HPFS Assistant Conservator of Forests Recruitment 2025 – Apply Online, Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam Dates

The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has released the HPFS Recruitment 2025 notification for 08 posts of Assistant Conservator of Forests (Group-A, Gazetted) under Advertisement No. 37/5-2025. Eligible candidates with a bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering in specified subjects can apply online by 10 June 2025. The selection process includes a Preliminary Exam, Main Written Exam, Physical Test, and Interview.

Applicants must meet specific age, educational, and physical standards, with reservations applicable only to bonafide residents of Himachal Pradesh. The recruitment offers a lucrative Level-18 pay scale (₹56,100–₹1,77,500), and AUBSP encourages timely and accurate application submission via the HPPSC official website.

HPFS (ACF) Recruitment 2025: A Complete Guide by AUBSP

Are you passionate about conserving forests, protecting the environment, and serving the government of Himachal Pradesh? If yes, then the latest HPFS (Assistant Conservator of Forests) Recruitment 2025 is your golden opportunity. AUBSP is here to guide you with every essential detail from eligibility and selection process to key dates and application instructions.

The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has officially announced 08 vacancies under Advertisement No. 37/5-2025, inviting Online Recruitment Applications (ORA) for the post of Assistant Conservator of Forests in Level-18 Pay Scale.

HP Forest ACF Recruitment 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualifications

Candidate must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering with any one of the following subjects:

Agriculture, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science/Applications, Environmental Science, Forestry, Geology, Horticulture, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Veterinary Science, Zoology, or Engineering (in various branches).

AUBSP highlights that candidates with Honours Certificate from Govt. Forest Rangers Colleges (sponsored by State) are also eligible.

Age Limit

• General candidates: Below 35 years as on 01.01.2025
• Government employees: Up to 42 years
• SC/ST/OBC of H.P.: 5 years age relaxation

Physical Standards

AUBSP Note: Relaxed standards apply for STs and certain hilly tribes (e.g., Gorkhas, Ladakhis, etc.).

HP ACF Jobs 2025 Selection Process (3-Tier)

1. Preliminary Exam (Screening Test) – 100 Marks

Duration: 2 hours | Negative Marking: Yes (⅓ per wrong answer)

Syllabus:

• Himachal Pradesh GK & Development – 30 marks
• Current Affairs & Scientific Knowledge – 30 marks
• Indian History, Economy, Environment, Disaster Management, etc. – 40 marks

2. Main Written Exam

AUBSP Note: Candidates must score at least 40% in each compulsory paper and 45% overall to qualify.

3. Interview / Personality Test – 100 Marks

Candidates 3 times the number of vacancies will be called. It evaluates intellect, social traits, HP-specific knowledge, leadership, etc.

Himachal Pradesh Forest Officer Recruitment 2025 Optional Subjects List

Choose two subjects:

• Agriculture
• Botany
• Chemistry
• Forestry
• Environmental Science
• Geology
• Horticulture
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Statistics
• Veterinary Science
• Zoology
• Computer Applications / Science
• Engineering (various branches)

Restrictions:

• Can’t take both Mathematics and Statistics together.
• Can’t combine similar disciplines (e.g., Agriculture + Agriculture Engineering).

HP Forest Department Recruitment 2025 Examination Fee

AUBSP urges candidates to double-check their category details before final submission, as incorrect entries can lead to rejection.

HP Govt Forest Jobs 2025 How to Apply

1. Visit hppsc.hp.gov.in
2. Register via One Time Registration (OTR)
3. Fill Online Recruitment Application (ORA)
4. Upload scanned documents, photo, and signature
5. Pay the exam fee via digital modes (debit/credit/UPI)

Career in Forestry: HPFS ACF Recruitment 2025 Documents Checklist

• Matriculation Certificate (age proof)
• Degree/Mark Sheets (as per eligibility)
• Valid Category Certificate (if applicable)
• Bonafide Himachali Certificate
• Ex-servicemen documents (if applicable)
• Aadhaar (optional)

2025 HP Forest ACF Recruitment Disqualifications

A candidate can be disqualified for:

1. False information/documents
2. Dual applications
3. Unapproved category claims
4. Appearing at unauthorized centres
5. Misbehavior or use of unfair means

As AUBSP emphasizes, any misconduct may lead to permanent debarment or even legal action under HP’s Prevention of Malpractices Act.

HPFS ACF Recruitment 2025 Contact and Support

• Official Helpline: 1800-180-8004 / 0177-2629738
• Email: hppsc_shimla@msn.com
• Facilitation Counter: H.P. Public Service Commission, Shimla

FAQs on HPFS Assistant Conservator of Forests Recruitment 2025

What is the post advertised under HPFS Recruitment 2025?
The recruitment is for the post of Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Group-A (Gazetted) under the Himachal Pradesh Forest Service.

How many vacancies are available for the HPFS (ACF) 2025 recruitment?
There are a total of 08 vacancies distributed across different categories, including reserved posts for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and Ex-Servicemen of Himachal Pradesh.

What is the last date to apply for HPFS Recruitment 2025?
The last date to submit the online application and pay the examination fee is 10th June 2025, by 11:59 PM.

What is the pay scale for the Assistant Conservator of Forests post?
The pay scale is Level-18, which ranges from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 per month as per the Himachal Pradesh pay matrix.

Who is eligible to apply for HPFS (ACF) 2025?
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering with at least one of the prescribed subjects such as Forestry, Agriculture, Botany, Environmental Science, or others listed in the notification.

What is the age limit for HPFS (ACF) recruitment?
Candidates must be below 35 years as of 01.01.2025. Upper age relaxation applies to Government servants (up to 42 years) and SC/ST/OBC candidates of Himachal Pradesh.

Is there age relaxation for Himachal Pradesh candidates?
Yes, bonafide SC, ST, and OBC candidates of Himachal Pradesh receive a relaxation of 5 years in the upper age limit.

What are the physical standards required for male and female candidates?
Males must be 163 cm tall with a chest of 79 cm (unexpanded) and 84 cm (expanded), and be able to walk 25 km in 4 hours. Females must be 150 cm tall with a chest of 74 cm (unexpanded) and 79 cm (expanded), and be able to walk 16 km in 4 hours. Relaxation in height applies to specific tribal groups.

What is the selection process for HPFS (ACF) 2025?
The selection process includes a Preliminary Examination, Main Written Examination, Physical Standards Test, and a Personality Test/Interview.

What is the syllabus for the Preliminary Examination?
The syllabus includes Himachal Pradesh GK and Socio-Economic Development (30 marks), Current Affairs and Scientific Awareness (30 marks), and Indian History, Geography, Economy, Environment, and related topics (40 marks).

Is there negative marking in the Preliminary Exam?
Yes, one-third (0.33) marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.

How is the Main Examination structured?
The Main Examination consists of three compulsory papers (General Knowledge, English, Hindi) and two optional subjects chosen by the candidate, each carrying 200 marks.

What optional subjects can be chosen for the Main Exam?
Candidates can choose two from subjects like Agriculture, Botany, Forestry, Zoology, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and several branches of Engineering, among others.

Are there any restrictions on subject combinations for optional papers?
Yes, you cannot take more than one subject from related fields like Agriculture & Agricultural Engineering or Mathematics & Statistics.

What is the minimum qualifying marks in the Main Exam?
Candidates must score at least 40% in each compulsory paper and 45% in aggregate to qualify.

What is the weightage of the Interview/Personality Test?
The Interview/Personality Test carries 100 marks and evaluates personality traits, mental alertness, leadership, and knowledge of Himachal Pradesh.

What is the application fee for different categories?
General and other state candidates pay ₹600, SC/ST/OBC/EWS (BPL) candidates of HP pay ₹150, and there is no fee for Ex-Servicemen (after full tenure) and female candidates.

How can I apply for the HPFS (ACF) 2025 recruitment?
You must apply online through the HPPSC portal http://www.hppsc.hp.gov.in/hppsc after completing One Time Registration (OTR) and uploading required documents.

What documents need to be uploaded with the application?
Documents include matriculation certificate (age proof), degree certificates, category certificate, bonafide Himachali certificate (if applicable), and other relevant proofs.

Can I edit my application after submission?
No changes are allowed after final submission except for category change under specific conditions as per HPPSC rules.

Is the use of Aadhaar mandatory during application?
Aadhaar number is optional but recommended for faster verification.

Will Admit Cards be sent by post?
No, candidates must download e-Admit Cards from the official HPPSC website using their login credentials.

Can candidates from outside Himachal Pradesh claim reservation?
No, reservation benefits are applicable only to bonafide Himachal Pradesh residents.

What happens if I enter the wrong category or upload incorrect documents?
Incorrect entries or invalid documents may lead to rejection or cancellation of candidature at any stage.

What is the exam centre for the Preliminary Exam?
The Preliminary Exam will be held at Shimla, Mandi, and Dharamshala.

Where will the Main Written Exam be conducted?
The Main Exam will be conducted only at Shimla.

Is the HPFS (ACF) post suitable for differently-abled candidates?
No, this post is not suitable for persons with benchmark disabilities due to physical endurance requirements.

Can regular government employees apply?
Yes, but they must produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the time of the interview or their application will be rejected.

Is there a limit on the number of attempts?
General category candidates can attempt the exam a maximum of 6 times. There is no limit for SC/ST/OBC candidates.

Where can I find the syllabus for optional subjects?
The syllabus for each optional subject is available on the official HPPSC website.

Can I request a change in exam centre after application?
No, requests for change in examination centre will not be entertained.

How will I be informed of application rejection or acceptance?
Rejected candidates will be notified through the HPPSC website and SMS/email alerts.

What is the official contact for queries related to HPFS Recruitment 2025?
You can contact HPPSC via toll-free number 1800-180-8004 or email at hppsc_shimla@msn.com on working days from 10 AM to 5 PM.

This recruitment offers a prestigious and fulfilling career in forest administration. The HPFS role demands a blend of physical fitness, scientific aptitude, and administrative capability. AUBSP encourages eligible aspirants to apply diligently and start their preparation early—especially for the HP-specific topics and optional subjects.

For those with a passion for the environment and public service, this is more than just a job—it’s a chance to shape the future of our forests and contribute to sustainable governance in Himachal Pradesh.

Let AUBSP.com be your trusted partner for more such updates and preparation resources. Best of luck, future forest officers!