A major update for all aspiring candidates preparing for forest department jobs in Gujarat! The Forest and Environment Department, Government of Gujarat, has officially published the new Forester, Class III, Competitive Examination Rules, 2025 through a notification dated August 26, 2025. These new rules will regulate all future direct recruitments for the post of Forester (often known as Van Rakshak).
The most significant change is that the recruitment examination will now be conducted by the Gujarat Subordinate Services Selection Board (GSSSB). This blog post breaks down the new selection process, detailed exam pattern, syllabus, physical fitness test requirements, and bonus marks criteria. If you dream of wearing the khaki uniform, this is a must-read!
Key Highlights Table ✨
Here is a summary of the most important aspects of the new Forester Recruitment Rules.
| Particulars | Details |
| Name of Rules | Forester, Class III, Competitive Examination Rules, 2025 |
| Post Name | Forester, Class III (વન રક્ષક) |
| Recruiting Body | Gujarat Subordinate Services Selection Board (GSSSB) |
| Selection Stages | 1. Written Test (Objective MCQ) <br> 2. Physical Fitness Test |
| Written Test Marks | 200 Marks (100 Questions) |
| Physical Test Nature | Qualifying Only |
| Final Merit Basis | Marks in Written Test + Additional Weightage Marks |
| Notification Date | August 26, 2025 |
Detailed Sections
New Selection Process 🏆
The selection process for the Forester post will now consist of two successive stages. Candidates must qualify in each stage to be considered for the final merit list.
- Stage 1: Written Test: An objective-type (MCQ) written examination.
- Stage 2: Physical Fitness Test (PFT): A series of physical tests to ascertain the physical capacity of the candidates.
The final merit list will be prepared based only on the marks of the written test, with the addition of bonus marks for specific qualifications. The Physical Fitness Test is qualifying in nature.
Written Exam Pattern Details ✍️
The GSSSB will conduct the written test as per the following structure:
| Parameter | Details |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Marks per Question | 2 |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer |
| Exam Medium | Gujarati or English |
| Question Paper Level | 12th Standard (HSC) |
GSSSB Forester Syllabus Detailed Syllabus & Subject Weightage 🎓
The new rules have clearly defined the syllabus and the weightage for each subject, making preparation more focused. The environment-related section now holds the highest weightage.
| Subject | Weightage | Marks |
| (A) General Knowledge | 25% | 50 |
| (B) General Mathematics | 12.5% | 25 |
| (C) Gujarati Language | 12.5% | 25 |
| (D) Natural & Environmental Factors (Environment, Ecology, Vegetation, Wildlife, Water, Soil, Medicinal Plants, Wood-based industries, Geographical factors) | 50% | 100 |
| Total | 100% | 200 |
Physical Fitness Test (PFT) Details 🏃♂️
Candidates who qualify in the written test (ordinarily 15 times the number of vacancies) will be called for the PFT. This test is qualifying in nature, meaning you must clear the standards, but the marks are not counted in the final merit.
For Male Candidates:
| Test | General / Ex-Servicemen |
| 1600 Meters Running | 6 Minutes / 6:30 Minutes |
| High Jump | 4 ft 3 in / 4 ft |
| Long Jump | 15 Feet / 14 Feet |
| Pull-ups | 8 Times / 8 Times |
| Rope Climbing | 18 Feet / 18 Feet |
For Female Candidates:
| Test | General / Ex-Servicemen |
| 800 Meters Running | 4 Minutes / 4:20 Minutes |
| High Jump | 3 Feet / 2 ft 9 in |
| Long Jump | 9 Feet / 8 Feet |
Minimum Physical Standards ✅
Before appearing for the PFT, candidates must meet the minimum physical standards.
For Male Candidates:
| Category | Height | Chest (Deflated) | Chest (Inflated) |
| Scheduled Tribes (Gujarat Origin) | 155 cm | 79 cm | 84 cm |
| Others (Except ST) | 163 cm | 79 cm | 84 cm |
| (Minimum chest expansion of 5 cm is mandatory) |
For Female Candidates:
| Category | Height |
| Scheduled Tribes (Gujarat Origin) | 145 cm |
| Others (Except ST) | 150 cm |
Candidates with physical defects like knock knees, flat feet, varicose veins, squint eye, or color blindness shall not be considered physically fit.
Weightage of Additional Marks 🌟
After the written exam, eligible candidates can get bonus marks, which will be added to their written exam score to prepare the final merit list.
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate: Candidates possessing an NCC ‘C’ level certificate will be given an additional 02 marks.
- B.Sc. in Forestry: A candidate who has a B.Sc. degree with Forestry as the principal subject will get an additional 10% of the marks they obtained in the written examination.
- Example: If a candidate with B.Sc. Forestry scores 120 marks in the written test, they will get an additional 12 marks (10% of 120), making their final score 132.
Important Links Table 🔗
| Link Description | Link |
| Official RR Notification PDF | Click Here |
| GSSSB Official Website | https://gsssb.gujarat.gov.in |
| Join Our Whats up Group | Click Here |
| Join Our Telegram Group | Click Here |
Key Takeaways / Summary 🌟
- New Body, New Pattern: GSSSB will now conduct the Forester exam with a 100-question, 200-mark pattern.
- Focus on Environment: 50% of the paper (100 Marks) is dedicated to environmental and natural factors. This is now the most crucial section.
- Physical Test is a Qualifier: Your physical prowess helps you qualify, but your written exam score determines your rank.
- Bonus Marks Can Be a Game-Changer: An NCC certificate or a B.Sc. Forestry degree can significantly boost your final score.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓
Q1. What is the biggest change in the new Gujarat Forester recruitment rules?
A1. The biggest changes are that the GSSSB will now conduct the exam, and the written test syllabus gives 50% weightage to environmental and forest-related subjects, making it a more specialized exam.
Q2. What is the exam pattern for the Gujarat Forester written test?
A2. The written test will have 100 questions for a total of 200 marks. The duration is 3 hours, and there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
Q3. Is the Physical Fitness Test qualifying, or are its marks added to the merit list?
A3. The Physical Fitness Test (PFT) is strictly qualifying in nature. Its marks are not added to the final merit list. You only need to clear the prescribed standards.
Q4. What is the subject with the highest weightage in the Forester exam?
A4. The subject group with the highest weightage (50%) covers Natural and Environmental Factors, including ecology, wildlife, soil, water, and geography.
Q5. Are there any bonus marks in the new Forester recruitment rules?
A5. Yes. Candidates get 2 additional marks for an NCC ‘C’ Certificate and an additional 10% of their written exam score if they hold a B.Sc. degree in Forestry.
Conclusion 💡
The new recruitment rules have brought much-needed clarity and a specialized focus to the Forester recruitment process. Aspirants should immediately align their preparation strategy with the new exam pattern and syllabus. With a heavy emphasis on environmental knowledge, a thorough and dedicated study plan is key to success. Start your journey today! 🌸