Home | Courses | Video Lectures | Question Papers | Answer key | Current Affairs | Latest Job | Syllabus | Admit Card | Test Series | Cut-off | Result | Contact Us

Terms and conditions

Privacy policy

Refund policy

DIG :   

The Forest Range Officer (FRO), Research Forest Officer (RFO), and Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) exams are held by various state public service commissions and sometimes the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), depending on the state or central government structure. These exams are meant for recruitment into positions in forest departments across India, where the selected candidates are responsible for forest management, wildlife conservation, and forest law enforcement.

The FRO, RFO, and ACF exams require rigorous preparation, especially in forestry and environmental science. Stay disciplined, focus on building a strong foundation in general knowledge and specialized subjects, and regularly practice solving questions. Balancing physical fitness and mental preparation is crucial to succeed in these exams, which can ultimately lead to a rewarding career in forest management and conservation.

Below is a detailed guide on the FRO, RFO, and ACF exams, including the eligibility criteria, selection procedure, exam pattern, preparation tips, and syllabus.

1. FRO, RFO, ACF Exam Notification

• Conducted By: The exams are conducted by respective state public service commissions (e.g., UPPSC, MPPSC, HPSC, etc.) or by UPSC (for some central government positions).

• Exam Frequency: Typically, these exams are conducted annually or as per the requirement of the forest departments in different states.

• Notification: Notifications are generally released on the official websites of the respective commissions. You should keep an eye on:

  • UPSC: https://www.upsc.gov.in
  • State PSCs: For example, MPPSC (Madhya Pradesh), HPSC (Haryana), RPSC (Rajasthan), and others.

• Application Mode: Online applications are usually accepted, and candidates need to register and submit their forms via the official website of the conducting authority.

2. Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit:

• Generally, the age limit is between 21 to 35 years, but it may vary slightly depending on the specific exam and state.
• Relaxation: Age relaxation is provided to candidates belonging to reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) as per government norms (usually 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC).

Educational Qualifications:

• FRO/RFO/ACF: A Bachelor’s Degree in Science or Engineering from a recognized university. Some positions may require a degree in Agriculture, Forestry, Botany, Zoology, or Environmental Science.
• For UPSC's ACF Exam, candidates may need to hold a degree in Forestry or related fields.

Nationality:

• Indian citizens are eligible to apply.
• Some states may accept candidates from neighboring countries with specific qualifications.

3. Selection Procedure

The selection procedure typically consists of three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination:

• Objective-type questions based on general knowledge, aptitude, and specific topics related to forestry, environment, and conservation.

2. Main Examination:

• Descriptive-type questions on forestry, environment, ecology, wildlife, and related topics.
• A comprehensive written test is conducted to evaluate the candidates' in-depth knowledge of the subject matter.
• Physical Fitness Test (for certain positions like FRO): This may include a physical endurance test, including running, long jump, etc.

3. Interview/Personality Test:

• Candidates who qualify the written exam (both preliminary and main) are called for an interview. The interview assesses candidates' mental and physical fitness, communication skills, and knowledge of the forest services.
• The final selection is based on the cumulative marks obtained in the written test and the interview.

4. Exam Pattern

Preliminary Examination:

• Number of Questions: Around 100-150 questions.
• Duration: Typically 2 hours.
• Type of Questions: Objective Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
• Subjects:
  • General Knowledge
  • Current Affairs
  • General Science
  • Forest and Environmental Issues
  • Aptitude
  • Reasoning

Main Examination:

• Type of Exam: Descriptive type questions.
• Duration: Usually 3 hours per paper.
• Number of Papers: Generally 4 papers:
  • Paper 1: General Studies (usually common to most state PCS exams)
  • Paper 2: General Knowledge and Environmental Science
  • Paper 3: Forestry-related subjects (Forest Ecology, Biodiversity, Forest Management)
  • Paper 4: Optional subject (Candidates can choose topics such as Forestry, Botany, Zoology, Agriculture, etc.)

Interview/Personality Test:

• The interview assesses the candidate’s personality, knowledge, and suitability for the role.
• It typically consists of 200-300 marks.

5. Syllabus

The syllabus for FRO, RFO, ACF exams is mostly focused on subjects like Forestry, Wildlife, Environmental Science, Botany, and Zoology. Below is a breakdown of the typical syllabus:

General Studies (Preliminary and Main):

• Current Affairs (National and International)
• History of India and Indian National Movement
• Indian Polity and Governance
• Economic and Social Development
• Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change
• General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and their applications)
• Geography (Physical, Economic, and Social)

Forestry (Main):

• Ecology and Environmental Studies
  • Principles of Ecology, Forest Ecology, Biodiversity, and Conservation.
  • Ecological succession, population dynamics, and environmental laws.
• Forest Management:
  • Forest policy, sustainable management of forests, and afforestation techniques.
  • Forest Products and their uses.
  • Forest Survey and Mapping.
• Wildlife and Conservation:
  • Wildlife management, protection of endangered species, and the role of wildlife in ecosystem health.
• Forest Laws and Acts:
  • Indian Forest Act, Forest Rights Act, and wildlife protection laws.
• Forest Mensuration:
  • Measurement of forest resources and forest inventory.

Optional Subjects (for Main Exam):

• Botany: Plant physiology, Genetics, Plant ecology, and Plant systematics.
• Zoology: Animal physiology, Anatomy, Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation.
• Agriculture: Crop production, Soil Science, Horticulture, and Agroforestry.

6. Preparation Tips

1. Build a Strong Foundation:

• NCERT books (Class 6 to 12) are essential for General Studies, especially for topics like Environmental Science, Geography, and Current Affairs.

2. Focus on Forestry-Specific Topics:

• Read standard textbooks for Forestry (such as "Forest Ecology and Management" by E.P. Odum, and "Introduction to Forestry" by S.R. Yadav).
• Stay updated with the latest in Wildlife Conservation and Environmental Laws.

3. Regular Practice:

• Solve previous years' question papers and take mock tests to improve time management and accuracy.
• Practice drawing if you are appearing for ACF (for forestry or wildlife-based topics) since this may form part of the exam.

4. Stay Updated with Current Affairs:

• Read newspapers (especially for environmental and forestry-related news), and follow reliable online resources to stay informed about current affairs.

5. Focus on Physical Fitness:

• Some exams (especially for FRO positions) require physical fitness, so include a fitness routine in your preparation plan.

6. Coaching and Online Resources:

• If needed, consider joining a coaching center that specializes in Forest Services preparation.
• Use online platforms such as Unacademy, BYJU's, and Insights IAS for additional guidance.