s degree in specified science or engineering fields is required.
Q3: When is the screening test scheduled?
A3: The screening test is scheduled for September 7, 2025.
Q4: Is there an age relaxation for reserved categories?
A4: Yes, age relaxation as per government rules applies to SC/ST/OBC and other eligible categories.
Q5: How can I apply for the APPSC FSO exam?
A5: Apply online on the official APPSC website under the careers section, upload necessary documents, and pay the fee.
This recruitment is an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking a reputed government job in Andhra Pradesh’s forest department, with a structured selection process and competitive salary.