In general, Forest Range Officer Salary Per Month in India 2025 is between Rs. 35,400 to Rs. 1,12,400 per month. If are just starting out for this position, your monthly salary will come around Rs. 50,000 when you add allowances and deduct standard amounts. Pay Level 6, as per the 7th pay commission is the yardstick for deciding the salary. Various allowances, including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other benefits with the salary make it a great and rewarding job with impressive opportunities for promotions.
As noted above, salary varies depending upon multiple factors that come into play that eventually determine the in-hand salary. For instance. Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) hires candidates and decides the UPPSC RFO Salary in UP. Range Forest Officer in-hand salary under UPPSC is ₹70,000 – ₹82,000 per month (approx.)
Uttarakhand Public Service Commission (UKPSC) Forest Range Officer Salary Per Month falls between Rs. 47,600 – Rs.1,51,100/-. On the other hand, if you look at JPSC Forest Range Officer salary, the in-hand salary comes between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 65,000 per month after allowances and benefits.
So, salary is not same for all states because recruiting authority is different. As a result, pay scale varies along with allowances and in-hand salary. Let's cover each one in detail. But before that, you must know the following details about Forest Range Officer:
Who is a Forest Range Officer in India?
Forest Range Officer is known by various name across states in India:
- Range Forest Officer
- Ranger
- Forest Range Officer
- Circle forest officer
He works for the State Forest Service (SFS) in the state government of India.
A Range Forest Officer is a government-appointed official. They wear a standard khaki uniform with three stars on the shoulder, and no stripes.
Range Forest Officers are uniformed officers in charge of protecting forests. Their job is like that of an SDM or Circle Officer in administration. They have a equivalent police rank similar to a Deputy Superintendent of Police, with three stars but no stripes. Forest Rangers are state officers who work in the state forest services. They can be appointed directly as Forest Rangers or be promoted from Deputy Ranger positions. In India, these officers are hired through the Public Service Commission or the State recruitment service, depending on the state. Compare it with SDM Salary in India 2025
Range Forest Officers and Forest Rangers are also called Green Soldiers or Green Warriors.
Before moving on to more details, compare salary with Forest Beat Officer Salary 2025 | Pay Scale, In-Hand Salary & Perks and Forester Salary in India 2025, Pay Scale, In-Hand Salary, Perks & Career Growth
UPPSC RFO(Range Forest Officer) Salary 2025
Tabulated below are the details:
Component | Details |
Pay Scale | ₹9,300 – ₹34,800 |
Grade Pay | ₹4,800 |
Pay Level (7th CPC) | Level 8 |
Basic Pay (Starting) | ₹47,600 per month |
Dearness Allowance (DA) | ₹20,472 (43% of basic pay approx.) |
House Rent Allowance (HRA) | ₹5,712 – ₹11,424 (depends on location) |
Travel Allowance (TA) | ₹3,600 – ₹4,800 |
Other Allowances | ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 (medical, field, etc.) |
Gross Salary (approx.) | ₹79,000 – ₹88,000 per month |
Deductions (PF, NPS, Tax) | ₹6,000 – ₹9,000 approx. |
In-Hand Salary | ₹70,000 – ₹82,000 per month (approx.) |
Note: The allowances, gross salary, in-hand salary may vary depending on multiple factors. For exact details, refer to official government notifications.
Please be aware that the exact numbers might change based on where you're stationed (rural or urban area), how often you're in the field, and any allowance adjustments made by the state government.
Check: UP Forest Guard Salary 2025: In-Hand Pay, Grade Pay, Allowances & Benefits
UKPSC Forest Range Officer Salary Per Month
In 2025, a Forest Range Officer hired by the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission will get around Rs. 55,000 to Rs. 65,000 per month after taxes. This job is at Pay Level 8, with a starting pay of ₹47,600. Besides the basic pay, officers also get Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance (depending on the city), Travel Allowance, and allowances for working in the field. After deductions for things like Provident Fund, the National Pension Scheme, and taxes, the take-home pay is lower, but it's still a good job because of the benefits of working outdoors and the job security.
Presented below are the details:
Find out Forest Guard Salary in Uttarakhand 2025 – In-Hand Pay, Grade Pay, Allowances & Career Growth
BPSSC Forest Range Officer Salary 2025
A Forest Range Officer under BPSSC typically starts with a monthly salary of about Rs. 50,000 post deductions. This sum includes a base pay of Rs. 35,400, augmented by varied allowances. Salary increases with experience and promotions. A promotion brings about increases in base salary and the total compensation package, thus making the role more financially attractive with time.
JPSC Forest Range Officer Salary 2025
Tabulated below are the details:
Component | Details (2025) |
Recruiting Body | Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) |
Post Name | Forest Range Officer (FRO) |
Pay Level | Level 7 |
Pay Scale | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 |
Basic Pay | ₹44,900 |
Dearness Allowance (43%) | ₹19,307 |
House Rent Allowance (HRA) | ₹3,592 – ₹7,184(depends on city) |
Travel Allowance (TA) | ₹1,800 – ₹3,600(approx.) |
Gross Salary (approx.) | ₹70,000 – ₹75,000 per month |
Deductions (PF, NPS, Taxes) | ₹8,000 – ₹10,000 |
In-Hand Salary (approx.) | ₹60,000 – ₹65,000 per month |
Note: The allowances, gross salary, in-hand salary may vary depending on multiple factors. For exact details, refer to official government notifications.
The actual in-hand salary may vary based on posting location (rural/urban), government policy changes, and specific departmental allowances.
APSC Forest Ranger Salary 2025 (Assam)
Tabulated below are the details:
Component | Details |
Recruiting Body | Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) |
Post Name | Forest Ranger |
Pay Level | Pay Band 3 |
Pay Scale | ₹22,000 – ₹97,000 |
Grade Pay | ₹10,300 |
Basic Pay (Entry Level) | ₹32,300 (₹22,000 + ₹10,300) |
Dearness Allowance (DA) | ₹13,889 (Approx. @ 43%) |
House Rent Allowance (HRA) | ₹2,584 – ₹7,752(8%–24% based on location) |
Other Allowances | Travel, Uniform, Field Allowance, etc. |
Gross Monthly Salary | ₹50,000 – ₹56,000 (approx.) |
Deductions | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000(NPS, tax, etc.) |
In-Hand Salary | ₹45,000 – ₹52,000 per month(approx.) |
Note:
- The allowances, gross salary, in-hand salary may vary depending on multiple factors. For exact details, refer to official government notifications.
- The actual in-hand salary may vary based on posting location (rural/urban), government policy changes, and specific departmental allowances.
- Salary can go up if you have more experience, get promoted, or if there are changes to the Dearness Allowance (DA).
- Other benefits include a pension plan under the National Pension System (NPS), medical reimbursements, perks for field work, and paid time off.
Explore: Assam Forest Guard Salary 2025, In-Hand Pay, Perks, and Career Growth Details
MPSC Forest Range Officer Salary 2025
Tabulated below are the details:
Component | Details |
Recruiting Body | Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) |
Post Name | Forest Range Officer |
Pay Level | Level S-14 |
Pay Scale | ₹38,600 – ₹1,22,800 |
Grade Pay (Old) | ₹4,300 (6th CPC equivalent) |
Basic Pay (Starting) | ₹38,600 |
Dearness Allowance (DA) | ₹16,598 (Approx. @ 43%) |
House Rent Allowance (HRA) | ₹3,088 – ₹9,264(8%–24% based on location) |
Other Allowances | Travel Allowance, Field Duty, Uniform Allowance |
Gross Salary (Monthly) | ₹58,000 – ₹65,000 (approx.) |
Deductions | ₹4,000 – ₹5,500(NPS, taxes, etc.) |
In-Hand Salary | ₹53,000 – ₹61,000 per month(approx.) |
Note: The allowances, gross salary, in-hand salary may vary depending on multiple factors. For exact details, refer to official government notifications.
Besides salary, there are additional benefits for RFO as well:
- Medical reimbursement
- Field duty incentives
- Government accommodation (subject to availability)
- Promotions to Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) and higher posts.
Job Profile and Responsibilities of Forest Range Officers in India
Forest Range Officers are the forefront when it comes to forest ,management, protection and preservation in the states. They manage and supervise the following officials and workers.
- Deputy Forest Rangers (also known as Forest inspector)
- Section Forest Officers (also known as Forester or Van Daroga)
- Beat Forest Officers (In the rank of Forester 1)
- Forest Guards
- Forest workers/ watchers
Explore: Forest Section Officer Salary 2025(APPSC), Group, In-hand Salary, Job Profile and Promotions
The following are the 10 fundamental responsibilities of Forest Range Officers in India:
- Protecting Forests: Prevent illegal acts like deforestation, poaching, trespassing, and the illegal trade of forest products.
- Supervising Staff: Manage and guide staff like Forest Guards, Foresters, and Watchers in their work areas.
- Enforcing Forest Laws: Make sure laws like the Indian Forest Act and the Wildlife Protection Act are followed.
- Wildlife Protection: Watch animal movements and keep endangered animals and their homes safe.
- Planting Trees: Plan and oversee tree planting and forest renewal to grow green spaces.
- Preventing Fires: Get ready for and deal with forest fires by making firebreaks, doing practice drills, and training team members.
- Patrolling: Visit, patrol, and check forests often to watch their state and report illegal actions.
- Keeping Records: Keep current records on forest resources, timber, animal counts, and planting info.
- Working With the Community: Work with local people to promote eco-friendly growth and sensible forest use.
- Reporting: Regularly report on forest actions, conservation work, and events to superiors.
Forest Range Officers receive instructions from Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) and/or Divisional Forest Officer (DFO/DCF).
Know more about Difference Between National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Forest Range Officers (FROs) Promotions 2025
Forest Range Officers (FROs) join state forest departments after passing exams like those from MPSC, UPPSC, or APSC. They usually start out overseeing field work. They are in charge of managing forest areas, making sure forest regulations are followed, protecting wildlife, and putting conservation plans into action. They can get raises based on their work history, how much experience they have, and how well they do on department tests. Usually, there is a two-year trial period before they are officially hired.
Promotion 1
| The first important promotion for a Forest Range Officer is to Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF). This rise comes with more power, a higher salary (usually at Level 10 or higher), and more responsibilities that could include many areas or entire sections. ACFs work closer with planning and putting policies into place, while also watching over workers like Forest Guards, Watchers, and FROs. Pay raises are usually based on how long one has worked, job openings, performance reviews, and sometimes tests within the department. |
Promotion 2
| With years on the job, and if they meet the requirements, FROs (going through ACF) can get get promoted to Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) or Divisional Forest Officer (DFO). |
These are well-respected positions, and while not exactly part of the Indian Forest Service (IFS), some great officers might get into IFoS through raises outside the usual system, based on state rules. But this does not happen often and needs approval from both the state and central governments. Most FROs continue to move up in state forest service, with good salaries, and job security.
Check: Indian Forest Service Salary, Allowances, Perks, Benefits and Promotions and Indian Forest Service Pay Rules
How to Become a Forest Range Officer in India?
To be a Forest Ranger, one must hold a science degree (B.Sc., BE, BVSc & AH) and complete two years of forestry training from a Forest Education of India college in Dehradun. Expertise in soil conservation, watershed management, logging, mountaineering, and wildlife management is needed.
Forest range officer qualification must be met before you apply. Forest range officer recruitment is done by state public service commissions in India.
Forest range officer eligibility specific to the state PCS must be fulfilled.
What is Deputy Range Forest Officer Salary?
In 2025, a Deputy Range Forest Officer's (DRFO) salary will vary from state to state. The basic pay is usually between ₹35,400 and ₹81,100 monthly, based on Pay Matrix Level 6 or 5. After deductions, plus allowances for things like dearness allowance, house rent, medical costs, and uniforms, the actual monthly payment is about ₹45,000 to ₹55,000. States such as Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu might pay a little more due to updated pay rules and specific field allowances for forest work. DRFOs also get benefits like government housing in remote places, travel money, and pensions through the National Pension System.
