HSSC Launches Major Recruitment Drive for Forest Guard Positions
The Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC) has officially commenced the online application process for the much-anticipated Forest Guard Recruitment 2026. This significant employment opportunity has been formally announced through Advertisement No. 04/2026, marking a substantial initiative to fill 779 vacant positions across various categories within the state's forestry department.
Application Timeline and Basic Requirements
Prospective candidates can submit their applications exclusively through the official HSSC portal at www.hssc.gov.in. The application window opened on February 9, 2026, and will remain accessible until February 23, 2026. The commission released the detailed notification on February 6, 2026, providing comprehensive information about vacancies, eligibility criteria, selection procedures, examination patterns, physical standards, and compensation structure.
Key eligibility requirements include:
- Educational Qualification: Successful completion of 10+2 (Senior Secondary) or equivalent examination from a recognized board or university
- Age Limit: Candidates must be between 18 and 42 years of age as of January 1, 2026
- Application Fee: No fee required for submission
Age relaxation provisions are available for reserved category candidates as per established Haryana Government regulations.
Vacancy Distribution Across Categories
The 779 Forest Guard positions have been allocated across multiple categories to ensure equitable representation. The General category receives the highest allocation with 318 posts, followed by the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category with 123 positions. Additional vacancies have been reserved for Backward Classes (BC), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Ex-Servicemen categories, reflecting the commission's commitment to inclusive hiring practices.
Physical Standards and Endurance Requirements
Physical measurement criteria differ by gender:
- Male Candidates: Minimum height of 168 centimeters with chest measurements of 79 centimeters (unexpanded) and 84 centimeters (expanded)
- Female Candidates: Minimum height of 155 centimeters
Endurance testing includes:
- Male Candidates: Must complete 25 kilometers of walking within 4 hours
- Female Candidates: Must complete 14 kilometers of walking within 4 hours
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
Interested applicants should follow this systematic approach for successful submission:
- Access the official HSSC website at www.hssc.gov.in
- Locate and click the dedicated link for HSSC Forest Guard Recruitment 2026
- Complete the mandatory One-Time Registration (OTR) process if not previously registered
- Log in using your registration credentials
- Carefully complete all personal, educational, and category information fields
- Upload required documents including photograph and signature
- Thoroughly review all entered details before final submission
- Submit the completed application form
- Download and print the confirmation copy for future reference
Multi-Stage Selection Process
The selection methodology incorporates several rigorous stages designed to identify the most qualified candidates:
- Initial shortlisting based on Common Eligibility Test (CET) scores
- Written examination component
- Physical Measurement Test (PMT)
- Physical Endurance Test (PET)
- Comprehensive document verification
Examination Structure and Compensation Details
The HSSC Forest Guard Examination 2026 will be conducted offline using Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets. The test comprises 100 multiple-choice questions carrying a total of 100 marks, with an allotted duration of 1 hour and 45 minutes. Importantly, the examination features no negative marking for incorrect responses.
Minimum qualifying percentages:
- General Category: 50%
- Reserved Categories: 40%
The examination will be administered in both Hindi and English languages to accommodate diverse linguistic preferences.
Successful candidates appointed as Forest Guards will be classified under Group C services with a competitive pay scale ranging from Rs. 21,700 to Rs. 69,100, corresponding to Pay Level 3. Additionally, selected individuals will be eligible for various allowances including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA) or government quarters, and Travel Allowance (TA), making this a comprehensive compensation package for government employment.
