Forest Range Officer: Course Fee, Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Entrance Exams, Career & Salary
June 5, 2025 2025-06-05 7:17Forest Range Officer: Course Fee, Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Entrance Exams, Career & Salary
Forest Range Officer: Course Fee, Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Entrance Exams, Career & Salary
If you're passionate about nature, wildlife, and environmental conservation, a career as a Forest Range Officer (FRO) is an excellent option. As a government officer responsible for protecting forests and managing resources, the Forest Range Officer plays a key role in preserving biodiversity.
This blog covers everything about becoming a Forest Range Officer in India — from eligibility and admission to career growth and salary.
What is the full form of FRO in government jobs?
The full form of FRO is Forest Range Officer. It is a government post responsible for managing a specific forest area, enforcing forest laws, and supervising ground-level staff like forest guards.
🧾 Who is a Forest Range Officer?
A Forest Range Officer (FRO) is a government officer responsible for managing forest resources, wildlife protection, and ensuring compliance with forest laws within a designated range or region. They supervise forest guards, plan plantation drives, monitor illegal activities like poaching, and report to higher authorities like the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO).
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To become a Forest Range Officer, you must fulfill the following criteria:
➤ Educational Qualification:
Bachelor's degree in Science, Forestry, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Botany, Zoology, or related subjects.
Some states accept graduates from Engineering (especially Civil, Environmental) backgrounds.
➤ Minimum Marks:
50%–60% in graduation (varies by state PSC)
➤ Age Limit:
Minimum: 21 years
Maximum: 30–35 years (age relaxation for reserved categories)
➤ Physical Standards:
Height: Minimum 163 cm (Male), 150 cm (Female)
Chest: 84 cm with 5 cm expansion (Male)
📝 Admission Process
Admission is primarily through State Public Service Commissions (PSC) or UPSC, which conduct exams for the post.
Selection Process:
Preliminary Exam
Main Exam
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Interview/Personality Test
Medical Examination
📘 Course Details (If You Want to Prepare Professionally)
While there’s no fixed “course,” you can pursue a B.Sc in Forestry or Environmental Science, followed by coaching or diploma courses in forest management or wildlife sciences.
➤ Popular Degrees:
B.Sc in Forestry
B.Sc in Environmental Science
B.Sc in Botany/Zoology
➤ Diploma (Optional):
Diploma in Forest Management
Certificate in Wildlife Conservation
💰 Course Fee (B.Sc Forestry & Related)
| Type of Institution | Annual Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Government Colleges | ₹5,000 – ₹30,000 |
| Private Colleges | ₹40,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
📚 Syllabus (Based on State PSC & UPSC)
➤ General Subjects:
General Knowledge & Current Affairs
Indian Polity, History, Economy
Geography of India (with focus on forests & wildlife)
General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
➤ Technical Subjects (Optional paper):
Silviculture
Wildlife Ecology
Forest Management
Forest Laws & Policies
Environmental Science
🏫 Top Colleges for B.Sc Forestry (Helpful for FRO Career)
| College Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Forest Research Institute (FRI) | Dehradun |
| Sam Global University | Bhopal |
| College of Forestry, Ponnampet | Karnataka |
| Dr. Y.S. Parmar University | Himachal Pradesh |
| Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy | Dehradun |
🎯 Career Path & Growth
Entry-Level Position:
Forest Range Officer (FRO)
Promotions:
Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF)
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO)
Conservator of Forests
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF)
💸 Salary of Forest Range Officer
| Component | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Govt Scale) | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400/month |
| Grade Pay | ₹4,800 – ₹5,400 |
| Additional Benefits | HRA, DA, TA, Medical |
| Starting In-hand Salary | ₹50,000 – ₹65,000/month |
🔍 Skills Required
Knowledge of forestry and environment laws
Physical stamina and outdoor readiness
Analytical and decision-making skills
Wildlife and biodiversity awareness
Leadership and management abilities
🧠 Recommended Books
Indian Forestry – A Breakthrough Approach by Jain & Jain
Objective Forestry by R.S. Chaudhary
Forest Policy and Law by S.S. Negi
State-specific Forest Service Exam Books
🧾 Conclusion
Becoming a Forest Range Officer is a prestigious and meaningful career that lets you serve nature and the nation. With the right education, preparation, and dedication, you can secure this rewarding government post and contribute to environmental conservation.
🙋♂️Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Forest Range Officer (FRO)?
A Forest Range Officer is a government officer responsible for managing and protecting a forest range, supervising forest guards, and enforcing forest laws.
2. What qualification is required to become a Forest Range Officer?
You must have a Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Agriculture, Botany, Zoology, Environmental Science, or other related fields.
3. Is there any physical fitness requirement for this role?
Yes, candidates must meet minimum height and chest requirements and pass a physical efficiency test.
4. Which exam should I appear for to become a Forest Range Officer?
Most states conduct recruitment through State Public Service Commission exams (like MPPSC, UPPSC), and some roles are through UPSC.
5. Can I become a Forest Range Officer after 12th?
No, you need to complete at least a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field before applying.
6. What is the starting salary of a Forest Range Officer in India?
The salary ranges between ₹50,000 – ₹65,000 per month including government allowances.
7. Are there coaching classes for Forest Range Officer preparation?
Yes, several coaching institutes offer preparation for forest service exams, including general studies and forestry subjects.
8. Which degree is best for becoming a Forest Officer?
A B.Sc in Forestry, Botany, Environmental Science, or Agriculture is ideal for becoming a Forest Range Officer.
9. Do Forest Range Officers get field postings?
Yes, most of the work involves field visits to forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and protected areas.
10. Is there any age limit for Forest Range Officer recruitment?
Yes, the general age limit is 21–30 years, with relaxation for SC/ST/OBC candidates as per government rules.
Contact & Admission Details
- Website:www.samglobaluniversity.ac.in
- Phone: (+91) 96445 53399
- Email: samglobaluni@gmail.com
- Application: Apply online through the university portal
