Job Overview of APPSC Forest Section Officer 2025
The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has released a much-awaited notification for the APPSC Forest Section Officer 2025 recruitment under Notification No. 07/2025, dated 22 July 2025. This exam will fill 100 vacancies under the A.P. Forest Subordinate Service.
The Forest Section Officer (FSO) plays a critical role in implementing forest and wildlife conservation policies, supervising forest operations, and protecting biodiversity in Andhra Pradesh’s vast eco-regions. With a combination of field duties, administrative responsibilities, and ecological stewardship, it’s one of the most unique and honorable roles within the state services.
APPSC FSO 2025: Highlights
- Notification No.: 07/2025
- Publication Date: 22 July 2025
- Recruiting Body: APPSC
- Post: Forest Section Officer
- Department: A.P. Forest Subordinate Service
- Vacancies: 100
- Official Website: psc.ap.gov.in
Vacancy Details
The APPSC Forest Section Officer 2025 notification declares 100 total vacancies, distributed as per reservation norms across zones. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Open Competition
- BC-A, BC-B, BC-C, BC-D, BC-E
- SC & ST categories
- Ex-Servicemen
- Meritorious Sports Persons (MSP)
- EWS (Economically Weaker Sections)
- Local Scheduled Tribes in Agency Areas
Category-wise vacancy details can be found in the official Notification PDF.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 22 July 2025 |
| Start of Applications | 28 July 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 17 August 2025 |
| Screening Test | 7 September 2025 |
| Main Written Exam | To Be Announced |
Tip: Submit applications at least 3 days before the deadline to avoid last-minute glitches.
APPSC Forest Section Officer 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in:
- Botany
- Forestry
- Horticulture
- Zoology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Geology
- Agriculture
OR - Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, or Chemical
Degrees must be from a recognized university or institution.
Age Limit & Relaxation
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 30 years (as on 1 July 2025)
Age Relaxation:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST/BC/EWS | 5 years |
| SC/ST for CF Posts | 10 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per rules |
Application Fee & Payment Guidelines
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General (Other State too) | ₹330 (₹250 + ₹80) |
| SC/ST/BC/Ex-Servicemen | ₹250 only |
| Mode of Payment | Online (Card/NetBanking) |
No offline payment options are accepted.
In-Depth Salary & Perks
- Basic Salary: ₹32,670
- Maximum Salary: ₹1,01,970
- Initial In-Hand Pay: ~₹40,000/month
Other Benefits:
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- Uniform Allowance
- Travel Reimbursement
- Medical Benefits
- Promotions to higher forestry roles like Range Officer, Divisional Forest Officer
Step-by-Step Selection Process
A. Written Exams
- Screening Test: Objective paper, 150 marks
- Main Written Test: Higher-level MCQ, 150 marks
Subjects include:
- General Studies
- Arithmetic & Reasoning
- Forestry Concepts
- Biology & Environmental Science
B. Physical Requirements
| Category | Height | Chest | Endurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 163 cm | 84-89 cm | 25 km walk in 4 hours |
| Female | 150 cm | 79-84 cm | 16 km walk in 4 hours |
C. Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)
- Word, Excel, Internet, Email
- Qualifying only (40% pass)
D. Bonus Marks
| Certificate | Bonus Marks |
|---|---|
| NCC ‘C’ | 5 |
| NCC ‘B’ | 3 |
| NCC ‘A’ | 1 |
Exam Pattern & Detailed Syllabus
A. Screening Test (Preliminary Exam)
- Format: Objective Type (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Total Questions: 150 questions
- Total Marks: 150 marks
- Duration: Typically 150 minutes
- Negative Marking: Yes, 1/3 mark penalty per wrong answer
Sections Covered:
- Part A – General Studies & Mental Ability (75 questions)
- Current Affairs (National & AP State)
- Indian History & Culture
- Geography & Environment
- Indian Polity & Governance
- Economic & Social Development
- Logical Reasoning, Analytical Ability
- Andhra Pradesh General Knowledge
- Part B – Basic Mathematics (Arithmetic & Data Interpretation) (Optional as separate paper in some formats)
- Arithmetic: Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Averages
- Algebra: Simple and Linear Equations
- Geometry: Basic Mensuration
- Statistics & Data Interpretation
B. Main Written Examination
- Qualification: Only screening test qualifiers can appear
- Papers Included:
- General English & General Telugu – Qualifying Test, 100 marks each, largely qualifying in naturePaper 1 – General Studies & Mental Ability (150 marks)
- Same structure as Screening Test but advanced level
- Paper 2 – Mathematics & Mental Ability (150 marks)
- Accelerated arithmetic
- Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry
- Statistics & Graph interpretation
- Time, Speed, Distance, Work, Interest, Averages
- Paper 3 – General Forestry & Allied Sciences (150 marks)
- Silviculture & Agroforestry
- Forest Ecology & Environmental Management
- Forest Laws, Wildlife Conservation
- Biodiversity, Soil & Water Conservation
- Forest Products, Forest Engineering basics
- Tribal Development & People-Forest Relationship
- General English & General Telugu – Qualifying Test, 100 marks each, largely qualifying in naturePaper 1 – General Studies & Mental Ability (150 marks)
- Total Marks in Mains: 450 marks + qualifying language tests
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer
C. Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) – Qualifying
- Test of basic computer skills in:
- MS Word, Excel
- Email usage, Internet browsing
- Basic file management
- Minimum Qualifying Score: Typically 40%
- Marks counted separately (non‑scoring for merit)
- Conducted after the Main Exam
D. Physical Test (Walking Test & Medical Fitness)
- Mandatory qualifying stage
- Male Candidates:
- Height ≥ 163 cm; Chest expansion 84–89 cm
- Walking Test: 25 km in 4 hours
- Female Candidates:
- Height ≥ 150 cm; Chest expansion 79–84 cm
- Walking Test: 16 km in 4 hours
- Medical Board evaluates physical fitness per the guidelines
Documents Required
- SSC / Birth Certificate
- Degree Certificates & Mark Sheets
- Caste / Community Certificate
- Local / Nativity Certificate
- Medical & Eye Fitness Certificate
- NCC Certificate (if applicable)
- Recent Photos & Signature (scanned)
How to Apply for APPSC FSO 2025
- Go to psc.ap.gov.in
- Create/Update OTPR profile
- Select Forest Section Officer Notification (07/2025)
- Fill in personal, academic, and category details
- Upload necessary documents
- Pay application fee
- Review and submit the application
- Download the acknowledgment receipt
Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Application
- Uploading blurred or wrong-size photos
- Selecting incorrect community category
- Mistakes in name spelling or date of birth
- Choosing the wrong exam center
- Skipping fee payment acknowledgment
Cross-verify everything before final submission.
Benefits of Being a Forest Section Officer in AP
- Job Security under State Civil Services
- Contribution to environmental conservation
- Government accommodation
- Opportunities for promotion to higher forest ranks
- Prestige of working with AP Forest Department
Helpline & Contact Info
- Website: psc.ap.gov.in
- Helpdesk: 0866-2527820 / appschelpdesk@ap.gov.in
- Official Notification: Download PDF
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the deadline for APPSC FSO 2025?
A: 17 August 2025, by midnight.
Q2. How many vacancies are announced?
A: Exactly 100.
Q3. Can other state candidates apply?
A: Yes, but no local reservation benefits.
Q4. What is the exam date for the screening test?
A: 7 September 2025.
Q5. Is the walking test mandatory?
A: Yes, it’s a qualifying stage.
Q6. Do all candidates need to appear for CPT?
A: Yes, it’s a qualifying test for all shortlisted.
Here’s the complete and detailed Summary Table for APPSC Forest Section Officer 2025 covering all major recruitment parameters in one place:
APPSC Forest Section Officer 2025 – Summary Table
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Number | 07/2025 |
| Post Name | Forest Section Officer (FSO) |
| Recruiting Authority | Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) |
| Department | A.P. Forest Subordinate Service |
| Total Vacancies | 100 |
| Category-wise Vacancies | As per reservation norms (OC, SC, ST, BC, EWS, Ex-Servicemen, MSP) |
| Job Location | Andhra Pradesh (includes agency areas) |
| Application Start Date | 28 July 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 17 August 2025 (11:59 PM) |
| Screening Test Date | 7 September 2025 |
| Main Exam Date | To Be Announced |
| Exam Type | Objective (OMR-based) |
| Selection Process | Screening Test → Main Exam → Physical Test → CPT → Bonus Marks (NCC) |
| Educational Qualification | BSc in Forestry/Botany/Zoology/etc. OR BTech in Civil/Mechanical/Chemical |
| Minimum Age | 18 years (as on 1 July 2025) |
| Maximum Age | 30 years (with relaxation for SC/ST/BC/EWS/Ex-Servicemen) |
| Age Relaxation | SC/ST/BC/EWS: +5 yrs; SC/ST for CF posts: +10 yrs; Ex-servicemen: As per rules |
| Pay Scale | ₹32,670 – ₹1,01,970 per month |
| Initial In-Hand Salary | Approx. ₹40,000 – ₹45,000 |
| Allowances & Perks | HRA, DA, Medical, LTC, Pension, Housing, Promotion Benefits |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Application Fee (General) | ₹250 + ₹80 (processing fee) = ₹330 |
| Fee for SC/ST/BC/Ex-Servicemen | ₹250 only |
| Fee for Other State Candidates | ₹330 (no exemption) |
| Negative Marking in Exam | Yes, 1/3 mark deducted per wrong answer |
| Physical Eligibility (Male) | Height: 163 cm; Chest: 84–89 cm; 25 km walk in 4 hours |
| Physical Eligibility (Female) | Height: 150 cm; Chest: 79–84 cm; 16 km walk in 4 hours |
| Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) | Qualifying; includes MS Word, Excel, Internet |
| Bonus Marks | NCC A: +1; B: +3; C: +5 |
| Required Documents | ID Proof, Degree Certificates, Caste/Income/Local Status, Medical, Photos |
| Official Website | psc.ap.gov.in |
| Apply Online Link | Apply Now |
| Official Notification PDF | Download Notification 07/2025 |
Detailed Vacancy Details – APPSC Forest Section Officer 2025
The APPSC Forest Section Officer 2025 recruitment offers a total of 100 posts, comprising:
- 70 Carried Forward (CF) Vacancies
- 30 Fresh Vacancies
These vacancies are distributed across multiple districts and are categorized by reservation under OC, EWS, BC (A to E), SC, and ST.
A. Carried Forward (CF) Vacancies – 70 Posts
| Division | OC | EWS | BC‑A | BC‑B | BC‑C | BC‑D | BC‑E | SC | ST | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Srikakulam (Plain) | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| Narsipatnam (Agency) SA | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1 |
| Kakinada (Plain) | 3 | – | 1 | – | – | 2 | 1 | 1 | – | 8 |
| Chintur (Agency) NSA | 1 | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | – | 3 |
| Eluru (Plain) | – | – | 1 | – | – | – | 1 | – | – | 2 |
| Krishna (Plain) | 1 | – | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | 2 |
| Giddaluru (Plain) | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | 3 |
| Markapur (Plain) | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 2 |
| Nellore (Plain) | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| – | – | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | |
| Ananthapuramu (Plain) | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | – | – | – | 1 |
| Chittoor (East) (Plain) | – | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | – | 2 | |
| Kadapa (Plain) | – | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | 1 | – | 2 |
| Proddatur (Plain) | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| Rajampeta (Plain) | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | – | – | – | 1 |
| Kurnool (Plain) | – | – | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| Nandyal (WL) (Plain) | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| Atmakur (WL) (Plain) | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| Total | 21 | 9 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 3 | 10 | 8 | 70 |
B. Fresh Vacancies – 30 Posts
| Division | OC | EWS | BC‑A | BC‑B | BC‑C | BC‑D | BC‑E | SC | ST | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Srikakulam (Plain) | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | – | 1 |
| – | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | |
| Vizianagaram (Plain) | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | – | 1 |
| 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | |
| Vizianagaram (Agency) SA | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1 |
| Visakhapatnam (Plain) | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| Narsipatnam (Agency) NSA | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | – | 1 | |
| Narsipatnam (Agency) SA | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 2 | 2 |
| Paderu (Agency) NSA | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | – | – | – | 1 |
| – | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | |
| Paderu (Agency) SA | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 12 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 30 |
Note on Horizontal Reservation
There will be Horizontal Reservation in respect of Women, Ex-Servicemen, and Meritorious Sports Persons (MSP) as per Rule 22, 22(A), and 22(B) of the A.P. State and Subordinate Service Rules, 1996, and subsequent amendments:
- G.O.Ms.No.77, G.A. (Ser-D), Dt: 02.08.2023
- G.O.Ms.No.03, G.A. (Ser-D), Dt: 17.01.2024
- G.O.Ms.No.04, Youth & Sports Dept., Dt: 19.04.2025
- G.O.Ms.No.47 & 48, GA (Ser-D), Dt: 19–20.04.2025
About APPSC: The Recruiting Authority
The APPSC is responsible for conducting competitive examinations and direct recruitments for various government positions across the state. Known for its transparent and merit-based recruitment system, it offers aspirants an equal opportunity to secure prestigious government jobs.
- Founded: 1956
- Headquarters: Vijayawada
- Portal: psc.ap.gov.in
APPSC has revolutionized the recruitment process with One-Time Profile Registration (OTPR), enabling seamless applications for all eligible posts under a single login.
Conclusion
The APPSC Forest Section Officer 2025 recruitment is a golden opportunity for nature lovers and civil service aspirants alike. With a respectable salary, clear career path, and impactful duties, this post offers not just a job but a mission to protect our forests.
Make sure you:
- Apply before 17 August 2025
- Meet all physical and educational criteria
- Prepare well for the exam and physical test
- Stay updated via psc.ap.gov.in
Join the green guardians of Andhra Pradesh today!
Note: This article is based on Notification No. 07/2025, available officially on psc.ap.gov.in
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