Introduction + Quick Snapshot

Candidates waiting for Forest Research Institute (FRI) Group C notification can now apply for multiple posts including Library Information Assistant and Technical Assistant. FRI, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, has released Advertisement No. 1/FRI/GC/2026 on 04‑May‑2026. The recruitment process consists of three stages: CBT, descriptive test (essay/letter), and skill/trade test (only for selected posts). The final merit is based purely on CBT scores, while descriptive and skill tests are qualifying in nature. Application window opens on 04‑May‑2026 and closes on 03‑June‑2026.

Based on official notification by FRI, ICFRE. Verified: May 2026.

Quick Eligibility Check

Expert note: OBC‑NCL candidates must submit caste certificate issued before the application closing date (03‑June‑2026) and must be in the central list. The creamy layer certificate is not accepted for reservation.

📌 Also Read: Indian Navy SSC IT Officer 2026: In-Hand Salary, 15 Vacancies, Eligibility & Application Dates

3. Important Dates

Vacancy and Category Analysis

🔍 Insight (100+ words): The official notification lists eight Group C posts, but the extracted Hindi version provides exact vacancy numbers only for Library Information Assistant (02) and Technical Assistant (04). For other posts such as Technician, LDC, Forest Guard, Steno, Store Keeper and MTS, the advertisement mentions exam patterns but does not specify the number of vacancies. Candidates are advised to download the complete English notification from the FRI website to see the full vacancy table. Reservation as per Government of India norms will apply – SC/ST/OBC‑NCL/EWS/PwD candidates will get age relaxation and fee exemption as applicable. However, women candidates are also exempted from the application fee (only processing fee of ₹700). The total vacancies may increase or decrease at the discretion of the Institute. Category‑wise breakdown (UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS) is not provided in the extracted pages, so candidates should refer to the official online application portal for detailed reservation distribution.

Salary and In‑Hand Calculation

💰 In‑hand breakdown (estimated for Level‑6): Basic ₹35,400 + DA (assumed ~50%) ₹17,700 + HRA (Class X city ~27%) ₹9,558 = Gross ~₹62,658. Deductions: NPS (10% of basic+DA) ≈ ₹5,310, Professional Tax ₹200, CGHS/other welfare fund ₹300. Net in‑hand: ₹35,000 – ₹38,000 for Level‑5 and ₹42,000 – ₹45,000 for Level‑6. Besides pay, employees get medical facilities, LTC, transport allowance, children education allowance, and other perks as per ICFRE rules. The pay scale is as per 7th CPC and the post is covered under the New Pension Scheme (NPS).

Application Fee

⚠️ Fee mistake warning: Fee once paid is non‑refundable even if application is rejected later. Do not pay through any unofficial link – payment is only via the online portal on FRI website. Ex‑servicemen and departmental candidates may have additional exemptions as per GoI norms.

Age Limit (As on 03‑June‑2026)

📅 Age relaxation (standard GoI): SC/ST – 5 years, OBC‑NCL – 3 years, PwD – 10 years (15 years for SC/ST PwD, 13 years for OBC PwD). Ex‑servicemen: length of service + 3 years (up to max 45 years for Group C). For widow/divorced women: up to 35 years (40 years for SC/ST). Example: A General category candidate born on 15‑May‑1999 will be 27 years 1 month as on 03‑June‑2026 → not eligible. Those born on or after 04‑June‑1999 are eligible for Library Asst.

Eligibility Criteria (Qualification)

🎓 Common eligibility mistake: Candidates with a degree in a slightly different discipline (e.g., B.Sc Agriculture instead of Botany) may be rejected. The subject must exactly match the list. Also, distance learning degrees are acceptable only if the university is recognised by UGC/DEC and the degree is equivalent to a regular degree.

Selection Process

🔹 Stage 1 – Computer Based Test (CBT)

Objective type online exam. Syllabus includes subject‑specific questions, arithmetic, general awareness, reasoning, and English (see section below). Shortlisting for descriptive test is based on CBT marks only – candidates will be called in the ratio of 1:5 per category (5 times the vacancies).

🔹 Stage 2 – Descriptive Test (Qualifying)

A 45‑minute pen‑and‑paper test in Dehradun only. One short essay (≈300 words) and one letter/application – one must be in Hindi and the other in English. Total 50 marks (25+25). Qualifying marks: 50% (25 out of 50). Failure to qualify results in disqualification, even if CBT score is high.

🔹 Stage 3 – Skill / Trade Test (for specific posts)

Only for Technician (Maintenance) – trade test, and for Lower Division Clerk – typing test. These are also qualifying in nature. Final merit list is prepared based on CBT scores only, after clearing descriptive and skill tests.

📌 Your first 7 days after applying:
1. Download and save the final application form + fee receipt.
2. Prepare for CBT by focusing on the subject syllabus (see below).
3. For OBC‑NCL: obtain fresh caste certificate (issued before 03‑June‑2026).
4. For EWS: get Income & Asset certificate for FY 2025‑26.
5. Practice 300‑word essay writing in both Hindi and English – this is often ignored by candidates.
6. Ensure your scanned photo and signature meet the specifications (white background, black ink).
7. Check the FRI website daily for admit card updates – no separate intimation will be sent by post.

Exam Syllabus (CBT – All Posts)

For Library Information Assistant: 40 marks from Library Science, 20 General Awareness & Intelligence, 20 Basic Arithmetic, 20 English.
For Technical Assistant: 40 marks from concerned subject (Botany/Zoology/Forestry etc.), 20 Arithmetic, 20 General Awareness & Reasoning, 20 English & General Science.
For Forest Guard: 40 marks Basic Science related to Forestry, 25 Arithmetic & Reasoning, 25 General Awareness, 10 English.

📌 Also Read: Indian Army CSBO Grade-II 2026: 190 Posts Open at 2 Signal Training Centre, Goa

How to Apply (Step‑by‑Step)

1. Visit official FRI website: https://fri.icfre.gov.in (do not use any third‑party site).
2. Click on “Recruitment” → “Group C Recruitment 2026 – Advertisement No. 1/FRI/GC/2026”.
3. Register with your active email ID and mobile number – OTP verification required.
4. Fill the online form carefully: personal details, educational qualification, post preference, category, etc.
5. Upload scanned documents: recent passport size colour photo (white background), signature (black ink on white paper), left thumb impression, and relevant certificates (PDF).
6. Pay the application fee via online mode (net banking/debit/credit). SC/ST/Women pay only ₹700, others pay ₹1,500.
7. Preview the entire form – no editing after submission.
8. Submit and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

💰 What is the approximate in‑hand salary for FRI Group C posts after deductions?

For Pay Level‑5 (Technical Assistant): approx ₹35,000–₹38,000 per month. For Pay Level‑6 (Library Information Assistant): approx ₹42,000–₹45,000 per month after NPS, tax, and other deductions. The basic pay is ₹29,200 (Level‑5) or ₹35,400 (Level‑6).

📅 What is the last date to apply for FRI Group C 2026?

Online application closes on 03‑June‑2026 at 11:59 PM. No extension will be given.

📊 How many vacancies are there in FRI Technical Assistant post?

As per the notification, 04 vacancies for Technical Assistant (Field/Lab Research). For Library Information Assistant: 02 vacancies. Other posts (LDC, Stenographer, MTS, Forest Guard, Store Keeper, Technician) – exact numbers are not specified in the extracted Hindi notification; candidates must check the official English PDF.

🎓 What is the minimum qualification for Library Information Assistant?

Any graduate degree + Bachelor’s degree in Library Science from a recognised university. No experience required.

📏 What is the age limit for General category for Technical Assistant?

21 to 30 years as on 03‑June‑2026. OBC gets 3 years relaxation, SC/ST gets 5 years, PwD gets 10 years.

🧾 What is the application fee for women candidates?

Women candidates (of any category) need to pay only the processing fee of ₹700. Application fee (₹800) is fully waived for women. SC/ST/PwD also pay only ₹700.

⚙️ Is the descriptive test compulsory for all posts?

Yes, all candidates who qualify the CBT must appear for the descriptive test (essay + letter). It is qualifying in nature (minimum 50% marks). Failure to qualify means disqualification even if CBT score is high.

📄 Can final year students apply for FRI Group C 2026?

No. Candidates must have passed their degree examination on or before the closing date (03‑June‑2026). Final year students who will pass after that date are not eligible.

🔗 Is there any interview for FRI Group C posts?

No interview. Selection is based on CBT marks after clearing descriptive and skill/trade tests (where applicable).

📑 What documents are required for OBC‑NCL candidates?

You must upload a valid OBC‑NCL certificate issued on or before 03‑June‑2026, with the caste name exactly as in the central list. The certificate should also contain the non‑creamy layer declaration. A simple OBC certificate without “Non‑Creamy Layer” will be treated as General.