JPSC ACF & FRO Salary 2025, In-Hand Pay, Job Profile & Promotion

The Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) recruits for the prestigious gazetted posts of Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) and Forest Range Officer (FRO). A major attraction for science graduates, besides the opportunity to work in the field of forest and wildlife conservation, is the excellent officer-grade salary under the 7th Pay Commission. The roles offer a competitive in-hand salary, job security, and a well-defined career path in the State Forest Service.

This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the JPSC ACF and FRO salary structure for 2025, detailing the in-hand pay, the challenging job profiles, and the promotional avenues available.

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JPSC ACF & FRO Salary 2025: Post-wise Pay Scale Overview

The salary for JPSC ACF and FRO posts is based on their respective Pay Levels in the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix. The ACF is a higher-ranking post with a higher pay scale.

JPSC Post-wise Salary Structure

Post Name	Pay Level	Grade Pay (6th CPC Ref.)	Initial Basic Pay	Approx. Gross Monthly Salary
Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF)	Level 9	₹5,400	₹53,100	~ ₹85,000 - ₹95,000+
Forest Range Officer (FRO)	Level 7	₹4,800	₹47,600	~ ₹75,000 - ₹85,000+

Detailed Salary Breakdown (for an ACF - Level 9)

The total monthly salary is a sum of the Basic Pay and various allowances, which differ based on the city of posting.

Component	Amount (Approximate)
Basic Pay	₹53,100
Dearness Allowance (DA) (Approx. 50%)	~ ₹26,550
House Rent Allowance (HRA) (9% to 18% for state posts)	~ ₹4,779 - ₹9,558
Transport Allowance (TA)	~ ₹3,000 - ₹6,000 + DA thereon
Medical & Other Allowances	As per government rules
Approx. Gross Salary	~ ₹85,000 - ₹95,000+

In-Hand Salary

After deductions for NPS and other funds, a newly appointed Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) can expect an initial in-hand salary of approximately ₹75,000 to ₹85,000 per month.

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JPSC ACF & FRO Job Profile: Roles & Responsibilities

A career in the State Forest Service is a challenging field job that is crucial for the protection and management of Jharkhand's rich forest and wildlife resources.

Key Job Profiles

Post Name	Nature of Work & Key Responsibilities
Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF)	An ACF is a gazetted officer who is typically in charge of a forest sub-division. Assisting the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in the administration and management of the forest division. Supervising the work of Forest Range Officers and other subordinate staff. Implementing government policies related to forest conservation, afforestation, and wildlife protection. Handling administrative tasks like budgeting, planning, and preparing inspection reports.
Forest Range Officer (FRO)	An FRO is the executive in-charge of a forest range, which is the primary unit of forest administration. Protecting the forests and wildlife within their designated range from illegal activities like poaching, smuggling of timber, and encroachment. Managing the scientific felling of trees, raising nurseries, and carrying out plantation drives. Supervising the work of Foresters and Forest Guards. Interacting with local communities to promote Joint Forest Management (JFM).

Post Name

Nature of Work & Key Responsibilities

Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF)

An ACF is a gazetted officer who is typically in charge of a forest sub-division.

Assisting the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in the administration and management of the forest division.
Supervising the work of Forest Range Officers and other subordinate staff.
Implementing government policies related to forest conservation, afforestation, and wildlife protection.
Handling administrative tasks like budgeting, planning, and preparing inspection reports.

Forest Range Officer (FRO)

An FRO is the executive in-charge of a forest range, which is the primary unit of forest administration.

Protecting the forests and wildlife within their designated range from illegal activities like poaching, smuggling of timber, and encroachment.
Managing the scientific felling of trees, raising nurseries, and carrying out plantation drives.
Supervising the work of Foresters and Forest Guards.
Interacting with local communities to promote Joint Forest Management (JFM).

JPSC ACF & FRO Career Growth and Promotions

The Jharkhand Forest Service offers a well-defined career path with time-bound promotions, allowing officers to reach the highest levels of the state's forest administration.

Promotional Hierarchy: The typical hierarchy for an officer is:
1. Forest Range Officer (FRO)
2. Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF)
3. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) / Deputy Conservator of Forests
4. Conservator of Forests
5. Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF)
6. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) - (Officers can be conferred with IFS after a certain period of service)

Download JPSC ACF/FRO Salary Slip PDF (Sample)

(This is a sample PDF for understanding the salary components.)

JPSC ACF & FRO Salary & Job Profile: FAQs

Q1: What is the main difference between an ACF and an FRO?

Ans: The Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) is a higher-ranking officer than the Forest Range Officer (FRO). An ACF is typically the supervisory officer for two or more FROs and is responsible for a larger administrative area (a sub-division) compared to a forest range.

Q2: What is the initial in-hand salary of a JPSC Forest Range Officer?

Ans: A newly appointed Forest Range Officer (Pay Level 7) can expect an initial in-hand salary of approximately ₹65,000 to ₹75,000 per month, which increases with annual increments and DA hikes.

Q3: Are these posts gazetted?

Ans: Yes, both the post of Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) and Forest Range Officer (FRO) are Gazetted posts in the Jharkhand State Forest Service.

Q4: Is there a physical test for the JPSC ACF/FRO posts?

Ans: Yes, after qualifying the interview, candidates must pass a mandatory Physical Measurement Test (PMT) and a Physical Efficiency Test (PET), which includes a walking test (e.g., 25 km for males, 14 km for females in 4 hours).