APPSC Forest Section Officer Recruitment 2025: New Vacancies, Eligibility & Apply Online Now!

Are you passionate about protecting forests and serving nature? The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has officially released the Forest Section Officer (FSO) Notification 2025, offering a golden opportunity to join the prestigious Andhra Pradesh Forest Department. If you’ve been waiting to start a government career in the environmental sector, this is the perfect time!

Through this recruitment drive, eligible graduates can apply for the post of Forest Section Officer under Group IIB services. The notification includes important details like eligibility criteria, selection process, application dates, salary, exam pattern, and how to apply. Whether you are a first-time applicant or someone aiming to switch to a stable and respected government role, APPSC FSO 2025 could be your dream job!

Let’s explore the complete details in a simple and clear format so that you don’t miss this amazing career opportunity.

APPSC Forest Section Officer Recruitment 2025 – Overview

APPSC Forest Section Officer Recruitment 2025 – Important Dates

APPSC Forest Section Officer Notification 2025 PDF

The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has officially released the detailed notification for Forest Section Officer Recruitment 2025. The notification includes all important details like eligibility criteria, age limit, application dates, selection process, and syllabus.

Candidates are advised to download and read the official notification PDF carefully before applying.

APPSC Forest Section Officer Vacancy 2025

Key Highlights:

• Total Vacancies: 100 positions are available in the Andhra Pradesh Forest Subordinate Service.
• Break‑up: Out of these, 30 are carried forward from previous years and 70 are fresh vacancies.
• These include category‑wise reservation and seats for Meritorious Sportspersons (MSP) — details provided in the official notification.

APPSC Forest Section Officer Eligibility Criteria 2025

Candidates who wish to apply for the Forest Section Officer post under APPSC must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

Educational Qualification

• Candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in one of the following disciplines:
  • Forestry
  • Botany
  • Zoology
  • Agriculture
  • Horticulture
  • Environmental Science
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Statistics
  • Mathematics

Note: Final-year students are not eligible unless they have the degree certificate at the time of application.

Age Limit (as on 01/07/2025)

Age Relaxation (as per rules):

• SC/ST/BC: +5 years
• Ex-Servicemen: +3 years
• Physically Handicapped: +10 years

Physical Standards

To be eligible, candidates must meet the following physical measurements:

Note: Candidates must also pass a physical endurance test during later stages of selection.

APPSC FSO Application Fee – 2025

Key Points

• Processing Fee of ₹250 is mandatory for all applicants.
• Examination Fee of ₹80 is applicable only for General, OBC, and Other-State candidates — making the total fee ₹330 for them.
• Reserved category candidates, ex-servicemen, and white card holders are exempted from the examination fee, so they only need to pay ₹250.
• The fee must be paid online using debit/credit card, UPI, net banking, or other digital modes.
• Important: Once paid, the fee is generally non-refundable unless clearly mentioned otherwise in the official notification. So make sure to review all details before submitting the form.
• Note: The processing fee is to be paid at the time of registration, while the exam fee may be collected at a later stage — but the deadline for both is the same, so complete the payment on time.

APPSC Forest Section Officer Selection Process 2025

The selection for the Forest Section Officer (FSO) under Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) will be done in three major stages. Candidates must qualify in each stage to move to the next.

1. Preliminary Screening Test

• Objective-type test
• Total Questions: 150
• Subjects:
  • General Studies
  • Mental Ability & General Mathematics
  • General Forestry
• Marks: 150
• Duration: 150 minutes
• Note: This is qualifying in nature for shortlisting to mains.

2. Mains Written Examination

• Contains one qualifying paper and three descriptive papers:

• Note: Only candidates who clear prelims will appear in mains. General English & Telugu paper is qualifying in nature (marks not counted in merit).

3. Physical Test

Only those who clear the mains will be called for the Physical Test, where candidates must meet required height and chest expansion standards:

Candidates must also undergo a physical endurance test, details of which will be shared in the admit card or notification.

Final Selection

• Merit list will be prepared based on Mains exam marks only.
• Physical test is qualifying in nature.
• Document verification will be conducted before final appointment.

APPSC Forest Section Officer Exam Pattern 2025

The APPSC FSO selection process includes two written stages — Prelims and Mains — followed by a physical test. Below is the detailed exam pattern:

1. Prelims (Screening Test) Pattern

• The prelims will be an objective-type exam.
• Total Questions: 150
• Total Marks: 150
• Duration: 150 Minutes
• Negative Marking: Yes (as per APPSC norms)

Prelims is qualifying in nature. Only shortlisted candidates will appear for the Mains exam.

2. Mains Exam Pattern

• Mains consists of one qualifying language paper and three subject-specific papers.
• Each subject paper is of 150 marks, and language paper is of 100 marks (qualifying only).
• Duration: 150 minutes per subject paper, and 100 minutes for language paper.

Candidates must pass the General English & Telugu paper to have their subject papers evaluated.

Key Highlights:

• Questions Type: Objective (Prelims), Descriptive (Mains)
• Medium of Exam: English & Telugu
• Cut-off: Decided by APPSC based on difficulty level and number of applicants

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for APPSC FSO Recruitment 2025

If you’re planning to apply for the Forest Section Officer post, this step-by-step guide will help you easily complete the online application process. Especially useful for first-time applicants, it explains every step clearly—from registration to final submission.

Step 1: OTPR Registration (One-Time Profile Registration)

If you’re applying for the first time, OTPR registration is mandatory.

• Visit the official APPSC website and click on the “One Time Profile Registration (OTPR)” option.
• Fill in your basic details like name, date of birth, educational qualification, mobile number, etc.
• After submitting the form, you’ll receive your OTPR ID and password, which will be used for future logins.

Step 2: Login Using OTPR Credentials

• Go to the login page and enter your OTPR ID and password.
• Enter the CAPTCHA code and click on the “Login” button.

Step 3: Fill Application Form

• After login, search for “Forest Section Officer Recruitment 2025” in the dashboard.
• Fill in your personal, academic, and category details carefully.
• Upload scanned copies of the following documents:
  • Passport-size photograph
  • Signature
  • Educational certificates
  • Proof of Date of Birth
  • Caste/Category certificate (if applicable)

Step 4: Pay Application Fee

• Application fee details:
  • General / OBC / Other State Candidates: ₹250 (application fee) + ₹80 (processing fee) = ₹330
  • SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen / White card holders: ₹250 only
• Payment can be made via: Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI
• Save or take a screenshot of the payment receipt for future reference.

Step 5: Submit & Print Application

• After completing the form and fee payment, click the “Submit” button.
• Once submitted, you’ll get a confirmation message or screen.
• Download or print your application form and receipt for your records.

Important Application Dates

• Start Date to Apply: 28th July 2025
• Last Date to Apply & Pay Fee: 17th August 2025 (till 11:59 PM)

Quick Checklist Before Submission

FAQs – APPSC Forest Section Officer Recruitment 2025

Q1. What is the age limit for APPSC Forest Section Officer 2025?
Candidates must be between 18 to 30 years as on the cutoff date. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per Andhra Pradesh government norms.

Q2. Is there any negative marking in the APPSC FSO exam?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for every wrong answer in the written examination.

Q3. Can candidates from other states apply for APPSC FSO recruitment?
Yes, candidates from other states can apply, but they will be treated as General category and must pay the full exam fee (₹330 total).

Q4. What is the mode of the APPSC Forest Section Officer exam?
The APPSC FSO exam will be conducted in online CBT mode (Computer-Based Test) at designated centers across Andhra Pradesh.

Conclusion

If you’re passionate about working with nature and looking for a stable government job, then the APPSC Forest Section Officer Recruitment 2025 is a golden opportunity for you. This role not only offers a respectable position but also allows you to contribute towards environmental protection.

We’ve covered all the key details like eligibility, exam pattern, application process, and important dates in this article. Just make sure to read the official notification carefully and apply before the last date.

All the best for your preparation! 🌿
If you have any doubts, feel free to refer to the FAQ section or visit the official website for clarification.