The Rajasthan Staff Selection Board (RSSB), also known as RSMSSB, released the notification for Forester (Vanpal) Recruitment 2026 under Advertisement No. 01/2026. This recruitment fills 259 posts in the Rajasthan Forest Department. Vanpal roles involve protecting forests, wildlife, and natural resources while assisting in conservation efforts. It’s a respected government job with fieldwork in Rajasthan’s diverse landscapes.
The online application started on January 6, 2026, and the last date was February 4, 2026 (some sources note extension to February 11, 2026). Rajasthan domicile candidates with 12th pass and CET 2024 qualification applied through the SSO portal or official RSSB site. The exam date is pending announcement, likely in mid-2026. This article covers all key details in simple language to help candidates understand the process.
Important Dates for RSSB Forester Recruitment 2026
The timeline is crucial for applicants.
- Notification Release: January 5, 2026
- Online Application Start: January 6, 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: February 4, 2026 (extended to February 11, 2026 in updates)
- Last Date for Fee Payment: February 11, 2026 (as per extension)
- Application Correction Window: To be announced
- Written Exam Date: To be announced (tentative June 2026 in some references)
- Admit Card Release: To be announced
- Result Announcement: To be announced
Visit rssb.rajasthan.gov.in or sso.rajasthan.gov.in regularly for updates.
Application Fee Structure
The fee varies by category and is paid online only.
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹600
- SC / ST: ₹400
No other modes like cash or offline are accepted. Keep the transaction receipt safe.
Age Limit and Relaxation Rules
Age is calculated as on a specified date (often January 1, 2027 in similar recruitments).
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 40 years
Relaxation applies as per Rajasthan government norms:
- SC/ST: +5 years
- OBC: +3-5 years
- Ex-Servicemen and PwD: Additional benefits
Check the official notification for precise cut-off dates and proofs.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, candidates need:
- Rajasthan domicile
- Passed Senior Secondary (Class 12th) from a recognized board
- Qualified Rajasthan CET (Senior Secondary Level) 2024
- Meet physical standards (detailed below)
No higher education is required, making it accessible for 12th pass youth interested in forest service.
Vacancy Details Table
Total posts: 259, divided by area.
| Area/Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Non-TSP Area | 213 |
| TSP Area | 46 |
| Total | 259 |
Reservations follow state rules for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, MBC, and others. TSP (Tribal Sub-Plan) areas have separate quotas.
Physical Standards for RSSB Forester
Physical tests are mandatory. Standards differ by gender and category.
Height Requirements:
- Male (UR/OBC/EWS): 163 cm
- Male (SC/ST): 153 cm
- Female (UR/OBC/EWS): 150 cm
- Female (SC/ST): 145 cm
Chest (Male only, expansion):
- UR/OBC/EWS/SC/ST: 84-89 cm (some sources note slight variations)
Physical Efficiency Test (Walking):
- Male (all categories): 25 km in 4 hours
- Female (all categories): 16 km in 4 hours
Candidates must qualify these to proceed. Practice walking and maintain fitness.
Selection Process Step by Step
The process includes multiple stages.
- Written Examination (qualifying, objective MCQ)
- Physical Standard Test (PST) – measurement check
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET) – walking test
- Medical Examination
- Document Verification
Final merit considers written exam scores, with physical tests as qualifying.
Exam Pattern for Written Test
The exam is offline OMR-based.
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 100
- Duration: 2 hours
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark for each wrong answer
Subjects (Rajasthan-focused):
- General Knowledge (Rajasthan GK emphasis)
- Social Studies
- Geography, History, Art & Culture of Rajasthan
- Everyday Science
- Mathematics
- Current Affairs (state and national)
Prepare Rajasthan-specific topics heavily.
Salary and Pay Scale
Selected Foresters get pay as per Rajasthan government rules.
- Pay Scale: ₹23,700 to ₹75,000 per month (starting basic around Level-8 or similar, some sources mention ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 under 7th Pay)
Benefits include:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Travel Allowance
- Medical facilities
- Pension/NPS
- Group insurance
Probation period is 2 years. Job offers security in Forest Department.
Career Growth Opportunities
Vanpal starts at field level with duties like patrolling forests, preventing illegal activities, and community awareness. Promotions occur through performance, seniority, and exams to higher roles like Forest Guard Supervisor, Range Officer, or more.
Exam and Application Centers
Written exam centers in major Rajasthan cities:
- Jaipur
- Jodhpur
- Udaipur
- Ajmer
- Kota
- Bikaner
- Sikar
- Other districts
Choose preferences during application. Physical tests at designated Forest Department venues.
How to Apply Online
Steps for reference (process closed now):
- Visit sso.rajasthan.gov.in or rssb.rajasthan.gov.in
- Register/login via SSO ID
- Fill form with details, CET info
- Upload photo, signature, documents
- Pay fee online
- Submit and print confirmation
Avoid fake sites; use only official portals.
Preparation Tips for RSSB Forester Exam
With high competition, prepare 3-6 months ahead.
- Study Rajasthan GK from standard books (history, geography, culture)
- Cover basic math and science from class 10 level
- Read current affairs, especially Rajasthan news
- Practice previous papers and mocks
- Focus on negative marking – accuracy matters
- Build stamina for walking test
Join online groups for updates.
| Some Useful Important Links | |||
| Apply Online | Click Here | ||
| Download Notification | Click Here | ||
| Official Website | Click Here | ||
Why Choose RSSB Forester Job?
This role combines service to nature with government stability. Work outdoors in Rajasthan’s forests, contribute to conservation, and enjoy perks like job security and promotions. It’s ideal for fit, nature-loving candidates from the state.
Final Thoughts
The RSSB Forester (Vanpal) Recruitment 2026 filled 259 important positions in forest protection. The application window closed in February 2026. If you applied, focus on exam prep and physical fitness. Check official sites for exam dates, admit cards, and results.
