Today is filled with pride as our student, Saurabh Bhausaheb Sable, shared sweets to celebrate passing the Maharashtra Forest Services exam. His dedication has paid off, and he is now going to become a Range Forest Officer after training. Therefore, I decided to write an article for other aspirants to create awareness about the exam and the job.
Saurabh’s success is a testament to his unwavering dedication and hard work.
- Dr Syed Fazal Firdausi (Career Counselor & Mentor)
For individuals with a passion for the environment and a desire for a dynamic, purposeful career, the MPSC Range Forest Officer (RFO) position is an ideal choice. An RFO acts as the frontline guardian of Maharashtra’s rich and diverse forest ecosystems, blending administrative acumen with hands-on fieldwork. It is a Group B Gazetted Post. After passing the Maharashtra Forest Services Exam, which combines the prelims with the MPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam, aspirants can join the RFO.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
As a Range Forest Officer, your duties are critical to conservation and management. They include:
- Protection and Vigilance: Preventing and combating illegal activities such as poaching, unauthorized logging, and forest land encroachment.
- Wildlife Management: Overseeing wildlife habitats, managing human-animal conflict situations, and implementing conservation programs.
- Forest Development: Executing afforestation drives, soil conservation projects, and other government schemes for forest development.
- Community Engagement: Working with tribal and local communities living in and around forests to promote sustainable livelihoods and foster cooperation in conservation efforts.
- Administration: Managing the forest range’s budget, staff, and resources, and ensuring the implementation of the Indian Forest Act and other relevant laws.
Eligibility and Age Criteria
To apply for the MPSC RFO post, candidates must meet specific educational and age requirements.
Educational Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Science (Physics/Chemistry/Biology/Mathematics) OR
- Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture/Forestry/Environmental Science OR
- Engineering degree in any discipline
Candidates who possess a Diploma in Forestry or Wildlife Management are preferred. Furthermore, certifications in specialized technical skills such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and Remote Sensing will also be highly valued. Additionally, individuals holding an NCC ‘B’ Certificate will receive extra weightage in the selection process.
Age Limit:
The age criteria are strictly defined by the MPSC and are subject to reservations as per government rules.
- Minimum Age: 19 years
- Maximum Age: 38 years (for General/Open category candidates).
Age Relaxation is provided for reserved categories as per Maharashtra government norms:
- OBC: 3 years.
- SC/ST: 5 years
- Ex-Servicemen: Service period: + 3 years
- Persons with Disability: 10 years
(Note: Candidates must check the latest official notification for precise and updated age limits and relaxations.)
Physical Standards
Elaborated Exam Pattern and Selection Process
| Parameter | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
| Height | 163 cm | 150 cm |
| Chest | 79-84 cm | – |
| Vision | 6/6 (Correctable) | 6/6 (Correctable) |
| Physical Endurance | 25 km walk in 4 hours | 4 km walk in 4 hours |
The selection for the MPSC RFO post is a rigorous two-stage process designed to test a candidate’s knowledge, aptitude, and personality.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (400 Marks)
This is an objective-type (MCQ) exam used to screen candidates for the Main exam. It is qualifying in nature, meaning its marks are not added to the final total.
- Paper-I: General Studies (200 Marks) (100 Questions) (2 Hours)
- Covers subjects like History, Geography, Indian Polity, Current Events, General Science, and the Environment.
- Paper II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) (200 Marks) (100 Questions) (66 Marks Qualifying) (2 Hours)
- The test assesses candidates’ comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, basic numeracy, and English language skills.
- Only candidates who score above the MPSC-defined cut-off in the Prelims will be eligible to appear for the Main Examination.
- Each incorrect answer carries a 1/3 negative marking.
Stage 2: Main Examination (Descriptive Type) (400 Marks)
This is a written, descriptive exam that tests in-depth knowledge. Its marks are crucial for the final selection.
- Paper 1: Optional 1 (200 Marks) (3 Hours)
- Paper 2: Optional 2 (200 Marks) (3 Hours)
- Subjects chosen from a prescribed list:
Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview) 50 Marks
Candidates who qualify for the Main exam are shortlisted for a personal interview. This stage assesses the candidate’s overall personality, leadership qualities, communication skills, and suitability for a career in the forest service.
Total Merit: 450 Marks
Final Merit List: The final selection is based on the combined marks obtained in the Main Examination and the Personality Test.
Compensation Package:
- Basic Pay: ₹47,600 – ₹151,100 (Level 8, 7th CPC)
- Gross Salary: ₹85,000–₹100,000/month
Allowances
- Field Duty Allowance: 25% of basic pay
- Hardship Allowance: For remote postings
- Uniform Maintenance: ₹8,000 annually
- Vehicle Allowance: ₹1,500/month
Additional Benefits:
- Government quarters in forest areas
- Education concessions for children
- Comprehensive medical coverage
- Pension under NPS
Conclusion:
A career as an MPSC Range Forest Officer is more than just a government job; it is a commitment to protecting our natural heritage. It offers a unique blend of challenge, adventure, job security, and the profound satisfaction of making a tangible difference. For the youth of Maharashtra who are physically fit, mentally sharp, and possess a scientific temperament, the RFO role is a prestigious and rewarding career path.
Source: https://mpsc.gov.in/adv_notification/8
You can also read this article on my Linkedin Page.