ICFRE Recruitment 2026: A Comprehensive Guide to Government Forestry Jobs

The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) regularly announces vacancies for various positions, serving as a vital pathway for candidates aspiring to contribute to India's forest conservation and research efforts. This guide provides an in-depth look at ICFRE jobs for 2026, covering everything from eligibility to the application process.

Key Highlights of ICFRE Recruitment 2026

Job Profile & Responsibilities

ICFRE recruits for a multitude of roles, each with distinct responsibilities:

• Scientific Positions (e.g., Scientist-B, Research Associate): Conduct research in forestry, wildlife, biodiversity, soil science, and related fields. Publish findings, manage research projects, and contribute to policy development.
• Technical Positions (e.g., Technician, Forester): Assist in research activities, field surveys, laboratory analysis, data collection, and maintenance of research infrastructure. May involve geographical information systems (GIS) or remote sensing work.
• Administrative Positions (e.g., Assistant, LDC, Stenographer): Handle administrative tasks, record keeping, correspondence, event management, and support the operational functions of ICFRE institutes.
• Semi-Skilled/Skilled Positions (e.g., Forest Guard, Field Assistant): Support field operations, planting, nursery management, and basic maintenance tasks related to forestry projects.

Eligibility Criteria (Detailed)

The eligibility requirements vary based on the specific post. General criteria include:

• Educational Qualification:
• Scientific Posts: Master's degree or Ph.D. in relevant fields like Forestry, Botany, Zoology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Agriculture, etc.
• Technical Posts: Bachelor's degree or Diploma in a relevant technical discipline (e.g., IT, Computer Science, Botany, Forestry). Some posts may require specific certifications.
• Administrative Posts: Graduation from a recognized university. Specific posts like Stenographer may require typing proficiency (e.g., 80 words per minute in shorthand and 40 words per minute in typing). Lower Division Clerk (LDC) roles typically require 12th pass with typing speed of 35 wpm in English or 30 wpm in Hindi.
• Semi-Skilled/Skilled Posts: 10th or 12th pass from a recognized board. Driving license may be required for certain field roles.
• Age Limit: Generally between 18 to 30 years. Age relaxations are applicable for SC/ST/OBC and other reserved categories as per Government of India norms.
• Nationality: Must be a citizen of India.

Selection Process & Exam Pattern

The selection process typically involves one or more of the following stages:

• Written Examination: A common stage for most posts, assessing general aptitude, reasoning, English comprehension, quantitative aptitude, and subject-specific knowledge relevant to the role (e.g., Forestry, Ecology, Botany for scientific posts; General Knowledge, Basic Math for administrative/technical posts). The pattern may include Objective Type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
• Skill Test/Typing Test: For posts like Stenographer or LDC, a test to evaluate typing speed and accuracy is mandatory.
• Interview: For higher-level scientific and administrative positions, a personal interview assesses domain knowledge, communication skills, and suitability for the role.
• Physical Fitness Test: For certain field-oriented roles like Forest Guard, a physical endurance and fitness test may be conducted.

Likely Syllabus Areas: General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Indian Forestry, Ecology & Environment, Basic Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), Mathematics, Reasoning Ability, English Comprehension.

Salary Structure & Allowances

Salaries at ICFRE are aligned with the Central Government pay scales as per the 7th Pay Commission.

• Basic Pay: Ranges from Pay Level-2 (Approx. Rs. 19,900 - Rs. 63,200) for entry-level posts to Pay Level-10/11 (Approx. Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500+) for scientists and senior officers.
• Allowances: In addition to basic pay, selected candidates receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), and other benefits as per government rules.
• Grade Pay: Applicable in pre-revised pay scales, now subsumed into the pay matrix.

How to Apply for ICFRE Vacancies

ICFRE conducts recruitment through its various constituent institutes and also centrally advertised vacancies. The application process is primarily online:

1. Official Website: Visit the official ICFRE website (icfre.org) and navigate to the 'Recruitment' or 'Career' section. Alternatively, check the websites of specific ICFRE institutes (e.g., Forest Research Institute Dehradun, Institute of Wood Science and Technology Bangalore) as they often host their own recruitment portals.
2. Notification Check: Regularly monitor the website for the latest recruitment notifications. Read the detailed advertisement carefully to understand the specific post, eligibility, and application deadline.
3. Online Application Form: Eligible candidates must fill out the online application form accurately. This usually involves providing personal details, educational qualifications, contact information, and uploading scanned copies of photographs and signatures.
4. Application Fee: If applicable, candidates need to pay the prescribed application fee through the online payment gateway.
5. Submission & Printout: Submit the completed application form and take a printout of the same for future reference.