The post of a Forest Guard is a critical role in India’s forest and wildlife protection services. With increasing focus on conservation, anti-poaching efforts and national eco-programmes, the demand for Forest Guards across states remains steady. For 2025–2026, the salary of a Forest Guard is defined under state pay scales (often aligned with the 7th CPC pay matrix) with variations across states, allowances for field postings, and increments with experience. This guide provides a clear breakdown of salary, state variations, experience impact, allowances, and growth path.
Forest Guard Salary in India 2025–2026 (Overview)
A Forest Guard typically works at entry level in the forest department patroling, monitoring wildlife, enforcing forest laws, and assisting in conservation efforts. The salary is structured through basic pay plus allowances. Here’s a broad overview:
| Category | Salary (Per Month) |
|---|---|
| Basic Starting Pay | ≈ ₹19,000 – ₹22,000 |
| In-Hand Salary (Entry Level) | ≈ ₹22,000 – ₹33,000 |
| Annual Salary Range (Gross Entry Level) | ≈ ₹2.6 lakh – ₹4 lakh |
| With Experience & Allowances | ₹30,000+ per month and upward |
Note: These figures are state averages and vary significantly depending on state, posting, allowances, remote duty zones, and seniority.
Forest Guard Salary by State (2025–2026)
The salaries differ by state because each state’s forest department has its own pay matrix, allowance structure, and seniority increments. Below are indicative examples:
| State | In-Hand Salary (Per Month) Approx. |
|---|---|
| Rajasthan | ₹27,000 – ₹33,000 |
| Delhi (Forest Guard, Level-3 / Pay Matrix) | ₹22,000 – ₹33,700 |
| Maharashtra | ₹30,000 – ₹36,000+ |
| Uttar Pradesh | ₹27,000 – ₹35,000 |
| Karnataka | ₹28,000 – ₹30,000 |
For example, in Delhi the basic pay is ~₹21,700/month for the pay level, with gross salary of around ₹25,500 and in-hand starting around ₹22,000. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
In Maharashtra, starting basic is ~₹21,700 and in-hand for new joiners around ~₹36,061/month. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
In Rajasthan the basic is ~₹20,200/month under Level-4 pay matrix and in-hand varies with allowances. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Forest Guard Salary by Experience Level
With more years of service, allowance increments, promotions or seniority benefit, the salary increases. Here is an approximate breakdown:
| Experience | In-Hand Salary Approx. | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fresher (0-2 years) | ₹22,000 – ₹30,000/month | During probation and early postings |
| 2-5 years | ₹28,000 – ₹34,000/month | Increment + field allowance |
| 5-10 years | ₹30,000 – ₹38,000/month | More seniority, possible incremental pay scale change |
| 10+ years | ₹35,000 – ₹45,000+/month | With promotions, remote postings, allowances |
Allowances & Benefits for Forest Guards
Allowances play an important role in increasing the in-hand salary of a Forest Guard. Some common ones include:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): A significant percentage of basic pay to offset inflation.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Varies by city category (metro/tier-2/tier-3).
- Transport/Travel Allowance: Depending on posting and terrain.
- Field/Patrol Allowance: For remote or difficult terrain postings.
- Uniform/Equipment Allowance: For upkeep of uniform and gear.
- Risk/Anti-Poaching Allowance: In states where the role involves hazardous duty.
- Medical Benefits, Pension & Gratuity: Standard government employee benefits.
For instance, in Rajasthan the components include Basic Pay ~₹20,200/month, DA ~53% of basic, HRA varying by location (city vs rural), Travel Allowance & Uniform Allowance. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Duty Hours and Shift Impact
Forest Guards often do field patrols, night duties, remote area postings. While there isn’t a fixed “night‐shift salary,” these roles often come with additional allowances and hardship pay.
| Duty Type | Impact on Salary | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Day Patrol/Stationed | Standard salary | Urban fringes, standard shift |
| Night Patrol / Remote Terrain | Additional allowances | High risk, wildlife zones, remote forests |
| Special Deployment (Anti-poaching, conflict zones) | Higher allowance or enhanced benefit | Often for tribal belts, thick forest areas |
Because of the high risk and remote postings, many states provide extra allowances for those roles which boosts take-home pay.
Career Growth & Promotions for Forest Guards
Forest Guards can grow in rank and move to Roles like Head Forest Guard, Forester, Range Forest Officer, or via departmental exams to supervisory roles. This means higher pay levels and benefits.
- Forest Guard → Head Forest Guard
- Head Forest Guard → Forester / Assistant Ranger
- Forester → Range Officer / Assistant Conservator of Forests
- State Forest Service → Indian Forest Service (IFS) (for selected candidates)
Promotions lead to pay level jumps (e.g., from Level-3/4 to Level-5 or higher), which significantly increases basic pay and thus in-hand salary.
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FAQs
What is the starting salary of a Forest Guard in India?
The starting in-hand salary of a Forest Guard in India in 2025 is around ₹22,000 to ₹30,000 per month depending on state and allowances.
Which state pays the highest salary to Forest Guards?
States such as Maharashtra and Delhi feature some of the higher salary ranges for Forest Guards, due to urban allowances and higher cost-of-living adjustments.
Does a Forest Guard receive special allowances for night duty or remote postings?
Yes, remote area postings, anti-poaching duty, and night patrols often attract extra allowances which increase the in-hand salary.
What is the career progression for a Forest Guard?
A Forest Guard can be promoted to Head Forest Guard, Forester, Range Forest Officer, and higher based on departmental exams and years of service.
Is the salary of Forest Guards sufficient for living comfortably?
Yes, with allowances and government benefits, many Forest Guards in India earn a stable income with job security, especially in states with higher allowances.