South Andaman Forest Department Recruitment 2026 – 348 Vacancies for Mazdoor & Group C Posts

The South Andaman Forest Department Recruitment 2026 is one of the largest combined vacancy notifications released by the Department of Environment & Forests under the Andaman & Nicobar Administration in recent years. The Office of the Divisional Forest Officer, South Andaman (Nodal Officer, South Andaman District), Wimberlygunj, officially released this vacancy notice in March 2026, covering a total of 348 posts across two major categories — 296 posts of Mazdoor distributed across ten forest divisions, and 52 posts across eight Group ‘C’ Non-Ministerial trades including Raftman, Grader, Assistant Sawyer, Beltman, Oiler, Timber Recorder, Tallyman, and Grinder — all under the Mill Division, Chatham.

What makes this recruitment particularly significant is the variety of posts available under a single notification. Candidates with only a Class 10 qualification can apply for the Mazdoor and most other posts, while those holding an ITI certificate in a relevant trade can also apply for technical positions like Grader, Assistant Sawyer, Beltman, and others. The Raftman post additionally requires candidates to know swimming or diving, making it a niche but important post for island-based candidates.

Government employment in the forest department of the Andaman Islands offers more than just a salary — it provides long-term job security, annual increment-based pay growth under the 7th Pay Commission, National Pension System (NPS) benefits, paid leave, and the unique opportunity to serve in one of India’s most ecologically rich regions. Competition for this recruitment will be moderate given the island’s population, but the sheer number of posts and diverse trade options make it accessible to a broad range of eligible candidates. The notification was released in March 2026 — applicants must not delay.

Recruitment Overview – Key Details at a Glance

The table below consolidates the most essential facts from the official March 2026 vacancy notice. This helps candidates quickly assess whether they meet the basic parameters before spending time on a detailed eligibility check.

The Department of Environment & Forests, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, is a well-established central government body managing some of India’s most ecologically sensitive forest territories. Its recruitment processes are conducted through the official A&N Administration e-recruitment portal, ensuring transparency and equal opportunity. Postings span ten active divisions across South Andaman, including specialized units like Wildlife, Silviculture, Working Plan, and the Forest Training Institute (FTI), providing candidates with diverse departmental environments to choose from.

Important Dates – Application Timeline 2026

This recruitment has a tighter application window compared to the North & Middle Andaman notification released simultaneously. The application opened on 16 March 2026 and closes 29 April 2026. Candidates who are reading this should treat the application as urgent and submit well before the final day.

Experienced government job applicants know that applying early is not just safer — it is strategically smarter. Submitting your application in the first two weeks (before mid-April) gives you time to use the correction window (30 April – 6 May 2026) if any error is noticed. It also ensures your photograph and document uploads are verified before the system gets overloaded near the deadline. For this notification specifically, there is also a separate trade test stage for Mill Division posts that may require additional preparation — starting early on all fronts gives you the maximum runway.

Application Fee – Category-Wise Details

The fee structure is simple and identical to the North & Middle Andaman notification released around the same time. However, candidates must ensure the payment is completed before 29 April 2026 — the same day as the application deadline. Do not wait until the last hour.

Payment can be made through BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or debit/credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, RuPay). Fee paid once will not be refunded under any circumstances and cannot be adjusted against any other examination or recruitment.

One Common Mistake to Avoid: A surprisingly common error is candidates assuming their payment was successful because the amount was deducted from their bank, without actually receiving a confirmation number or receipt. Always wait for and screenshot the payment success confirmation page before closing the browser. If you face a payment failure, contact the helpdesk at 03192-255228 immediately — do not attempt to pay again without verifying the status of the first transaction.

Age Limit – Category-Wise with Relaxation Details

The age limit cutoff date for this recruitment is 29 April 2026 — the application closing date. Age is determined from your Class 10 (Matriculation) pass certificate or Birth Certificate only; no alternative documents are accepted.

How to Calculate Your Age Simply: If you were born on 29 April 1993, your age as on 29 April 2026 would be exactly 33 years — making you eligible under the General (UR) male category right at the upper limit. Someone born on 30 April 1993 would be one day short of 33 at the cutoff and would therefore be ineligible. This illustrates that checking your date of birth against the exact closing date is critical. For reserved category candidates, keep in mind that the relaxation is applied to the upper limit only and does not affect the minimum age of 18.

Eligibility Criteria – Post-Wise Qualification Details

This recruitment is unique in offering two educational pathways — candidates can qualify either through a Class 10 pass certificate or through an ITI certificate in the relevant trade. Understanding which pathway applies to your target post is essential before applying.

Most Common Eligibility Mistake: Candidates applying for Mill Division technical posts like Grader, Assistant Sawyer, or Grinder sometimes assume that having only a Class 10 certificate is sufficient — and technically it is, since the notification allows Class 10 OR ITI. However, the Trade Test stage will demand hands-on technical skill in the relevant area. Candidates with an ITI certificate in woodworking, mechanical operations, or a related trade will have a natural advantage in the trade test, even if both pathways qualify at the application stage. If you hold an ITI certificate, mention it in your application and carry it to document verification.

The Raftman post has an additional and unique requirement — candidates must know swimming or diving. This is non-negotiable for the forest operations role in the island’s coastal and river environments. If you cannot swim, do not apply for the Raftman post regardless of your Class 10 qualification.

Are Appearing Candidates Eligible? The notification requires the 10th standard examination to have been passed, not merely appeared in. Candidates still awaiting results are ineligible. Apply only after your final pass certificate is in hand.

Vacancy Details – Division-Wise & Post-Wise Breakdown

This is a combined recruitment covering both Mazdoor posts across ten forest divisions and eight technical posts under the Mill Division, Chatham. Understanding the distribution helps candidates choose their preferred division strategically.

Mazdoor Vacancies – Division-Wise (Total: 296)

Mill Division (Chatham) – Non-Ministerial Post Vacancies (Total: 52)

Abbreviations: UR – Un-Reserved, ST – Scheduled Tribe, OBC – Other Backward Class, NCL – Non-Creamy Layer, EWS – Economically Weaker Section, MSP – Meritorious Sports Persons, Ex-SM – Ex-Serviceman.

Analyzing the vacancy distribution reveals several important insights. OBC (NCL) candidates have the highest share at 132 out of 296 Mazdoor posts — nearly 45% — suggesting strong reservation coverage for this category in South Andaman. DCF (Wild Life-1) has the largest single allocation at 60 Mazdoor seats, making it the most competitive division. Among Mill Division posts, Assistant Sawyer has the most vacancies at 20, making it the most accessible technical post. Notably, the Ex-Serviceman (Ex-SM) horizontal reservation shows zero across all posts in both tables, which is unusual but as published in the official notification. The vacancy numbers are subject to variation as per the official notice.

Selection Process – Physical Test + Trade Test Explained

This recruitment has a two-track selection process that differs based on the post applied for. Mazdoor candidates are selected purely through the three-level Physical Endurance Test. Candidates for Mill Division Non-Ministerial posts (Raftman, Grader, Asst. Sawyer, Beltman, Oiler, Timber Recorder, Tallyman, Grinder) undergo the same Physical Test first, but are then additionally subject to a Grade-Specific Trade Test conducted by the DCF, Mill Division, Chatham at a later stage.

Level-I: Running Test

Male candidates must complete 10 kilometres and female candidates must complete 8 kilometres within a fixed time. This round is for shortlisting only — the top 15 times the number of total vacancies will advance. The shortlist count is subject to revision before the test begins.

Prep Tip: Build a 6-week progressive running plan immediately. Start at 5–6 km per day and increase by 1 km each week. Practice on outdoor terrain rather than a treadmill to simulate actual test conditions. Consistent early mornings builds both stamina and mental readiness.

Level-II: Long Jump Test

This round is qualifying in nature — candidates must clear the required distance within three attempts. The standards are identical across both this and the North & Middle Andaman recruitment.

Prep Tip: Practice standing long jumps three times a week. Focus on explosive take-off, arm swing, and safe landing technique. Use your first attempt to judge distance and push for maximum on the second attempt.

Level-III: Weight Carrying Test (Final Selection)

Male candidates must carry 30 kg over a distance of 500 metres; female candidates must carry 20 kg over the same distance. The time taken determines the merit list. The exact number of vacancies notified will be selected, plus a waitlist capped at 10% of vacancies.

Prep Tip: Begin weight-carrying training 4 weeks before the test. Start with 15–20 kg and progressively increase. Use a backpack or sandbag to simulate the load. Focus on gait, balance, and breathing rhythm over short distances first, then extend to 500 metres.

Trade Test – For Mill Division Posts Only

After the Physical Test merit list is prepared, candidates who opted for Mill Division technical posts (Grader, Asst. Sawyer, Beltman, Oiler, Raftman, Timber Recorder, Tallyman, Grinder) will be called for a Grade-Specific Trade Test by DCF, Mill Division, Chatham. This will be based on the merit list from the Physical Test and the division preferences submitted during the application. The Trade Test date will be announced separately at a later stage.

Final selection for all posts is based on Physical Test merit + document verification + character and antecedent verification + medical examination, followed by a 2-year probation period.

Exam Syllabus & Pattern

Salary & Pay Scale – In-Hand Calculation for All Posts

All nine posts covered under this recruitment — Mazdoor, Raftman, Grader, Asst. Sawyer, Beltman, Oiler, Timber Recorder, Tallyman, and Grinder — are at Pay Matrix Level-1. This means the starting basic pay is identical at Rs. 18,000 per month for every post in this notification.

Estimated In-Hand Salary: After deductions for the National Pension System (NPS — 10% of Basic + DA), and minor administrative deductions, the estimated take-home salary for a new joiner at Level-1 in Andaman Islands is approximately Rs. 18,500 – Rs. 21,000 per month. The exact amount depends on the HRA classification for the posting location, the prevailing Dearness Allowance (revised twice annually), and Transport Allowance.

Career Growth: Level-1 employees receive annual increments under the 7th Pay Commission, with basic pay rising steadily over the years. Long-serving employees are eligible for departmental promotions subject to vacancy and seniority rules. NPS ensures retirement security, and all government employees in this pay band are entitled to medical benefits, earned leave, and casual leave throughout their service tenure.

Comparison: A Level-1 Mazdoor or technical post in the A&N forest department carries the same pay as an MTS (Multi-Tasking Staff) post at the entry level in any Central Government department. However, the nature of work is outdoor, field-based, and physically demanding — making it ideal for candidates with strong physical fitness and a preference for active rather than desk-based employment.

How to Apply Online – Step-by-Step Guide

All applications must be submitted online through the A&N Administration’s official e-recruitment portal. No offline, postal, or hand-delivered applications will be accepted under any circumstances. Below is a step-by-step guide to ensure your application is submitted correctly.

1. Visit the official A&N Administration e-recruitment portal and find the active recruitment for Mazdoor & Group C Non-Ministerial Posts 2026 under South Andaman District.
2. Register your details — enter your full name (exactly as in Matriculation certificate), date of birth, Father’s name, Mother’s name, valid email ID, and active mobile number.
3. Fill in the application form completely. Select your preferred division from the dropdown available in the online form. For Mill Division posts, select DCF (Mill Division) / technical post option. Note that your division preference cannot be changed after submission.
4. Upload your photograph — 8-bit JPEG format, 10 KB to 50 KB, 100×200 pixels, white or light background, clear relaxed face, no red-eye, glasses must not obscure eyes.
5. Upload all required documents including your Class 10 certificate, ITI certificate if applicable, and category certificate if claiming reservation — all as self-attested scans.
6. Pay the application fee — Rs. 100 for General/OBC/EWS candidates via BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or Visa/Mastercard/RuPay card. Women and ST candidates are exempt. Save proof of successful payment.
7. Submit and print/download the application immediately. If you cannot print right away, the portal allows downloading the filled form later. Keep your application reference number safe for future correspondence.

Important Instructions for Candidates

Expert Tips to Crack South Andaman Forest Recruitment 2026

Apply in the First Week

Applications opened on 16 March 2026 and close on 29 April 2026. That is a 44-day window — but the smartest candidates apply in the first 7–10 days. Early submission protects you from last-minute technical issues, payment gateway failures, and document upload errors. It also gives you the entire correction window (30 April – 6 May) to fix any mistakes rather than discovering them under pressure. If you are reading this in late March or early April, apply today.

Read the Full Notification Before Filling the Form

This notification is more complex than a typical single-post recruitment because it covers nine different posts across eleven divisions. Each post has specific eligibility nuances — Raftman requires swimming ability, technical posts require either Class 10 or ITI, and Mill Division posts have an additional Trade Test stage. Reading the full notification before applying ensures you select the right post and division, upload the correct documents, and are genuinely eligible for what you apply for.

Prepare All Documents Before Starting the Application

Given the multi-post structure of this recruitment, your document checklist is slightly more involved than for a single-post notification. Before opening the form, have these ready: Class 10 pass certificate scan, ITI certificate (if applying for technical posts), recent passport-size photograph in correct specifications, category certificate (OBC certificate must cover FY 2022-23 to 2024-25 and be issued after 01/04/2025 and before 29/04/2026), Employment Exchange registration number if applicable, and a valid payment method. Missing any of these mid-application creates avoidable errors.

Begin Physical Preparation from Day One

Since selection is primarily physical — and for Mill Division posts, involves a trade test afterward — candidates must start physical training immediately. Design an 8-week fitness plan: Weeks 1–4 build running base (start at 5 km daily, reach 10 km by Week 4). Weeks 5–7 add weight-carrying training and long jump practice three times per week. Week 8 is light activity and rest before the test. Candidates who begin training the day they apply will be significantly more prepared than those who wait for the admit card.

Avoid the Most Common Rejection Reasons

Based on patterns seen in similar A&N Administration recruitments, the most frequent reasons for rejection include: name mismatch between application form and certificates, use of provisional certificates (explicitly not accepted), OBC certificate not covering the required financial years or issued after the closing date, photograph not meeting the 8-bit JPEG specification, and mobile phone possession at the Physical Test venue. Each of these is entirely avoidable with careful preparation before and during the application process.

Stay Updated on Admit Card, Physical Test Date, and Trade Test

Admit cards will be released approximately two weeks before the Physical Test (Level-I) on the official portal. The physical test date itself has not been announced in this notification — it will be published on the A&N Administration e-recruitment website, in local newspapers, and via SMS. For Mill Division post candidates, there is an additional Trade Test stage to monitor, which will be announced separately by DCF, Mill Division, Chatham. Bookmark the official portal and check it regularly after May 2026. If your admit card name does not appear, immediately contact the Nodal Officer at dfosa.recruitment@gmail.com with your application submission proof.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How many total vacancies are there under this South Andaman recruitment?

There are 348 total vacancies — 296 posts of Mazdoor spread across ten forest divisions in South Andaman District, and 52 posts of Group ‘C’ Non-Ministerial trades (Raftman, Grader, Asst. Sawyer, Beltman, Oiler, Timber Recorder, Tallyman, Grinder) under the Mill Division, Chatham. These numbers are subject to variation.

Q2. What is the educational qualification required for these posts?

For Mazdoor and Raftman posts, a Class 10 (10th Standard) pass certificate from a recognized board is required. For technical posts (Grader, Asst. Sawyer, Beltman, Oiler, Timber Recorder, Tallyman, Grinder), candidates can apply with either a Class 10 pass certificate or an ITI Certificate in the concerned trade from a recognized Industrial Training Institute. Provisional certificates are not accepted.

Q3. What is the age limit for this recruitment?

Male candidates must be between 18 and 33 years of age as on 29 April 2026. Female candidates must be between 18 and 38 years. Reserved category candidates receive additional relaxation — ST gets 5 years, OBC gets 3 years over the upper limit.

Q4. How much is the application fee?

The application fee is Rs. 100 for General, OBC, and EWS category candidates. Women candidates and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates who are eligible for reservation are fully exempt from paying the fee.

Q5. What is the last date to apply?

The last date for submitting the online application and completing fee payment is 29 April 2026 at 2359 Hrs. A correction window is available from 30 April to 06 May 2026 to fix errors in submitted applications.

Q6. What is the selection process for Mazdoor posts?

Selection for Mazdoor is based on a three-level Physical Test — Level-I (Running: 10 km male, 8 km female), Level-II (Long Jump: qualifying), and Level-III (Weight Carrying: 30 kg for males, 20 kg for females over 500 metres). Final selection also includes document verification and medical examination. There is no written examination.

Q7. What is different about the selection for Mill Division posts?

Candidates applying for technical posts (Grader, Asst. Sawyer, etc.) under Mill Division, Chatham, must first clear the same three-level Physical Test. Additionally, a Grade-Specific Trade Test will be conducted by DCF, Mill Division, Chatham at a later stage based on the Physical Test merit list and the candidate’s post preference. The date and format of the Trade Test will be announced separately.

Q8. Is negative marking applicable in this recruitment?

No. There is no written examination and therefore no negative marking of any kind. Selection is performance-based through physical fitness tests and a practical trade test for technical posts.

Q9. Can ITI certificate holders apply for Mazdoor post?

Yes. Since the minimum qualification for Mazdoor is Class 10, any candidate who has passed Class 10 is eligible — including those who also hold ITI certificates. However, the ITI certificate provides no additional advantage specifically for the Mazdoor post since the trade test for Mazdoor is based on general fitness rather than technical trade skills.

Q10. What documents must be brought for document verification?

You must bring original Class 10 pass certificate, a recent passport-size photograph, self-attested copies of all mandatory certificates, your printed online application form, category certificate (OBC/ST/EWS/MSP as applicable), ITI certificate if applicable, and Employment Exchange registration card if registered. Departmental candidates must also bring an NOC from their Head of Department.

Q11. What age relaxation is available for OBC candidates?

OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates receive 3 years of relaxation over the general upper age limit — making the effective maximum age 36 years for male and 41 years for female candidates as on 29 April 2026.

Q12. When and where will the admit card be available?

Admit cards will be released approximately two weeks before the Physical Test (Level-I) on the official A&N Administration e-recruitment portal. Candidates must download and print the admit card themselves. The department is not responsible for non-receipt. If your name is absent from the admit card list, contact the Nodal Officer at dfosa.recruitment@gmail.com immediately with your application proof.