The job of a Forest Guard in Jharkhand is a Group-C level government job under the Jharkhand Forest Department. This position plays an important role in protecting the forest resources, wildlife and biodiversity of a state. The Forest Guard is an important position that has a variety of job responsibilities that includes, patrolling forests to ensure forest laws are enforced in preventing illegal activities. The job will require the incumbent to be physically fit, enjoy working outdoors and be passionate about conservation of the environment. The position offers job security, reasonable salary, and opportunity for advancement in the future.
Jharkhand Forest Guard Salary Structure - Overview 2025
The Jharkhand Forest Guard (Vanrakshak) is classified under Group‑C and is subject to the 7th Central Pay Commission and generally Pay Matrix Level 3 or Level 4, depending on the Rules of Business and posting. The pay and pay band will typically be ₹5,200–₹20,200 as per the government's parliamentary pay band under ₹330 (state grade) and can vary by different grade pay (₹1,800–₹2,000), depending upon the district or forest zone. The breakdown is just a better outline, using verified reports for definitions. Once again, this is at the discretion of the state, it is very possible you will compose another payout scheme:
Pay Level and Grade Pay
- Pay Band (Pre‑7th CPC):₹5,200 – ₹20,200
- Grade Pay:₹1,800 – ₹2,000, for different types of postings (e.g. regular zones compared to higher-risk postings, high forest cover postings);
- Pay Matrix Level: Mostly Level 3 or Level 4 under the 7th CPC resulting entry-level basic pay range generally in the ₹21,700–₹25,500 ₹ range
Salary Structure Highlights
Below are the key highlights of the salary structure for our organization:
Component | Details |
Basic Pay (Entry‑level) | ₹21,700 – ₹25,500 per month |
Grade Pay | ₹1,800 – ₹2,000 |
Allowances (Estimated DA, HRA, TA, etc.) | Total in-hand ₹30,000 – ₹34,000/month |
Approx. Annual CTC | ₹4.0 lakh – ₹5.0 lakh |
The approximate monthly salary in-hand for a fresh new hire is between ₹30,000 and ₹34,000, which will include allowances like DA, HRA, transportation, and other allowances.
The Cost to Company (CTC) is around ₹4.0–₹5.0 lakh annually, with the CTC including allowances/taking the required 12% for employee contributions for EPF/DA, HRA and, in some cases, is considerably higher for those who have been in service for a long period with various increments and career promotions.
Jharkhand Forest Guard Salary Structure
The Jharkhand Forest Guard salary is based on a basic salary established by the 7th Central Pay Commission. Therefore, pay is level-dependent on the Pay Matrix Level-3 (in metro areas) or level-4 (in rural areas) according to departmental and place of work rules. The salary amount consists of fixed basic pay, along with a number of allowances, as well as a number of deductions. Below is an overview of each constituent component of the salary on a monthly basis:
1. Basic Pay
- The basic pay for a Jharkhand Forest Guard starts from ₹21,700 to ₹29,200 per month.
- It is classified within the Level-3/4 of the 7th CPC pay matrix.
- This pay can increase every year, based on the duration in service and/or promotion.
2. Grade Pay
Grade pay has been absorbed into the pay matrix in the 7th CPC, but for reference:
- Grade pay of ₹1,800 to ₹2,000 is depending on a zone or nature of duty.
This grade pay, formerly established seniority and pay band level in 6th CPC.
3.Gross Salary
- The gross salary encompasses Basic Pay + DA + HRA + Other allowances.
- For Forest Guards, the gross salary per month typically lies between ₹33,700 - ₹35,000
- Includes fixed allowances such as:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): 46% of basic salary (in 2025)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): 9-18% based on location
- Transport and Special Allowances (if applicable)
4. Deductions
Common deductions are:
- NPS (National Pension Scheme): 10% of basic salary
- Professional Tax and Income Tax (basically applies, based on income slab)
- Group Insurance/Health Premiums (if applicable)
- Monthly deductions totaled on average ₹1,500 - ₹2,500.
5. In-Hand Salary
- Net in-hand salary after deductions for Jharkhand Forest Guard is approximately:
- ₹33,000-₹35,000 monthly, dependent on the allowances and location.
- The total amount will be uploaded to the employee's bank account.
Jharkhand Forest Guard Allowances and Benefits
Jharkhand Forest Guards, in addition to their regular monthly salary, also receive various allowances and benefits authorized by the government, which add to their total pay. These allowances have been established to compensate for cost of living, hardship in the field, and post-retirement safety net. They also differ a little by posting location and the orders issued by the department. Please see below for a comprehensive list of allowances for more information in 2025:
Some Allowances & Benefits
1.Dearness Allowance (DA):
- Currently paid as 53% of basic pay and effective as of April 2025 in accordance with inflation.
2.House Rent Allowance (HRA):
There is an allowance for House Rent which is paid based on a city/town categorisation:
- 27% based on posting in major metro cities
- 18% based on posting in large cities
- 9% based on posting in rural/remote countryside areas
3.Transport Allowance (TA):
- Fixed amount determined by the state government as a allowance for a local travel or commute allowance.
4.Medical Allowance:
- Entitlement for reimbursement against medical expenses for the employee and allowed dependents, as per government regulations.
5.Risk Allowance:
- The department provided allowance for Forest Guards serving in high-risk zones and dense forested areas and naxal activity, due to the tough environments and working conditions.
6.National Pension Scheme (NPS)
The government option is 10% deducted from the basic pay and the employer matches the employee's contribution toward savings in a post-retirement pension.
Other Regalim e.g. accrue entitlement for or from:
- Uniform Allowance
- Special Field Allowance (if applicable)
- Paid Leave (earned, casual, medical)
- Gratuity and Group Insurance σύμφωνα with the department policy.
Jharkhand Forest Guard Annual Package 2025 – Complete Overview
The Annual Cost to Company (CTC) for a Jharkhand Forest Guard is between ₹ 4.0 lakh and ₹ 5.0 lakh at the entry level. This figure accounts for the basic salary element of the package, as well as not just allowances but also benefits and employer contributions to retirement products. The total amount of the package increases significantly over the years, primarily because of annual increments and promotions. The expected, long-term trend leads to financial security.
Function of Jharkhand Forest Guard – Key Description
Jharkhand Forest Guard is the frontline job to protect forest cover, biodiversity and wildlife: A physically demanding, lot of vigilance and high level of commitment to environmental conservation are essential aspects of this post. Forest Guards usually are the primary target in dealing with forest laws and sustainably managing natural resources.
Principal Functions of a Jharkhand Forest Guard
1.Forest Patrolling: conduct regular patrols in the forests to ensure unlawful activities like illegal logging, poaching, encroachment and forest fires are prevented.
2.Wildlife Monitoring: track and observe the movement of wildlife and monitor the health conditions of wildlife; and provide assistance to deter human/wildlife conflicts.
3.Law Enforcement: enforce forest laws in accordance with Indian Forest Act and Wildlife Protection Act.
4.Fire Control & Prevention:assist in extinguishing forest fires when occurs and take part in fire drills or awareness campaigns when possible.
5.Data Collection & Reporting:maintain records for forest produce, patrol diaries/logs and wildlife sightings; maintain records of activities and submit reports to higher officers.
6.Assisting Forest Officers: Aid the Officers of Forest Areas /RF/ CF/DFO and similar conduct of Range Officers and Foresters conducting incident or legal actions related to forestry crimes.
7.Afforestation Activities: take part in tree plantation campaigns, nursery work, and soil conservation work.
Jharkhand Forest Guard Eligibility Criteria 2025
Candidates need to meet educational, physical and age factors to become eligible for the post of Jharkhand Forest Guard, and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) will have published eligibility criteria for the same. Here we have compiled all relevant aspects of the complete criteria in one place.
- Education: Must have completed 10th or 12th from a recognized board
- Minimum Age: 18 years
Maximum Age:
- General (Male) - 35 years
- OBC (Male) - 37 years
- All Female Candidates - 38 years
- SC/ST (Male & Female) - 40 years
- Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen (preference given to people who are domiciled in Jharkhand)
- Height (Male) - 163 cm (SC/ST 155 cm)
- Height (Female) - 150 cm (SC/ST 148 cm)
- Chest (Male): 79 cm (unexpanded) 84 cm (expanded)
- Walking Test (Male) - 25 km in 4 hours
- Walking Test (Female) - 14 km in 4 hours
- Medical Fitness: Must be medically fit to undertake forest duties in addition to being physically and mentally fit.
The Jharkhand Forest Guard position is a safe and respectable government career for the person who is keen on protection of forests and conserving wildlife. It has a reasonable salary structure along with allowances with growth potential for a person who is interested in public service. However, it is important to meet the educational qualifications, age limits, and physical standards; it also requires that the candidate is medically fit to perform the responsibilities of field duties. All - in all, it is quite a satisfactory position with stability, respect and service to nature.
