The CG Forest Guard (Chhattisgarh Vanrakshak) holds a significant Group C post in the Chhattisgarh Forest Department and is responsible for preserving the ecological balance, forest resources, and wildlife. In Chhattisgarh, the responsibilities of a Forest Guard includes patrolling forest areas, stopping poaching, stopping illegal logging, stopping illegal collection of NTFP, stopping illegal development of estates on forest land, stopping encroachments, stopping illegal clearing of Forest land, assisting in wildlife conservation, etc. The CG Forest Guard is a secure government job with an attractive salary, benefits, and career growth opportunities in line with the 7th Pay Commission. This career is an excellent option for those who love nature and care for the environment, have a passion for protecting the forest and public service.
CG Forest Guard Salary Details in 2025
The salary structure of the Chhattisgarh Forest Guard in 2025 is determined by the 7th pay commission. This ensures a consistent income along with benefits provided by the state government. The salary also benefits from increases based on experience, allowances and promotions.
Component | Details |
In-hand Monthly Salary | ₹32,000 – ₹33,000 (after deductions and allowances) |
Basic Pay Scale | ₹5,200 – ₹20,200 per month |
Grade Pay | ₹1,900 |
Initial Probation Pay | ₹19,500 (with annual increment during probation) |
Annual Salary Package | Approx. ₹4,00,000 per annum |
Allowances & Benefits for the CG Forest Guard (2025)
Chhattisgarh Forest Guards earn a wide variety of benefits in addition to their salary because the state government and the 7th Pay Commission will ensure that they get a wide variety of benefits along with their salary, which will increase overall income and long-term financial stability in the future.
Main Allowances:
1. (DA) Dearness Allowance: Provided to help with rising living costs and revised periodically.
2. (HRA) House Rent Allowance: Determined from the classification of the municipality and the station of posting.
3. (TA) Transport Allowance: For travelling to or commuting to the place of work and on-duty travel.
4. Medical Allowance: To support the expenses associated with the medical care of the employee and dependents.
5. Any Other Government Allowance: Any additional allowances as per the Chhattisgarh government service rules.
Additional Benefits:
- Job Security: Permanent employee of the government after the probation period is completed.
- Pension, or any other retirement benefit: Including the National Pension System (NPS) and other retirement due benefits.
These benefits certainly help make the CG Forest Guard post an attractive and stable job category, within the other state government sectors.
Job Profile & Career Progression of CG Forest Guard (2025)
The Chhattisgarh Forest Guard has a key responsibility towards preserving the forest resources and biodiversity of the State. The job profile is field-based with primary need for vigilance, physical stamina & environmental protection drive.
Primary Duties:
- Forest and Wildlife Protection: To protect flora and fauna and boundaries of the forest.
- Regular patrols: Foot patrols are regularly done to monitor forest areas and report non-conformities.
- Prevention of Anti-poaching: Stopping poaching and illegal logging, stopping encroachment.
- Conservation and anti-encroachment programs: Supporting the forest conservation programs and act against encroachment.
- Emergency Use: In a situation of fire in forest, wild fire, natural disaster management for the support of the state.
Probation period:
3 years probation period before permanent posting.
Stipend rates:
- 1st year combined: 70 % of ₹19,500 + allowances, as applicable
- 2nd year combined: 80 % of ₹19,500 + allowances
- 3rd year combined: 90 % of ₹19,500 + allowances
Career Progression:
- Forest Guard → Forester → Forest Ranger → Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) (based on internal exams and relevant experience)
Eligibility Criteria for CG Forest Guard Recruitment 2025
Candidates applying for the Chhattisgarh Forest Guard post must meet the education qualifications and age limits set by the CG Forest Department. The education qualifications and the age limits ensure that applicants are physically and environmentally qualified for the job requirements.
Important Eligibility Conditions:
- Educational Qualification: Candidate must have passed 10th or 12th from a recognized board.
- Age Limit: Not less than 18 years and not more than 35 years on the date of notification.
- Age Relaxation: Age relaxation will be given to SC/ST/OBC, ex-servicemen and reserved categories according to Chhattisgarh government regulations.
- Physical Standards: Height, chest and fitness standards must be met (refer to official notification).
- Nationality: Candidate must be citizen of India, and preferably a domicile of Chhattisgarh.
- Character & Fitness: Candidate must have good character of suitability to perform the duties expected in the field, and must be medically fit to perform these duties.
For candidates to be allowed to partake in the recruitment process for the CG Forest Guard post, all conditions will need to be met.
Promotion Pathways for CG Forest Guard
The Chhattisgarh Forest Department provides structured, predetermine opportunities for promotion from the Forest Guard rank and level, based on service, examination, and capabilities.
Typical Promotion Structure
- Forest Guard
- Forester (Vanpal)
- Forest Ranger (Range Officer)
- Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF)
- Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) (for high performing individuals who qualified and seniority)
Promotion Criteria
- Having completed the probationary service.
- Required to pass internal exams and physical tests. (this is often internal departmental evaluations/testing).
- Promotions are also based on standards of seniority, disciplinary records, service records (experience).
With continued service and time, CG Forest Guards can serve in decision-making levels of the Department's Forest Administration.
CG Forest Guard Selection Process 2025
The selection process for CG Forest Guard has been prepared to assess candidates' knowledge and physical fitness for the respective forest fieldwork. The recruitment process consists of several stages, which would mean only candidates qualifying in all given stages of recruitment are considered for the final appointment.
Stages of Recruitment:
- Written Examination: Objective-type paper assessing candidates' General Knowledge, Environmental Science, Basic mathematics, and Reasoning.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Running, physical measurements and endurance test, established by the department.
- Interview/Document Verification: Verification of candidates' academic and caste, domicile and other eligibility certificates, and personal interview (if done).
- Final Merit List: The merit list will be prepared on written exam marks plus performance in the PET and verification of documents.
Candidates who qualify in all stages outlined will be appointed as Forest Guard, Chhattisgarh Forest Department.
The CG Forest Guard position provides a great government job opportunity for those with a good level of love for protecting forests and wildlife. A good salary, job security, and chances for long-term growth include it as one of the stable employment options in Chhattisgarh for the right person. An employee will need to be physically fit and committed to protect the natural resources as well as vigilant about losing these that belong to the public. There are chances to be promoted throughout the employees career in the forest service through departmental exams. There are other respected positions in the public sector but this is one of the better, sustainable occupations, particularly in the forest industry.
