Bihar Forest Range Officer Job Vacancies: Salary, Eligibility, and Registration Date
Introduction
Bihar Police Sub-Ordinate Service Commission is recruiting Forest Range Officers for the Environment, Forest & Climate Change Department of the Bihar Government. This recruitment is based on a competitive examination that includes a written test, interview, physical efficiency test, and medical examination. Applicants must meet the prescribed educational, age, physical, and other eligibility requirements. Online applications are accepted from 01 May 2025 until 01 June 2025. It is important that candidates follow all instructions and ensure the accuracy of their online submissions.
Basic Candidate and Vacancy Details
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Forest Range Officer |
| Department | Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bihar Government |
| Vacancies | 24 posts |
| Pay Scale | Pay Level-6 (Salary Range: ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400) |
| Application Period | 01 May 2025 to 01 June 2025 |
| Application Mode | Online via the BPSSSC website (https://bpssc.bihar.gov.in) under the Forest Dept. tab |
Application Fee Details
The application fee depends on the candidate’s category. Please refer to the table below:
| Candidate Category | Application Fee (₹) |
|---|---|
| Bihar state natives from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe & all female candidates | 400 |
| Male candidates from Unreserved, Backward, Extremely Backward, Economically Weaker categories and non-Bihar state applicants | 700 |
The fee must be paid online using Net Banking or Credit/Rupay Debit Card; any bank transaction charges are the responsibility of the applicant.
Vacancy Distribution by Category
The recruitment follows a reservation policy that distributes the 24 vacancies across various social categories. The table below outlines this distribution.
| Category (Code) | Number of Vacancies | Reserved Seats for Women (35% Horizontal Reservation) |
|---|---|---|
| Unreserved (General) – Code 01 | 2 | 0 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) – Code 02 | 10 | 0 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) – Code 03 | 1 | 0 |
| Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) – Code 04 | 3 | 0 |
| Backward Classes (BC) – Code 05 | 7 | 0 |
| Backward Classes – Women (BC Women) – Code 06 | 0 | 0 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) – Code 07 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 24 | 0 |
Additional reservations for freedom fighters (2%) and disabled candidates (4%) are mentioned in the notification, but in this recruitment, both figures are zero.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following basic eligibility requirements:
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be an Indian citizen. Applications from all genders (Male, Female, and Third Gender) are accepted. |
| Educational Qualification | A Bachelor’s degree obtained by 01 January 2025 (or being in possession of such a degree) with at least one subject from Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, or Zoology; or a degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering. |
| Age Limit (General) | For Unreserved male candidates: Minimum age 21 years and Maximum age 37 years (minimum calculated on 01 January 2025 and maximum on 01 August 2021). For Unreserved female candidates: Minimum age 21 years and Maximum age 40 years. |
| Age Limit (SC/ST) | For SC and ST candidates (both male and female): Minimum age 21 years and Maximum age 42 years. |
| Additional Age Relaxations | – Bihar Government employees: Up to 5 years relaxation if the candidate has completed at least three years of regular service. – Ex-servicemen: Up to 3 years relaxation (subject to the candidate’s effective age not exceeding 57 years on the cutoff date). |
| Physical Standards – Height | Males (General/BC/EBC): Minimum 163 cm; Males (ST): Minimum 152.5 cm. Females (General/BC/EBC): Minimum 150 cm; Females (ST): Minimum 145 cm. |
| Physical Standards – Chest | (Males only) Unexpanded measurement: Minimum 79 cm; Expanded measurement: Minimum 84 cm, with at least a 5 cm difference between the two. |
All specified criteria must be met; any failure to conform will lead to rejection of the application.
Selection Process
The recruitment process involves several stages as outlined below:
| Stage | Overview / Details |
|---|---|
| Written Examination | Paper 1: General Hindi • 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) worth 100 marks; Duration: 1 hour; +2 marks per correct answer, –0.2 marks per incorrect answer; Minimum qualifying mark: 30 (score not added to overall merit). Paper 2: General Studies • 100 MCQs worth 300 marks; Duration: 2 hours; +3 marks per correct answer, –0.3 marks per incorrect answer. |
| Interview | Candidates who clear the written exam are invited to an interview (50 marks). The final merit is based on the combined score of the written exam and the interview. |
| Physical Efficiency Test (PET) | Conducted only for candidates progressing to the interview stage: • Males: Must complete a 25 km walk within 4 hours. • Females: Must complete a 14 km walk within 4 hours. Failure to meet the required time results in disqualification. |
| Medical Examination | A comprehensive medical test is conducted on candidates who pass the PET. It confirms that the candidate is free from physical defects that could impair job performance. |
The final merit list is determined by all stages, with candidates recommended for appointment upon successful completion of each phase.
Application Process and Payment Details
Follow these steps to complete your online application:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Online Registration | Submit your application via the BPSSSC website (https://bpssc.bihar.gov.in) under the Forest Dept. tab. Use a valid mobile number and email ID (preferably registered in your name) as these will receive your registration number and password via SMS and email. |
| Filling the Online Form | Complete the form with accurate personal information (name, father/husband’s name, date of birth, address, etc.), educational details, and other required information. Upload a recent color photograph (15–25 KB, within two months, with a white background) along with scanned copies of your signatures (in both English and Hindi in the prescribed format). |
| Fee Payment | Refer to the separate Application Fee table above. Payment must be made online via Net Banking, or using Credit/Rupay Debit Card. Any bank charges are to be borne by the applicant. |
| Final Submission | Review the complete application form carefully before final submission. Once submitted, the application details cannot be modified. Print the acknowledgment (preferably on A4 paper) and retain it for future reference. Ensure you receive a confirmation via SMS/email. |
| Important Reminder | Only one application per mobile number is allowed. Multiple submissions using the same mobile number will result in cancellation of all applications from that number. Verify that all details are correct (including your reservation category and date of birth) to avoid disqualification. |
Reservation & Relaxation Provisions
The recruitment follows specific reservation and relaxation guidelines, as detailed below:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Reservation Policy | The recruitment is governed by the Bihar Services Reservation Act. Reservation is provided for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and other backward classes, with a horizontal 35% reservation for women across all categories. |
| Vacancy Distribution | See the Vacancy Distribution table above for the allocation of the 24 posts among different categories. |
| Additional Age Relaxations | – Bihar Government employees receive up to 5 years of age relaxation (if they have completed a minimum of three years of regular service). – Ex-servicemen receive up to 3 years of age relaxation, provided the candidate’s effective age does not exceed 57 years on the cutoff date. |
| Local Preference | Only candidates who are natives of Bihar can avail state reservation benefits. Candidates from other states will be considered under the Unreserved category and must meet all standard eligibility criteria. |
It is crucial that you indicate your correct reservation category on your application to avoid disqualification.
Additional Guidelines and Important Instructions
Ensure that you follow these instructions exactly when filling out your online application:
| Instruction | Details |
|---|---|
| Document Authenticity | Submit only genuine, verifiable copies of all required documents. Any misrepresentation or false information will lead to cancellation of your application and may result in legal proceedings. |
| Single Submission Rule | Only one online application is permitted per mobile number. Multiple submissions will lead to cancellation of all applications submitted under the same mobile number. |
| Photograph & Signature Specifications | Upload a recent color photograph (15–25 KB, white background) and scanned copies of your signatures (in both English and Hindi using blue or black ink) exactly as specified. Failure to meet the requirements may disqualify your application. |
| Error and Cancellation Policy | Any error (e.g., incorrect details regarding reservation category, birth date, etc.) may result in cancellation of your application. You may cancel your application if a mistake is noticed; however, the fee will not be refunded, and a new fee must be paid for reapplication. |
| Communication Protocol | All official communication (registration number, login details, exam information, etc.) will be sent to your registered mobile number and email address. Ensure these are active and correctly registered. |
| Timeline | The entire selection process (written examination, interview, physical and medical tests) may take up to 6 months. Remain available and check your email/SMS for updates frequently. |
| Strict Adherence to Instructions | Follow all instructions provided on the BPSSSC website carefully. Non-compliance or deviation from the prescribed guidelines may result in rejection of your application. |
Appointment Authority
The final appointment for the Forest Range Officer posts is made by:
| Authority | Designation & Details |
|---|---|
| Appointment Authority | Chief Forest Officer (HoFF), Environment, Forest & Climate Change Department, Bihar Government, Patna |
Selected candidates will receive their joining instructions directly from the appointment authority through official channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the educational qualifications required?
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree obtained by 01 January 2025 (or be in possession of such a degree) with one of the following subjects: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, or Zoology. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering from a recognized institution is also acceptable.
What are the age requirements for this post?
For Unreserved male candidates, the minimum age is 21 years and the maximum age is 37 years (with the minimum calculation on 01 January 2025 and the maximum on 01 August 2021). For Unreserved female candidates, the minimum age is 21 years and the maximum is 40 years. For SC/ST candidates, the maximum age is relaxed to 42 years. Special relaxations apply for Bihar government employees and ex-servicemen as specified in the notification.
What physical standards must be met?
Male candidates must have a minimum height of 163 cm (for General, BC, and EBC categories) and 152.5 cm for ST candidates. Females must have a minimum height of 150 cm (General, BC, and EBC) and 145 cm for ST. Additionally, male candidates must record an unexpanded chest measurement of at least 79 cm and an expanded measurement of at least 84 cm (with at least a 5 cm difference). Third Gender candidates are subject to the similar physical standards applicable to backward classes.
How does the selection process work?
The selection process involves a written examination (with separate papers for General Hindi and General Studies), followed by an interview (worth 50 marks). Candidates who clear these stages must then pass a Physical Efficiency Test (25 km walk for males within 4 hours or a 14 km walk for females within 4 hours) and a subsequent medical examination. The final merit list is based on the combined marks from these stages.
How can I apply online?
Visit the BPSSSC website at https://bpssc.bihar.gov.in under the Forest Department tab. Register using your mobile number and email ID, complete the online application form with your personal and educational details, upload the required photograph and signature copies, and make the fee payment as per your category. Submit the final application and keep the acknowledgment receipt for future reference.
What are the specifics of the application fee?
For Bihar state natives from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and all female candidates, the fee is ₹400. For male candidates from Unreserved, Backward, Extremely Backward, and Economically Weaker categories, as well as for candidates from outside Bihar, the fee is ₹700. Payment must be completed online, and applicants must bear any applicable bank transaction charges.
What reservations and relaxations apply?
The recruitment follows the Bihar Services Reservation Act, with specific reservations for SC, ST, and other backward classes, along with a horizontal reservation of 35% for women. Additionally, there is age relaxation for Bihar government employees (up to 5 years) and for ex-servicemen (up to 3 years), subject to the conditions outlined in the advertisement. Candidates must correctly indicate their reservation category on the application, as inaccuracies will result in disqualification.
