If you are a job seeker looking for a stable and reputed government position in the field of forestry and scientific research, the Forest Research Institute (FRI) Group C Recruitment 2026 is a golden opportunity you must not miss. FRI, one of India's most prestigious research institutions, has released Advertisement No. 1/FRI/GC/2026 inviting online applications from eligible Indian citizens for multiple Group C posts. In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know about the FRI Group C Bharti 2026 — including vacancies, eligibility, selection process, exam pattern, application fee, and how to apply.
What is the Forest Research Institute (FRI)?
The Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, is a premier autonomous institution functioning under the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), which itself operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. Located in the scenic campus of New Forest, Dehradun (Uttarakhand), FRI is one of the oldest and most renowned forestry research institutions in the world. It conducts cutting-edge research in areas like forest ecology, tree improvement, social forestry, and forest products, contributing significantly to India's environmental and forestry sector.
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Through this recruitment drive, FRI is looking to strengthen its workforce at the Group C level across a wide range of technical, administrative, and support roles.
FRI Group C Recruitment 2026 — Important Dates
Candidates planning to apply must keep the following dates in mind:
- Opening Date for Online Registration: 04 May 2026 (12:00 AM)
- Last Date for Online Submission of Application: 03 June 2026 (11:59 PM)
- Tentative Date for Computer Based Test (Stage-I): June 2026
- Date for Descriptive Paper (Stage-II): To be notified later
- Date for Skill/Trade Test (Stage-III): To be notified later
All applications must be submitted online through the official FRI website at https://fri.icfre.gov.in. Candidates are advised to apply well before the last date to avoid last-minute rush or technical issues on the website.
FRI Group C Vacancy Details 2026
A total of 91 posts are advertised under this recruitment (subject to change). The post-wise and category-wise vacancy breakdown is as follows:
- Library Information Assistant (Level-6): 02 posts (UR: 02)
- Technical Assistant — Field/Laboratory Research (Level-5): 04 posts (OBC-NCL: 01, EWS: 02, ST: 01)
- Stenographer Grade II (Level-4): 02 posts (UR: 02)
- Technician — Field/Laboratory Research (Level-3): 11 posts (OBC-NCL: 02, EWS: 08, ST: 01)
- Storekeeper (Level-3): 03 posts (SC: 02, OBC-NCL: 01)
- Technician (Maintenance) — Multiple trades (Level-2): 09 posts across Carpenter (02), Pump Operator-cum-Mechanic (02), Plumber (02), Electrician (02), IT (01)
- Lower Division Clerk / LDC (Level-2): 08 posts (including ESM-02) (EWS: 02, OBC-NCL: 03, SC: 03)
- Forest Guard (Level-2): 07 posts (including ESM-03) (SC: 04, ST: 01, OBC-NCL: 02)
- Multi-Tasking Staff / MTS (Level-1): 45 posts (including Sportsperson-01, PwBD-03, Ex-Servicemen-04) (SC: 03, ST: 08, OBC-NCL: 24, EWS: 10)
Total: 91 posts (tentative; may increase or decrease as per institutional requirements). If any post becomes zero, the application fee for that post will be refunded.
Eligibility Criteria for FRI Group C Recruitment 2026
Educational Qualifications
The minimum educational qualifications vary by post:
- Library Information Assistant: Bachelor's degree from a recognized university, plus a Bachelor's degree in Library Science from a recognized university. Age: 18–27 years.
- Technical Assistant (Field/Lab Research): Bachelor's degree in Science from a recognized university, with at least one of these subjects — Botany, Zoology, Forestry, Environment, Ecology, Biotechnology, Genetics, Microbiology, Geology, or Biochemistry. Age: 21–30 years.
- Stenographer Grade II: 12th class certificate from a recognized board; shorthand speed of minimum 80 words per minute in English/Hindi; certificate course in Computer Applications with typing speed of 5 key depressions per word. Age: 18–27 years.
- Technician (Field/Lab Research): 10+2 in Science subjects with at least 60% marks in aggregate from a recognized board. Age: 18–30 years.
- Storekeeper: 12th pass from a recognized board. Age: 18–27 years.
- Technician (Maintenance): Matriculation (10th) pass from a recognized board, plus ITI certificate in the relevant trade or certificate course from a government-recognized institution. Age: 18–30 years.
- Lower Division Clerk (LDC): 12th class certificate from a recognized board; typing speed of 35 words per minute in English or 30 words per minute in Hindi on computer. Age: 18–27 years.
- Forest Guard: 12th pass in Science from a government-recognized board. Physical standards apply (see below). Age: 18–27 years.
- Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS): Mandatory — 10th class pass from a recognized board/school. Desirable — 3 or more years of experience in the relevant field. Age: 18–27 years.
Physical Standards for Forest Guard
The Forest Guard post has specific physical fitness requirements:Male candidates: Walking 25 km in 4 hours; Height minimum 165 cm; Chest unexpanded 79 cm and expanded 84 cm.
Female candidates: Walking 14 km in 4 hours; Height minimum 150 cm; Chest unexpanded 74 cm and expanded 79 cm.
Appointed Forest Guards will also be required to successfully complete a forestry training course from a recognized Forest Guard Training Institute during the probation period.
Also Read: Coal India Management Trainee Selection Process and Exam Pattern 2026
Age Limit for FRI Group C Posts 2026
The upper age limit varies by post (18–27 years for most posts, 18–30 years for Technical Assistant, Technician, and Technician Maintenance). The crucial date for age calculation is the last date for online application submission, i.e., 03 June 2026.Category-wise age relaxations are as follows:
- SC/ST: 5 years (for reserved posts only)
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years (for reserved posts only)
- PwBD (General/UR): 10 years (SC/ST: 15 years; OBC NCL: 13 years)
- Ex-Servicemen: Service period + 3 years; upper age limit 45 years for Group C posts (SC/ST: 50 years)
- Central Govt. Civilian Employees (with 3+ years regular continuous service): Up to 40 years of age
- Central Govt. Civilian Employees (SC/ST): Up to 45 years of age
- Widows/Divorced Women (not remarried): Up to 35 years (SC/ST: 40 years)
FRI Group C Selection Process 2026 — Complete Step-by-Step Guide
The selection process for FRI Group C Recruitment 2026 is conducted in three stages. Here is the detailed breakdown:
Stage-I: Computer Based Test (CBT)
The first and most important stage is a Computer Based Test (CBT), tentatively scheduled for June 2026 in Uttarakhand. The exam will be held in multiple shifts over several days as per the following tentative schedule:
- Day 1: Shift 1 — Library Information Assistant; Shift 2 — Storekeeper
- Day 2: Shift 1 — Technician (Field/Lab Research); Shift 2 — Technician (Maintenance)
- Day 3: Shift 1 — Forest Guard; Shift 2 — Technical Assistant (Field/Lab Research)
- Day 4: Shift 1 — Lower Division Clerk; Shift 2 — Stenographer Grade II
- Day 5: Shift 1 — Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS)
Candidates who apply for more than one post should note that if exam dates/times clash for two or more posts, FRI will not entertain any request for change of exam date, time, or centre. Candidates must decide themselves which exam they wish to appear for.
Stage-II: Descriptive Paper
Candidates shortlisted from Stage-I at a ratio of 5 times the number of advertised vacancies per category per post will be called for the Descriptive Paper. This is a pen-and-paper mode test conducted only in Dehradun and consists of:
- One short essay (approximately 300 words)
- One letter/application
One of the two must be written in Hindi and the other in English. The maximum marks are 50 (25+25), with a duration of 45 minutes. The minimum qualifying marks are 50% of maximum marks (i.e., 25 marks). The Descriptive Paper is qualifying in nature only — it does not count towards the final merit list but must be cleared to proceed to Stage-III.
Candidates must not write any personal information (name, roll number, mobile number, address, etc.) inside the answer booklet. Doing so will be treated as use of unfair means, resulting in zero marks and cancellation of candidature.
Stage-III: Skill / Trade Test
The Skill/Trade Test is applicable only to specific posts and is also qualifying in nature. It will be held for candidates who clear the Descriptive Paper and subsequently pass document verification. The post-wise nature of this test is:
- Technician (Maintenance): Skill/Trade Test
- Lower Division Clerk (LDC): Typing Test
- Forest Guard: Physical Endurance Test (25 km walk in 4 hours for male; 14 km walk in 4 hours for female) after physical standard verification
- Stenographer Grade II: Stenography/Shorthand Test
The final merit list will be prepared solely on the basis of marks obtained in the CBT (Stage-I), subject to the candidate clearing the Descriptive Paper and Skill/Trade Test (wherever applicable). Tie-breaking rules are also based on CBT scores.
FRI Group C Exam Pattern 2026 — Detailed Subject-wise Breakdown
The CBT for each post has a unique subject-wise pattern. Here is a complete post-wise breakdown of the FRI Group C exam pattern 2026:
1. Technician (Field/Laboratory Research)
Total: 100 marks | Duration: 3 hours | Negative marking: 1/3 per wrong answer
- Basic Science: 20 questions
- Arithmetic: 20 questions
- Mental Ability and Reasoning Test: 20 questions
- General Awareness: 20 questions
- General English: 20 questions
2. Technician (Maintenance)
Total: 100 marks | Duration: 3 hours | Negative marking: 1/3 per wrong answer
- Relevant Trade/Field: 20 questions
- Arithmetic: 20 questions
- Mental Ability and Reasoning Test: 20 questions
- General Awareness: 20 questions
- General English: 20 questions
3. Technical Assistant (Field/Laboratory Research)
Total: 100 marks | Duration: 3 hours | Negative marking: 1/3 per wrong answer
- Relevant Subject: 40 questions
- Arithmetic: 20 questions
- General Awareness and Reasoning Test: 20 questions
- English and General Science: 20 questions
4. Lower Division Clerk (LDC)
Total: 100 marks | Duration: 2 hours | Negative marking: 1/4 per wrong answer
- Numerical Aptitude (Arithmetic): 25 questions
- English Language: 25 questions
- General Awareness: 25 questions
- General Intelligence: 25 questions
5. Forest Guard
Total: 100 marks | Duration: 2 hours | Negative marking: 1/4 per wrong answer
- Basic Science related to Forestry: 40 questions
- Arithmetic and Reasoning: 25 questions
- General Awareness: 25 questions
- English: 10 questions
6. Stenographer Grade II
Total: 100 marks | Duration: 2 hours | Negative marking: 1/4 per wrong answer
- Knowledge of English Language: 50 questions
- General Intelligence and Reasoning: 25 questions
- General Awareness: 25 questions
7. Storekeeper
Total: 100 marks | Duration: 2 hours | Negative marking: 1/4 per wrong answer
- Numerical Aptitude: 25 questions
- General Awareness: 25 questions
- General Intelligence: 25 questions
- English Language: 25 questions
8. Library Information Assistant
Total: 100 marks | Duration: 2 hours | Negative marking: 1/4 per wrong answer
- Relevant Field (Library Science): 40 questions
- General Awareness and Intelligence: 20 questions
- Basic Arithmetic Skills: 20 questions
- English Language: 20 questions
9. Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS)
Total: 100 marks | Duration: 2 hours | Negative marking: 1/4 per wrong answer
- Numerical Aptitude: 25 questions
- General Awareness: 25 questions
- General Intelligence and Reasoning: 25 questions
- General English: 25 questions
Qualifying Marks in CBT
The minimum qualifying marks in the CBT for posts with a 3-hour exam (Technicians, Technical Assistant) are:
- General (UR) / EWS: 50 marks
- OBC (NCL): 50 marks
- SC: 40 marks
- ST: 40 marks
- PwBD (UR/OBC-NCL): 45 marks
- PwBD (SC/ST/OBC-NCL): 40 marks
For posts with a 2-hour exam (LDC, Forest Guard, Stenographer, Storekeeper, Library Information Assistant, MTS), the qualifying marks are:
- General (UR) / EWS / OBC (NCL): 40 marks
- SC / ST: 33 marks
- PwBD: 33 marks
Candidates with visual/locomotor disability (Cerebral Palsy) affecting writing ability are provided extra time: 60 minutes additional for 3-hour exams and 40 minutes additional for 2-hour exams.
Tie-Breaking Rules in FRI Group C CBT 2026
In case two or more candidates score equal marks in the CBT, the merit will be determined by ranking candidates sequentially based on their scores in the individual sub-sections of the CBT (sub-section (i) gets priority over sub-section (ii), and so on). If all sub-section scores are also equal, the candidate who is older in age (as per date of birth) will be ranked higher.
Application Fee for FRI Group C 2026
The application fee structure is as follows (per post):
- General (UR) / OBC (NCL) / EWS candidates: ₹1,500 (₹800 application fee + ₹700 processing fee)
- Female / SC / ST / PwBD candidates: ₹700 (processing fee only; application fee is waived)
The fee, once paid, is non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances. Candidates applying for more than one post must pay the fee separately for each post. The application fee will be refunded only if any advertised post is reduced to zero vacancies.
How to Apply for FRI Group C Recruitment 2026
Applications are accepted only through online mode. Here is a step-by-step process to apply:
- Visit the official FRI website at https://fri.icfre.gov.in.
- Look for the recruitment notification link under the "Recruitment" or "Jobs" section.
- Register and create your login credentials.
- Fill in the online application form carefully with all required details — personal information, educational qualifications, category, and post preference.
- Upload the following scanned documents: recent passport-size colour photograph (light/white background), signature (on white paper in black/blue ink), left thumb impression, and relevant certificates.
- Pay the applicable fee through the online payment gateway.
- Submit the application and take a printout of the confirmation slip for future reference.
Once the application is submitted, no changes will be allowed. Incomplete applications will be summarily rejected without any correspondence. Hard copies of applications should not be sent to FRI's office.
Documents Required at the Time of Application
Candidates must keep the following documents ready before filling the form:
- Recent passport-size colour photograph (white/light background)
- Signature on white paper with black/blue ink pen
- Left-hand thumb impression
- 10th/12th marksheet and certificate (as proof of age and qualification)
- Graduation marksheet and degree certificate (if applicable)
- Caste certificate in the prescribed format (for SC/ST/OBC-NCL candidates)
- Income and Asset Certificate for EWS candidates (based on FY 2025-26 income, valid for 2026-27)
- PwBD certificate (minimum 40% disability) as per the Persons with Disabilities Rights Act, 2016
- Discharge/Service Certificate for Ex-Servicemen
- NOC/No Objection Certificate if currently employed in Govt./PSU/Autonomous body
Pay Scale and Service Benefits for FRI Group C Employees
All Group C posts at FRI are governed by the ICFRE pay scales as per the 7th Central Pay Commission. The pay levels are:
- MTS and Forest Guard/Technician (Maintenance)/LDC: Level-1 and Level-2 (basic pay starting from approximately ₹18,000–₹19,900 per month)
- Technician (Field/Lab Research) and Storekeeper: Level-3 (starting ~₹21,700)
- Stenographer Grade II: Level-4 (starting ~₹25,500)
- Technical Assistant: Level-5 (starting ~₹29,200)
- Library Information Assistant: Level-6 (starting ~₹35,400)
In addition to the basic pay, employees receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, and other perks including medical benefits, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and children's education allowance as per ICFRE/Govt. of India norms. All posts are covered under the New Pension Scheme (NPS) of the Government of India.
All posts are initially temporary in nature but are likely to continue. After successful completion of the probation period as per rules, the candidate will be given permanent appointment.
Important Rules and Instructions for Candidates
- Only Indian nationals are eligible to apply.
- All qualifications must be from universities/boards/institutions recognized by appropriate statutory authorities in India.
- Candidates applying under OBC (NCL) must belong to the Central Government OBC list and must hold a valid non-creamy layer certificate for FY 2025-26 issued before the closing date of application.
- EWS candidates must have a valid Income and Asset Certificate from a competent authority, with family income below ₹8 lakh per annum (from all sources for FY 2025-26) and must not hold specified property assets.
- Once a category is selected in the application form, it cannot be changed later. No requests for change of category (e.g., OBC to SC, EWS to OBC, etc.) will be entertained.
- Candidates applying for more than one post must submit a separate online application and pay a separate fee for each post.
- Candidates currently employed in government/semi-government/PSU/autonomous bodies must submit their application through proper channel along with a No Objection Certificate at the time of document verification.
- Any form of canvassing or political pressure will disqualify the candidate.
- The jurisdiction for any legal disputes arising from this recruitment will be the competent courts of Uttarakhand state.
- FRI reserves the right to cancel, restrict, modify, or alter the recruitment process without notice.
Misconduct and Penalty Rules
FRI has a strict policy regarding misconduct during the examination process. Candidates found involved in any of the following will be debarred for varying durations:
- Carrying exam material out of the exam hall or giving it to unauthorized persons: 2-year ban
- Misbehavior, threatening, or intimidating exam officials: 3-year ban
- Submitting false information or forged documents: 3-year ban
- Keeping a mobile phone (switched on or off) in the exam hall: 3-year ban
- Using Bluetooth devices, spy cameras, or other electronic gadgets: 7-year ban
- Impersonation or getting someone else to impersonate: 7-year ban
- Taking snapshots or videos of question papers: 7-year ban
- Hacking/tampering with exam servers or systems: 7-year ban
- Attacking or physically harming exam officials: 7-year ban
Preparation Tips for FRI Group C Exam 2026
- Focus on your core subject: For Technical Assistant and Technician posts, the subject-specific section carries the highest weightage (40 out of 100 marks). Revise your B.Sc./10+2 Science syllabus thoroughly.
- General Awareness is key: All posts include General Awareness. Stay updated on current affairs, especially related to forestry, environment, and government schemes.
- Practice Arithmetic and Reasoning: These sections are common across all posts. Regular practice will improve both speed and accuracy.
- Negative marking applies: Unlike some exams, FRI CBT has negative marking (1/3 or 1/4 per wrong answer depending on post). Do not guess randomly.
- English language: Improve grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills as English appears in all post papers.
- Forest Guard aspirants: Begin physical training early — the 25 km walk in 4 hours requires consistent conditioning.
- Stay updated: Check the FRI website regularly for admit card release, exam date announcements, and result updates.
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