Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has released a brief notification dated 15 September 2026 inviting online applications for 26 vacancies for the post of Forest Section Officer in the A.P. Forest Subordinate Service. This is a separate, independent recruitment with its own notification number and its own dedicated application timeline, distinct from the Forest Beat Officer (Notification No. 18/2026, 23 posts) and Forest Range Officer (Notification No. 16/2026, 4 posts) recruitments that APPSC released around the same time. Candidates must apply separately for each of these posts if they wish to be considered for more than one.
APPSC Forest Section Officer Recruitment 2026: Overview
APPSC issued this brief notification on 15 September 2026 for the post of Forest Section Officer under the A.P. Forest Subordinate Service. As with several other posts in this batch, the exact age limit has not been disclosed in the brief notification and is expected to be confirmed closer to the application window. Candidates should keep checking the official website for any updates before applying.
Recruitment Snapshot
| Particular | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) |
| Post Name | Forest Section Officer |
| Department | A.P. Forest Subordinate Service |
| Notification Number | 17/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 26 |
| Notification Date | 15 September 2026 |
Related APPSC Forest Recruitments (For Disambiguation)
| Post | Notification Number | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Section Officer (FSO) | 17/2026 | 26 |
| Forest Beat Officer (FBO) | 18/2026 | 23 |
| Forest Range Officer (FRO) | 16/2026 | 4 |
These are three separate recruitments with their own eligibility criteria and notification numbers, although they share the same application opening and closing dates.
Vacancy Details
Total Posts: 26 (provisional, subject to variation upon confirmation from the concerned department)
Category-wise breakdown has not been separately disclosed in the brief notification. Candidates should refer to the official notification PDF for any further category-wise updates as they are released.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Botany, Forestry, Horticulture, Zoology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Geology, or Agriculture from a recognized university, or a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or Civil) from a UGC-recognized institution.
Age Limit
As per the detailed notification. Specific minimum and maximum age limits and category-wise relaxations have not been separately disclosed in the brief notification, and candidates should refer to the official notification PDF for confirmation.
Pay Scale
| Post | Pay Scale |
|---|---|
| Forest Section Officer | Rs. 32,670 to Rs. 1,01,970 |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Unreserved | Rs. 330 |
| SC / ST / BC | Rs. 250 |
| Ex-Servicemen / Unemployed Youth / White Card Holders | Rs. 250 |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 15 September 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 16 October 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 5 November 2026 (up to 11:59 PM) |
Selection Process
Selection involves a Qualifying Test in English and Telugu languages, which is of qualifying nature and does not count toward the final merit. The main examination is conducted in online, objective-type Computer Based Recruitment Test (CBRT) mode, comprising three papers covering General Studies, Mathematics, and General Forestry, carrying a combined total of 450 marks. Candidates who qualify the written examination are required to undergo a Walking Test and a Medical Examination as part of the physical fitness assessment for this field-based post, followed by a Computer Proficiency Test.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official APPSC website once the application link is activated on 16 October 2026. Candidates should keep scanned copies of their photograph, signature, and educational and category certificates ready in advance, and complete the fee payment within the application window to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification (Advt. No. 17/2026) | Click Here |
| Apply Online (activates 16 October 2026) | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many total vacancies are there in APPSC Forest Section Officer Recruitment 2026?
There are 26 vacancies for the post of Forest Section Officer under the A.P. Forest Subordinate Service.
2. What is the last date to apply for this recruitment?
The online application window is from 16 October 2026 to 5 November 2026 (up to 11:59 PM).
3. Is Forest Section Officer the same as Forest Beat Officer or Forest Range Officer?
No, these are three separate recruitments with their own notification numbers. Forest Section Officer is Notification No. 17/2026 with 26 posts, Forest Beat Officer is Notification No. 18/2026 with 23 posts, and Forest Range Officer is Notification No. 16/2026 with 4 posts. Candidates must apply separately for each post.
4. What is the minimum educational qualification required?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Botany, Forestry, Horticulture, Zoology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Geology, or Agriculture, or a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering.
5. Has the detailed age limit been released yet?
No, the exact age limit has not been disclosed in the brief notification and will be specified in the detailed notification.
6. What is the selection process for APPSC Forest Section Officer Recruitment 2026?
Selection involves a Qualifying Test in English and Telugu, a Computer Based Recruitment Test of 450 marks covering General Studies, Mathematics, and General Forestry, a Walking Test, a Medical Examination, and a Computer Proficiency Test.
7. What is the pay scale for the Forest Section Officer post?
The pay scale is Rs. 32,670 to Rs. 1,01,970 per month.
8. What is the application fee for this recruitment?
The application fee is Rs. 330 for Unreserved category candidates and Rs. 250 for SC, ST, BC, Ex-Servicemen, Unemployed Youth, and White Card Holder candidates.
9. Is this a field-based post requiring physical fitness?
Yes, candidates are required to clear a Walking Test and Medical Examination in addition to the written examination.
10. What is the notification number for this recruitment?
The notification number is Advt. No. 17/2026.
Disclaimer: JobShouter.com is not affiliated with Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission. Shared for informational purposes only, please verify details on the official website.
