The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has released Notification No. 06/2025 for recruiting Forest Beat Officers (FBO) and Assistant Beat Officers (ABO) in the A.P. Forest Subordinate Service. This recruitment aims to fill 691 vacancies (246 FBO and 435 ABO) to support forest conservation in Andhra Pradesh. Here is a clear guide to the notification. It covers eligibility, vacancies, the application process, and the selection procedure. This guide is easy to read and works well on mobile devices, based on official details.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Recruitment
The APPSC is hiring for 691 posts under the district cadre for Forest Beat Officer (FBO) and Assistant Beat Officer (ABO) roles. The recruitment adheres to the A.P. Forest Subordinate Service Rules, ensuring a transparent and merit-based process.
Key Highlights
- Notification Number: 06/2025
- Posts: Forest Beat Officer (FBO) and Assistant Beat Officer (ABO)
- Total Vacancies: 691 (246 FBO + 435 ABO)
- Recruitment Type: District Cadre
- Application Mode: Online only
- Official Website: https://psc.ap.gov.in
Important Dates
The following table outlines the key dates for the recruitment process. Candidates should check the APPSC website for updates.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | July 14, 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | July 16, 2025 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | August 5, 2025 (11:59 PM) |
| Screening Test (Tentative) | After July 15, 2025 |
| Main Examination (Tentative) | To be announced |
Note: Exact examination dates will be updated on psc.ap.gov.in.
Vacancy Details
The recruitment includes 691 vacancies (246 FBO and 435 ABO), distributed across various divisions and reservation categories: Open Competition (OC), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Backward Classes (BC), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Meritorious Sports Persons (MSP).
Forest Beat Officer (FBO) and Assistant Beat Officer (ABO) Vacancies
Below is a sample of FBO vacancy distribution. For the complete list, refer to Annexure-I on the APPSC website.
| Sl. No. | Division | OC | EWS | BC-A | BC-B | BC-C | BC-D | BC-E | SC | ST | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Visakhapatnam (Plain) LOCAL | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 |
| 02 | Rajahmundry (Plain) OPEN | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 |
| 03 | Paderu (Agency) LOCAL | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 |
| 04 | Almakur (W) (Plain) LOCAL | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | - | 1 | - | - | - | 9 |
Note: The full vacancy breakdown, including ABO posts, is available in Annexure-I and Annexure-II of the official notification on psc.ap.gov.in.
Reservations
- Vertical Reservations: SC, ST, BC, EWS, MSP
- Horizontal Reservations: Women, Ex-Servicemen, MSP (per Rule 22 of A.P. State and Subordinate Service Rules)
- Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST/BC/EWS: Up to 5 years
- Ex-Servicemen: Up to 10 years
- Carried Forward Vacancies (SC/ST): Up to 10 years
- SC/ST/BC/EWS: Up to 5 years
- Ex-Servicemen: Up to 10 years
- Carried Forward Vacancies (SC/ST): Up to 10 years
Eligibility Criteria
General Eligibility
- Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen.
- Educational Qualification: Passed Intermediate (12th Class) or equivalent from a recognized board.
- Age Limit (as of July 1, 2025): 18–30 years, with relaxations:
- SC/ST/BC/EWS: 18–35 years
- Ex-Servicemen: Up to 10 years
- Local Candidate Status: Must qualify as a local candidate per G.O.Ms No.674, General Administration (SPF-A) Dept., dated 20-10-1975, based on:
- Four years of residence in the local area, or
- Four consecutive years of study in local institutions.
- Ex-Servicemen: May apply one year before completing their engagement, per G.A. (Ser-D) Department letter No. 18000/1/Ser-D/2018, dated 23-10-2018.
- SC/ST/BC/EWS: 18–35 years
- Ex-Servicemen: Up to 10 years
- Four years of residence in the local area, or
- Four consecutive years of study in local institutions.
Physical Standards
Candidates must meet specific physical requirements (e.g., height, chest, walking endurance) as detailed in the official notification PDF on psc.ap.gov.in.
Application Process
The application process is online via the APPSC website. Follow these steps:
Access the Official Website:
- Visit https://psc.ap.gov.in.
- Locate Notification No. 06/2025 in the “Notifications” section.
Create an Account/Login:
- New users: Register with a valid email and mobile number.
- Existing users: Log in with credentials.
Complete the Application Form:
- Fill in all mandatory fields (personal details, education, and reservation category).
- Verify details to avoid disqualification.
Upload Required Documents:
- Submit a recent passport-size photo and signature in JPG format.
- Ensure the photo matches the one used during verification.
Pay the Application Fee:
- General/BC/OBC: Rs. 250 (processing) + Rs. 80 (exam fee) = Rs. 330
- SC/ST/BC/Ex-Servicemen/Unemployed Youth/White Card Holders: Rs. 250 only
- Corrections: Rs. 100 per correction (name, fee, age relaxation changes not allowed).
Submit Your Application:
- Review and submit before August 5, 2025 (11:59 PM).
- Download the application confirmation for records.
Note: Only applications submitted via the official website in the prescribed format are accepted. The Commission is not liable for technical issues or delays.
Selection Process
The selection process includes:
Screening Test (if applicants exceed 200 times the vacancies):
- Objective-type, offline exam.
- Total marks: 150
- Duration: 150 minutes
- Negative marking: 1/3rd mark per wrong answer.
Main Examination:
- Objective-type, computer-based test.
- Total marks: 200
- Duration: 230 minutes
- Subjects: General Studies & Mental Ability, General Science & General Mathematics.
- Negative marking: 1/3rd mark per wrong answer.
Physical Tests:
- Walking endurance test and medical examination (qualifying).
Computer Proficiency Test (CPT):
- Qualifying test for basic computer skills.
Final Selection: Based on the Main Examination merit, among candidates who qualify in Physical Tests and CPT.
Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Screening Test
- Subjects: General Studies & Mental Ability (75 marks), General Science & General Mathematics (75 marks)
- Total Marks: 150
- Duration: 150 minutes
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark per wrong answer
Main Examination
- Paper 1: General Studies & Mental Ability (100 marks):
- Topics: General Science, Current Events, History of India, Geography (Andhra Pradesh focus), Indian Polity and Economy, Mental Ability, Sustainable Development, Disaster Management.
- Paper 2: General Science & General Mathematics (100 marks):
- Topics: Renewable/Non-renewable Energy, Life Processes, General Mathematics (Intermediate level).
- Total Marks: 200
- Duration: 230 minutes
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark per wrong answer
For the detailed syllabus, visit Daily Affairs Hub.
- Topics: General Science, Current Events, History of India, Geography (Andhra Pradesh focus), Indian Polity and Economy, Mental Ability, Sustainable Development, Disaster Management.
- Topics: Renewable/Non-renewable Energy, Life Processes, General Mathematics (Intermediate level).
For the detailed syllabus, visit Daily Affairs Hub.
Salary Structure
- Forest Beat Officer (FBO): Rs. 25,220 – Rs. 80,910 per month
- Assistant Beat Officer (ABO): Rs. 23,120 – Rs. 74,770 per month
- Benefits: Dearness Allowance (DA), Travel Allowance (TA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), per 7th Pay Commission.
General Instructions for Applicants
- Accuracy: Provide accurate information to avoid disqualification or debarment (up to 3 years).
- Photograph/Signature: Ensure uploaded documents are clear and match verification documents.
- Prohibited Items: Mobile phones, calculators, or electronic devices are banned during exams.
- OMR Sheet: Use blue or black ballpoint pens only; pencils or other pens invalidate answers.
Conclusion
The APPSC FBO and ABO recruitment for 2025 is a great chance to join the A.P. Forest Subordinate Service. You can help with environmental conservation. Candidates should review eligibility criteria, follow the application process, and prepare thoroughly. Stay updated via psc.ap.gov.in for exam dates and syllabus details. For further information, refer to the official notification or contact the APPSC helpdesk. Start your journey toward a rewarding career in forest management today!