🔍 Suchenow Analysis
With 26 seats and a broad eligibility net (13 science/agriculture subjects + 3 engineering branches), FSO 2026 offers the best vacancy-to-eligibility ratio among the APPSC forest notifications this cycle. Civil and Mechanical Engineering graduates who miss out on core engineering PSU exams should prioritise this — the CBRT syllabus is general science, not advanced engineering, making it achievable with 2–3 months of focused prep. Pay at ₹32,670 starting may seem modest, but FSO is a stepping stone to Forest Range Officer promotions within AP Forest Service.
About APPSC FSO Recruitment 2026
APPSC has released Notification No. 17/2026 for 26 posts of Forest Section Officer (FSO) in the AP Forest Department. Forest Section Officers are supervisory-level officers responsible for managing a forest section, supervising Beat Officers, implementing forest management plans, and coordinating plantation and protection activities. Candidates with science, agriculture, or engineering backgrounds are eligible.
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Vacancies | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Section Officer (FSO) | 26 | ₹32,670 – ₹1,01,970/month |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification (any one of the following):
- Bachelor’s degree with any of the listed science subjects: Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Mathematics, Statistics, Agriculture, Horticulture, Sericulture, Forestry, or equivalent
- B.E./B.Tech in Chemical Engineering
- B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering
- B.E./B.Tech in Civil Engineering
Physical Standards: Candidates must meet the physical fitness standards specified in the detailed notification for forest field duties.
Selection Process
- Computer Based Recruitment Test (CBRT) – Objective type, single level
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Document Verification
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 16 October 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 16 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 5 November 2026 (11:59 PM) |
How to Apply
- Visit portal-psc.ap.gov.in
- Register / login with OTR
- Fill application with educational details
- Upload documents, photo, signature
- Pay fee and submit; save confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many vacancies in APPSC FSO 2026?
There are 26 vacancies for Forest Section Officer under Notification 17/2026.
Q2. What qualifications are eligible for APPSC FSO 2026?
B.Sc. in science/agriculture subjects OR B.E./B.Tech in Chemical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering.
Q3. What is the pay scale for APPSC FSO?
Pay scale is ₹32,670 – ₹1,01,970 per month.
Q4. Is there a physical test for APPSC FSO 2026?
Yes. Physical Efficiency Test (PET) is part of the selection process along with CBRT.
Q5. What is the last date to apply?
Last date is 5 November 2026 (11:59 PM).