The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has introduced a significant update to the eligibility criteria for the post of Forester in the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department. This recent change, documented in a notification from the Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir, sets new standards for educational qualifications and physical fitness, aiming to enhance the quality and capability of candidates recruited into this vital role.
New Minimum Qualifications for JKSSB Forester 2024
Under the revised criteria, candidates aspiring to the Forester position must meet specific academic qualifications that align more closely with the responsibilities of forest management. Applicants are now required to possess a Bachelor’s Degree, with at least one of the following subjects included in their studies:
- Agriculture
- Botany
- Zoology
- Chemistry
- Forestry
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
>> JKSSB Forester Syllabus PDF 2024, Download Online Here
This update marks a shift from previous requirements, emphasizing the need for specialized academic knowledge relevant to forestry and conservation. With this adjustment, the JKSSB aims to ensure that candidates entering the role are equipped with a scientific foundation beneficial to forest management and preservation.
Physical Fitness Standards
In addition to the academic qualifications, the JKSSB has outlined specific physical fitness standards for candidates, reflecting the physically demanding nature of the Forester position. Candidates must now meet the following physical criteria:
Height Requirements:
- Male Candidates: Minimum of 163 cm
- Female Candidates: Minimum of 150 cm
Physical Endurance Test: Candidates will be required to complete a physical fitness test within a specified timeframe:
- Male Candidates: Must walk 25 kilometers within four hours.
- Female Candidates: Must walk 16 kilometers within four hours.
Medical Certification: Candidates must also provide a Physical Fitness Certificate issued by the Chief Medical Officer. This certificate ensures that applicants meet the health and fitness standards necessary to perform the challenging outdoor duties associated with the Forester position.
Mode of Recruitment
The JKSSB has outlined a two-part recruitment process for filling the Forester vacancies, splitting the intake between direct recruitment and merit-based selection:
- Direct Recruitment: 40% of the Forester vacancies will be filled through direct recruitment.
- Class VII Merit-Based Recruitment: 60% of the vacancies will be filled on the basis of merit among candidates holding at least a Class VII qualification.
This recruitment approach seeks to balance direct hiring with merit-based selection, providing diverse entry pathways to the Forester position.