UPSSSC Van Rakshak & Van Jeev Rakshak 2026 -708 Posts: Salary, Physical Standards, Syllabus & Complete Guide

Candidates who appeared in the UPSSSC Van Rakshak 2026 salary physical standard eligibility search will find everything they need here -the Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC), Lucknow has released Advertisement No. 12-Pariksha/2026 on 23 April 2026 inviting online applications for 708 vacant posts of Van Rakshak (Forest Guard) and Van Jeev Rakshak (Wildlife Guard) under the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Uttar Pradesh. This is a Main Examination recruitment -only candidates who appeared in PET-2025 (Preliminary Eligibility Test 2025) and hold a valid PET-2025 scorecard issued by UPSSSC are eligible to apply. The minimum educational qualification is an Intermediate (Class 12) pass from a recognised board. All 708 posts carry Pay Level-2 with a basic pay range of ₹19,900 to ₹63,200. The application window opens on 30 June 2026 and closes on 20 July 2026. Given UPSSSC’s track record with Van Rakshak recruitments, competition is expected to be extremely high -previous rounds have seen applicant pools running into several lakh candidates for a similar number of seats.

This article is based on the official advertisement released by UPSSSC (Advertisement No. 12-Pariksha/2026) for Van Rakshak and Van Jeev Rakshak Main Examination 2026. All data has been verified against the source document. Last verified: April 2026.

Quick Eligibility Check

The single most important eligibility point unique to this recruitment is the PET-2025 dependency. Unlike standard UPSSSC recruitments that are open to all eligible candidates, this Main Examination can only be applied for by candidates who hold a PET-2025 scorecard. Shortlisting for the written Main Examination will be done based on PET-2025 normalised scores -up to 15 times the number of advertised vacancies (category-wise) will be shortlisted for the written exam. Candidates marked as “Under Investigation (UI)” or “Provisional” in the PET-2025 result may apply provisionally but their shortlisting and selection will remain subject to the outcome of UPSSSC’s ongoing investigation.

Important Dates

The application window of 30 June to 20 July 2026 gives candidates approximately 21 days to apply -which appears generous but contains a hidden time pressure. Fee payment on UPSSSC’s portal goes through a bank reconciliation process. If your fee payment is submitted before 20 July 2026 but the bank reconciliation is not completed by that date, you have until 27 July 2026 to complete the reconciliation. Until reconciliation is confirmed, your application form printout cannot be generated. The reconciliation deadline of 27 July is the absolute final date -no exceptions are made after this date. Candidates must also make any permitted corrections to their application form within this same window (by 27 July 2026).

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Vacancy Details and Category-wise Analysis

The vacancy structure for this recruitment is notably unusual –380 of the 708 seats (53.6%) fall under Special Selection, which is reserved exclusively for OBC and ST candidates. The General Selection category of 328 posts includes UR, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS allocation. This means OBC and ST candidates have two separate pools to potentially draw from, making this recruitment particularly favourable for those categories. The ST category holds 84 seats in General Selection and 195 seats in Special Selection -a combined total of 279 ST seats, which is the largest single-category allocation in this recruitment. General (UR) candidates compete only for the 132 UR seats in General Selection (128 Van Rakshak + 4 Van Jeev Rakshak). Vacancy numbers are tentative and may be revised as per organisational requirements and UP Government reservation norms.

Recruitment Overview

Van Rakshak and Van Jeev Rakshak are frontline forest protection roles under the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, one of India’s largest state forest departments by area under management. These are permanent government posts -all 708 vacancies are classified as स्थायी (permanent) -providing full 7th Pay Commission pay scale, government pension (NPS), and all associated central/state government employee benefits. For candidates who have cleared PET-2025 and meet the Intermediate qualification, this is one of the most sought-after state government recruitment opportunities in UP for 2026, combining job security, outdoor work in natural environments, and a structured career pathway in the forest service.

Application Fee

The application fee is a flat ₹25 online processing charge for all categories -there is no separate application fee for any category, making this one of the most affordable government recruitments in UP. Payment is accepted via Credit Card, Debit Card, Internet Banking, UPI, or SBI e-Challan. The application form is automatically submitted after successful fee payment and reconciliation. An important note specific to the Main Examination fee structure: candidates shortlisted for the Main Examination will need to pay the exam fee separately before downloading their Main Examination admit card -this separate exam fee payment is distinct from the ₹25 application processing fee paid at the time of registration.

Age Limit and Relaxation

The eligibility cutoff date for age calculation is the last date of application: 20 July 2026. For the General/UR category, candidates must have been born on or after 21 July 1986 and on or before 21 July 2008 (i.e., at least 18 years old). Age is verified strictly against the Matriculation/High School certificate -no other proof of date of birth is accepted. Candidates belonging to SC, ST, and OBC categories from Uttar Pradesh receive age relaxation as prescribed by the state government from time to time. State government employees in regular service receive up to 5 years of additional relaxation on the maximum age limit. Candidates under the Mukhyamantri Abhyatavrutti (Chief Minister Fellowship) scheme receive relaxation as per the UP Government notification issued on 30 January 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

The essential qualification is the Intermediate (Class 12) pass certificate -candidates must have obtained and possessed this certificate by the application last date of 20 July 2026. The most common eligibility trap in this recruitment is the distinction between essential and desirable qualifications: while none of the four desirable qualifications are mandatory, they are considered as tiebreakers when candidates have equal merit scores, and the notification specifies they provide preference at the direct recruitment stage. Candidates who have a computer certificate from a recognised centre should note this carefully -it gives preference over equally scoring candidates who do not hold such a certificate. There is no minimum percentage requirement for the Intermediate qualification; a simple pass is sufficient.

Salary, Pay Scale and In-Hand Calculation

Here is an approximate in-hand salary breakdown for a newly appointed Van Rakshak at Pay Level-2 basic pay of ₹19,900:

Beyond the base salary, a Van Rakshak posting comes with meaningful additional benefits: NPS (National Pension System) contributions from both employee and employer sides; government medical facilities; leave entitlements including Earned Leave, Half Pay Leave, and Casual Leave; and all standard UP state government employee benefits including LTC. The starting basic of ₹19,900 at Level-2 will see incremental increases each year, and promotion to the next level within the forest department hierarchy follows a structured timeline. Compared to a private security or patrol role, the government job security, pension corpus, and benefit structure make the effective compensation significantly higher than the gross salary figure alone suggests.

Selection Process

Stage 1: PET-2025 Shortlisting (Pre-requisite)

Before the written exam, candidates are shortlisted from the PET-2025 pool based on their normalised PET scores. Up to 15 times the number of category-wise vacancies will be called for the Main written examination. Candidates with zero or negative normalised scores in PET-2025 will not be shortlisted under any circumstances. This stage is not an additional exam -it is an administrative shortlisting that happens before admit cards are issued for the written examination.

Stage 2: Written Main Examination (Likhit Pariksha)

The written exam consists of a single question paper with 100 objective-type multiple-choice questions, carrying 1 mark each, to be completed in 120 minutes (2 hours). There is negative marking of ¼ (0.25 marks) for each wrong answer. The exam is conducted as per the examination plan approved by GoO notification No. 279/47-ka-3-2024, dated 08-05-2024. The exact exam date will be communicated through the admit card. If the exam is conducted across multiple shifts, normalisation will be applied as per the UPSSSC normalisation policy.

Stage 3: Physical Standard Test (Sharirik Manak Pariksha)

Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for a Physical Standard Test (PST) conducted by a three-member panel. This is a qualifying stage -meeting the physical standard is mandatory to proceed, but PST performance does not add merit marks. Standards are measured using BIS-certified equipment only.

Stage 4: Physical Efficiency Test (Sharirik Dakshata Pariksha)

Candidates who clear PST are called for a Physical Efficiency Test. Male candidates must carry 10 kg of load and complete 25 km in 4 hours. Female candidates must complete 14 km in 4 hours. This is also a qualifying stage. Results are announced on the same day of the test and uploaded to the UPSSSC website. Only BIS-certified measurement equipment is used throughout.

Stage 5: Medical Examination (Chikitsa Pariksha)

Candidates who clear the Physical Efficiency Test are medically examined at community health centres by a Medical Board constituted by the District Chief Medical Officer. Medical examination covers vision tests, hearing, locomotor function, and other parameters as per the Medical Board’s guidelines. This is a qualifying stage -no merit marks are awarded.

Your First 7 Days After Applying

1. Verify your PET-2025 normalised score -log in to the UPSSSC candidate dashboard using your PET-2025 registration number and confirm your score is positive (not zero or negative). If your score is under investigation (UI) or marked provisional, note that your shortlisting will be conditional pending UPSSSC’s investigation outcome.
2. Begin written exam preparation immediately -the syllabus is well-defined (see below). Part 1 (Subject Knowledge -50 marks) is the highest-weighted section and covers forest-specific topics that require dedicated study; begin with National Parks, Tiger Reserves, and forest ecology.
3. Start physical fitness preparation in parallel -the 25 km load-bearing march for male candidates (or 14 km for female candidates) in 4 hours requires sustained endurance training. Begin a structured walking/running programme now; waiting until after the written exam result is too late.
4. Organise all required certificates -caste/category certificate in the prescribed GOI proforma (not just any caste certificate), EWS certificate valid for 2025-26 and 2026-27, and domicile/residence certificate for UP. Ensure your OBC-NCL certificate mentions that you do not belong to the creamy layer.
5. Download and save your PET-2025 scorecard if not already saved -this document will be required at multiple stages of this recruitment process and must match the registration number used to apply for this Main Examination.

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Exam Syllabus and Pattern

Exam Pattern

Negative Marking: ¼ mark (0.25 marks) is deducted for each wrong answer. Do not attempt questions you are unsure about -guessing on all 100 questions will statistically cost more marks than it gains.

Detailed Syllabus -Part 1: Subject Related Knowledge

This section carries 50 marks and is the most decisive section of the exam. Topics include: National Parks and Bird Sanctuaries; Reserved Forests and Protected Forests; Elephant and Tiger Reserves; our environment and ecological balance (ecosystem components, food chains and webs, ozone layer and its depletion, waste management); Climate Change and Climate Protection; Soil and Moisture Conservation; Afforestation and Agro-forestry; Challenges and prevention of forest disasters; Forest Produce; Human Wildlife Conflicts; Forest Environment and its benefits; Forest and Wildlife Conservation; Contribution of Forests to the Indian Economy; Forest Ecology; and Indian Agricultural System and Crop Circles.

Detailed Syllabus -Part 2: Elementary Mathematics and Biology

Mathematics topics cover Percentage, Profit-Loss, Simple Interest, Average, Real Numbers, LCM and HCF, Area and Perimeter of Basic Geometric Figures, and Mean/Median/Mode of Grouped Data. Biology topics include biological processes (nutrition, respiration, transportation, excretion), control and coordination (animal nervous system, human brain, coordination in plants, hormones in animals), reproduction (single-organism reproduction, sexual reproduction in humans and flowers), and heredity.

Detailed Syllabus -Part 3: Computer and IT Knowledge

Topics include the history, introduction and application of Computer, IT, Internet and the World Wide Web; general knowledge of hardware and software; input and output; Internet Protocol and IP Address; IT gadgets and their application; creating and operating email; operation of printer, tablet, and mobile; important elements of MS-Word and MS-Excel; operating systems, social networking, and e-governance; digital financial tools; future skills and cyber security; and technological development in AI, Big Data Processing, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things along with India’s achievements in this field.

Detailed Syllabus -Part 4: General Information about Uttar Pradesh

Questions in this section cover UP’s history, culture, art, architecture, festivals, folk dance, literature, regional languages, heritage, social customs, tourism, geographical landscape, environment, natural resources, climate, soil, forest, wildlife, mines and minerals, economy, agriculture, industry, business and employment, polity, administration, and current events and achievements of Uttar Pradesh in various fields.

Physical Standards -Complete Category-wise Table

Physical standards are tested at the examination centre before the Physical Efficiency Test (PET). Minimum physical standards for each test are prominently displayed at the venue. A minimum chest expansion of 5 cm is mandatory for male candidates -simply meeting the unexpanded chest measurement is not sufficient. All measurements are taken using BIS-certified instruments only. Candidates who do not meet the minimum physical standard at the PST stage are not permitted to attempt the Physical Efficiency Test and will not receive Travelling Allowance reimbursement.

How to Apply -Step by Step

1. Visit the UPSSSC official website at upsssc.gov.in -applications through any other mode will not be accepted.
2. Log in to the Applicant Segment using your PET-2025 registration number and the OTP sent to your registered mobile number or email -this is the only login method available for this recruitment.
3. After login, your personal information from PET-2025 (name, father’s/mother’s name, domicile details, date of birth, gender, marital status, contact details) will be pre-populated. Verify all pre-filled details carefully.
4. Fill in Part II of the application -educational qualification details (board name, exam passed, year of passing, certificate number, percentage/marks, and institution details). Select Yes/No for possessing the essential qualification.
5. Select your post preference and indicate possession of any desirable/additional qualifications (Pradeshik Sena, NCC certificate, Computer certificate, sports representation) in the Other Details section.
6. Verify your photo and signature -these are carried forward from your PET-2025 registration and cannot be changed at this stage.
7. Read the Declaration section carefully, select all applicable checkboxes, enter the verification code, and click Save and Submit to proceed to fee payment.
8. Pay ₹25 online processing fee via Credit Card, Debit Card, Internet Banking, UPI, or SBI e-Challan. Download and print the application form with your Unique Transaction Number and Application Number immediately after successful payment.

• Female candidates from UP should note that caste certificates are accepted only when issued on the paternal side -a certificate on the mother’s side or husband’s side alone is not accepted for OBC/SC/ST reservation claims by female candidates from UP.
• Candidates claiming disability reservation must ensure their disability certificate is in the latest prescribed format issued by UP Government (Office Memorandum dated 18-04-2022) and must clearly state the type and percentage of disability.
• Ex-Servicemen who will complete service by 20 July 2026 are eligible -discharge must happen by the application last date to claim Ex-Servicemen reservation.

Expert Tips

1. Start Physical Fitness Training Today -Not After the Written Exam Result

Van Rakshak is one of the few government recruitments where physical fitness is as decisive as the written exam. Male candidates must carry 10 kg and complete a 25 km march in 4 hours -a standard that requires months of endurance conditioning, not days. Begin a structured walking and running programme now, targeting longer distances with progressively heavier loads. Candidates who delay physical preparation until after the written exam result find themselves with 4–8 weeks to condition for an extremely demanding test. Start today, regardless of how confident you are about the written exam.

2. Part 1 of the Syllabus (Forest Knowledge -50 Marks) Is the Single Most Important Section

With 50 out of 100 marks, Part 1 Subject Knowledge will determine the merit list more than any other section. Focus your preparation on the specific 15 topics listed in the official syllabus -particularly National Parks and Sanctuaries (where India and UP-specific facts are tested), Tiger Reserves, ecological balance concepts, forest disasters, and Human-Wildlife Conflicts. These topics are not covered in standard GK books and require dedicated forest department-specific preparation. Previous UPSSSC Van Rakshak written exams have consistently weighted these topics heavily.

3. The PET-2025 Score Is Your Entry Ticket -Verify It Before Applying

Unlike most state recruitment exams where all eligible candidates can apply, this recruitment uses your PET-2025 normalised score to shortlist candidates for the written exam. If your PET-2025 score is low (even if positive), you may not be shortlisted for the written exam -the top 15 times the vacancy count (category-wise) will be called. Log in to the UPSSSC candidate dashboard now, check your PET-2025 normalised score, and assess your chances realistically before investing time in preparation. Candidates with UI or Provisional status should note their shortlisting is conditional.

4. The Chest Expansion Requirement for Male Candidates Is Commonly Overlooked

The physical standard test for male candidates requires both a minimum unexpanded chest measurement and a minimum 5 cm expansion. Many candidates train for height and general fitness but neglect chest expansion specifically. Breathing exercises, swimming, and chest-focused strength training improve expansion capacity. Arriving at the PST venue meeting the unexpanded measurement but failing the expansion test -after clearing the written exam -is an avoidable disqualification. Begin chest conditioning exercises as part of your preparation from today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PET-2025 mandatory to apply for UPSSSC Van Rakshak 2026?

Yes, absolutely. Only candidates who appeared in PET-2025 and hold a valid PET-2025 scorecard issued by UPSSSC can apply for this Main Examination. Candidates who did not appear in PET-2025 or whose normalised score is zero or negative cannot apply. This is not a standard open recruitment -it is a Main Examination restricted to PET-2025 qualified candidates.

What is the approximate in-hand salary for UPSSSC Van Rakshak after joining?

The basic pay at Pay Level-2 starts at ₹19,900 per month. With Dearness Allowance (approximately 50% of basic for UP state employees), HRA, and TA, the gross salary is approximately ₹32,000–₹35,000 per month. After NPS deduction (10% of Basic+DA), the estimated in-hand take-home is approximately ₹28,500–₹31,500 per month. These are estimates -actual figures depend on posting location and current DA rates.

What is the total vacancy count and how are they split?

There are 708 total vacancies across four post types: Van Rakshak General Selection (318 posts), Van Jeev Rakshak General Selection (10 posts), Van Rakshak Special Selection (329 posts), and Van Jeev Rakshak Special Selection (51 posts). All posts are permanent. Special Selection is restricted to OBC and ST candidates only.

What is the physical standard for male candidates in UPSSSC Van Rakshak 2026?

Male candidates from General/OBC/SC categories need a minimum height of 168 cm and chest of 84 cm unexpanded with a minimum 5 cm expansion (to 89 cm). ST male candidates need a minimum height of 160 cm and chest of 82 cm unexpanded with 5 cm expansion (to 87 cm). A minimum 5 cm chest expansion is mandatory for all male candidates.

What is the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) standard for UPSSSC Van Rakshak?

Male candidates must carry 10 kg of load and complete 25 km within 4 hours. Female candidates must complete 14 km within 4 hours (no load specified). Both tests are qualifying in nature -passing is mandatory to proceed to the medical stage but does not add marks to the merit list.

What is the exam pattern and is there negative marking?

The written exam has 100 objective-type MCQ questions worth 100 marks, to be completed in 120 minutes. There is negative marking of ¼ mark (0.25 marks) for each wrong answer. The exam is divided into four parts: Subject Knowledge (50 marks), Elementary Math and Biology (15 marks), Computer and IT (15 marks), and UP General Knowledge (20 marks).

What is the application fee for UPSSSC Van Rakshak 2026?

The application fee is ₹25 (online processing charges only) for all categories -General, OBC, SC, and ST alike. There is no separate application fee component; only the ₹25 processing charge is payable. Payment is via Credit Card, Debit Card, Internet Banking, UPI, or SBI e-Challan.

What is the last date to apply and the fee reconciliation deadline?

The online application and fee payment last date is 20 July 2026. The fee reconciliation and application modification last date is 27 July 2026. After 20 July, no new applications or fee payments are accepted -only pending reconciliations can be completed by 27 July. Missing the 27 July reconciliation deadline means your application is not considered complete.

Is Intermediate (Class 12) the minimum qualification or is graduation required?

Intermediate (Class 12) is the mandatory minimum qualification. A simple pass -without any minimum percentage requirement -is sufficient. Graduation is not required. Higher qualifications do not provide any additional benefit or eligibility advantage for this post.

Can UP domicile candidates only apply, or is it open to all states?

The post is open to all Indian nationals, but reservation benefits (OBC/SC/ST/EWS) under the UP Government’s allocation apply only to UP domicile holders. Candidates not domiciled in UP will be treated as Unreserved (General) category candidates regardless of their caste certificate from another state.