JPSC ACF & FRO 2025: Notification, Exam Date, Syllabus & Full Details

JPSC ACF & FRO Exam 2025 Overview

The Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) conducts the Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) and Range Forest Officer (FRO) Exam to recruit officers responsible for forest management, wildlife conservation, and environmental protection in Jharkhand. This is a prestigious state-level recruitment for candidates passionate about forestry, ecology, and sustainable resource management.

Candidates with a graduation degree in Forestry, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or related disciplines and a strong commitment to public service can build a secure and respected career through this exam. The recruitment process evaluates knowledge, analytical skills, and decision-making abilities in forest and wildlife management. This overview explains eligibility criteria, selection stages, exam pattern, syllabus, vacancies, salary, and preparation strategies.

What is the JPSC ACF & FRO Exam?

The JPSC ACF & FRO exam selects candidates for key forest department roles in Jharkhand. Officers appointed through this exam are entrusted with:

• Managing forests, wildlife, and ecological resources.
• Implementing government policies on forest conservation and environment protection.
• Supervising forest staff and field operations.
• Ensuring compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
• Participating in sustainable development initiatives and biodiversity conservation programs.

These roles demand leadership, integrity, field knowledge, and problem-solving abilities in environmental and forest management contexts.

JPSC ACF & FRO 2025 Important Dates

The Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) has released the postponed exam date of the JPSC Forest Range Officer Exam on the official website. The commission will soon release the FRO and Assistant Conservator of Forest Exam Dates on the official website.

JPSC ACF & FRO Vacancies 2025

The Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) has announced vacancies for the Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) and Forest Range Officer (FRO) posts under the Forest Department for the year 2025.

Vacancy Details

• Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) – 78 Posts
• Forest Range Officer (FRO) – 170 Posts
• 👉Total Vacancies (ACF + FRO): 248 Posts

Key Highlights

• ACF (78 Posts): These are higher-level officer posts responsible for forest management, wildlife conservation, and policy implementation.
• FRO (170 Posts): These are field-level supervisory posts working on ground-level forest protection, enforcement of laws, and biodiversity monitoring.

JPSC ACF & FRO 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for JPSC Recruitment 2024-25 should meet the educational qualifications, age, and other details prescribed by the commission.

1. Educational Qualification

A candidate must hold a bachelor's degree with at least one of the subjects namely Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Forestry, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Environmental Science or Honours in related subjects or Engineering degree in Civil, Mechanical, Chemical from any recognized university.

2. Age Limit (as on 01 August 2024)

• Minimum Age: 21 Years
• Maximum Age: 35 years

3. Age Relaxation

4. Physical and Medical Examination Details

Candidates who pass the main written examination will undergo a physical fitness test. Failing this test will disqualify candidates.

JPSC ACF & FRO 2025 Syllabus & Exam Pattern

The JPSC Forest Range Officer Selection process includes a Preliminary exam, a Main examination, and an interview.

Preliminary Exam Pattern

Main Written Examination Pattern

Except for language, all subjects will be in Hindi or English.

Optional Subjects for Main Examination (200 Marks Each)

• Agriculture
• Agricultural Engineering
• Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
• Botany
• Chemistry
• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Forestry
• Geology
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Statistics
• Zoology
• Environmental Science

Interview (50 Marks)

There are no minimum qualifying marks for the interview. The final merit list will be based on the total marks obtained in the written examination and the interview.

Detailed Syllabus

Preliminary Examination Syllabus

1. Indian History & Indian National Movement: Ancient, Medieval, Modern Period, History of Jharkhand, Indian National Movement.
2. Geography of India and the World: Physical Geography, Physical and Human Geography of India, Natural Resources, Geography of Jharkhand, Population studies, Industrial & Urban Development.
3. Indian Polity & Constitution: Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Duties, DPSP, Union & State Government, Judiciary, Centre-State Relations, Emergency Provisions, Election Commission.
4. Indian Economy: National Income, Inflation, Demographics, Agriculture, Industrial Economy, Public Finance, Fiscal Policy, Banking System, Trade & Balance of Payment.
5. History, Geography, Economy & Culture of Jharkhand: History of Jharkhand, Regional identity, Literature, People, Tourist destinations, Sports, Land-related Acts, Industries & resources, Disaster Management.
6. Important Contemporary Events: Current affairs of Jharkhand, India, and the World.
7. General Science: Basic units, Speed, gravity, Solar System, Sound, Living world, cell structure, Mendelian inheritance, Nuclear policy of India, Indian energy policies, Indian missile & space programmes, IT & cyber security.

Main Examination Syllabus

• General Studies Paper I: Indian History & National Movement, Geography of India and the World, Indian Polity & Economy.
• General Studies Paper II: History, Geography, Economy & Culture of Jharkhand, Important Contemporary Events, General Science.
• Language Papers (Qualifying): Essay Writing, Comprehension, Grammar (Hindi & English).
• Optional Subjects: Any two papers chosen by the candidate from the list provided above.

JPSC ACF & FRO 2025 Salary & Job Profile

JPSC offers attractive pay scales and secure careers for candidates selected as ACF and FRO.

Salary Structure

Benefits and Allowances

• Dearness Allowance (DA)
• House Rent Allowance (HRA)
• Transport Allowance (TA)
• Medical Facilities and Pension Benefits
• Risk/Field Allowances

Job Profile of Key Posts

1. Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF): A gazetted officer post with administrative duties. Supervises forest divisions, implements policies, oversees afforestation programs, and enforces wildlife laws.
2. Forest Range Officer (FRO): A field officer post. Acts as the in-charge of a forest range, supervises guards, prevents illegal activities like poaching, and prepares reports on forest health.

Career Growth & Promotion

ACF → Deputy Conservator of Forest (DCF) → Conservator of Forest (CF) → Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) → Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF).

FRO → Assistant Conservator of Forest (after promotion) → Higher administrative ranks.

How to Apply for JPSC ACF & FRO 2025

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the JPSC official portal www.jpsc.gov.in.
2. Registration: Click on “New Registration” and fill in basic details to get a Registration ID and Password.
3. Fill Application Form: Log in and complete the form with personal, educational, and other required details.
4. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other necessary certificates.
5. Pay Application Fee: Pay the fee online. (Expected: ₹600-₹700 for General/OBC, ₹150 for SC/ST of Jharkhand).
6. Submit Application: Review all details and click on “Final Submit”.
7. Print Application Form: Download and take a printout of the final application form for future reference.

Preparation Tips for JPSC ACF & FRO 2025

• Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus thoroughly to plan your preparation effectively.
• Make a Daily Study Plan and stick to it consistently for better time management.
• Focus on your Weak Areas and work on improving accuracy in those topics.
• Practice Previous Year Papers and Mock Tests regularly to get familiar with the exam format.
• If you’re using a learning app like Invictaa Plus, utilize the Mock Tests provided and carefully analyze your performance to identify and improve weak points.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)