Introduction:
Applications are now open for the recruitment of Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission(APPSC) Forest Range Officers in the A.P. Forest Service, with a total of 37 vacancies. This blog post provides a detailed guide on how to apply for this esteemed position, including eligibility criteria, educational qualifications, and the application process.
Step 1: Understanding the Recruitment Process
Step 1: Understanding the Recruitment Process
1.1. Overview: The recruitment is for 37 vacancies with a pay scale of Rs. 48,440 – 1,37,220, open to candidates aged between 18 to 30 years as of 01.07.2024.
1.2. Application Period: Candidates can apply online from 15/04/2024 to 05/05/2024 until 11:59 PM.
1.3. Registration: Applicants must register their bio-data through One Time Profile Registration (OTPR) on the Commission’s website.
1.4. Screening Test: If the number of candidates exceeds 200 times the vacancies, a Screening Test will be conducted. Dates will be announced separately.
1.5. Examinations: The Screening Test will be offline (OMR based), while the Main Examination will be computer-based.
1.6. Mock Test: A mock test facility is available on the Commission’s website for applicants to practice.
1.7. Updates: Applicants must regularly visit the Commission’s website for updates throughout the recruitment process.
1.8. Hall Tickets: Hall tickets for examinations will be available on the Commission’s website with instructions for downloading.
1.9. Application Submission: All applications must be submitted online. No other mode of application will be accepted.
1.10. Vacancies: The vacancies are distributed across different zones as per Annexure-I.
Annexure – I
Notification No. 11/2024
Breakup of Vacancy for the Post of Forest Range Officers in A.P. Forest Service (Zonal Post)
| Community | Zone-I | Zone-II | Zone-III | Zone-IV | Grand Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Local | Open | Local | ||
| OC | 01 | 01 | 01 | 03 | 14 |
| BC-A | – | 01 | – | 01 | 03 |
| BC-B | – | – | – | 02 | 02 |
| BC-C | – | – | – | – | 01 |
| BC-D | – | 01 | – | – | 04 |
| BC-E | – | 01 | – | – | 02 |
| SC | 01 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 07 |
| ST | – | – | – | 01 | 01 |
| EWS | – | 01 | 01 | – | 03 |
| Total | 02 | 06 | 03 | 08 | 37 |
Notes:
- Zone-I:
- Out of total (08) vacancies, (07) vacancies [OC-(02), SC-(02), BC-A-(01), BC-D-(01), BC-E-(01)] are under Horizontal Reservation for women.
- Meritorious Sports Persons (01) within the above Communities.
- Zone-II:
- Out of total (11) vacancies, (09) vacancies [OC-(04), SC-(02), ST-(01), BC-A-(01), BC-B-(01)] are under Horizontal Reservation for women.
- Meritorious Sports Persons (01) within the above Communities.
- Zone-III:
- Out of total (10) vacancies, (10) vacancies [OC-(04), SC-(02), BC-A-(01), BC-D-(02), BC-E-(01)] are under Horizontal Reservation for women.
- Meritorious Sports Persons (01) within the above Communities.
- Zone-IV:
- Out of total (08) vacancies, (01) vacancy [OC-(01)] is under Horizontal Reservation for women.
- Meritorious Sports Persons (01) within the above Communities.
Note: If eligible Women/Meritorious Sports Persons (MSP) are not available in any Zone, those vacancies will be filled with Male candidates. Hence, eligible Male candidates may also apply for the posts in all Zones.
Step 2: Eligibility Criteria
2.1. Health and Character: Candidates must be in sound health with active habits and possess a character suitable for the service.
2.2. Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of India, with exceptions subject to state government approval.
2.3. Academic Qualifications: Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in specified subjects from a recognized university or equivalent.
2.4. Physical Requirements: Specific height, chest measurements, and walking tests are required for both men and women. Candidates must undergo a medical examination.
Step 3: Educational Qualifications
3.1. Bachelor’s Degree: Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in specific subjects listed in the notification.
3.2. Equivalence: If claiming equivalence of qualification, candidates must provide Government Orders to the Commission within the specified timeframe.
Step 4: Physical Requirements
4.1. Men: Height, chest measurements, and walking tests are specified for men, with additional requirements for certain races.
4.2. Women: Similar requirements apply to women, with adjusted standards for height and chest measurements.
4.3. Medical Examination: Candidates must undergo a medical examination and provide a health certificate signed by the Medical Board.
Step 5: Application Process/How to Apply
5.1. Online Application: Candidates must apply online through the Commission’s website within the specified dates.
5.2. Registration: New applicants must register their bio-data through OTPR.
5.3. Submission: All applications must be submitted online. No offline applications will be accepted.
5.4. Documentation: Candidates claiming equivalence of qualification must provide supporting Government Orders.
5.5. Physical Measurement Certificate: Candidates must obtain a physical measurement certificate from a Medical Officer, not below the rank of Civil Assistant Surgeon.
Age and Fee Details:
Age:
Minimum and Maximum Age: Candidates must be between 18 to 30 years old as of 01/07/2024, as per G.O.Ms.No.110, GA (SerA) Dept., Dt.10/10/2023. Individuals below 18 or above 30 years are not eligible.
Age Relaxation:
- SC, ST, BCs, and EWS: 5 years relaxation.
- Ex-Servicemen: Deduction of 3 years plus the length of service rendered in the armed forces/NCC.
- N.C.C. Instructors: 3 years relaxation.
- Regular A.P. State Government Employees: Deduction of years of regular service under the State Government, up to a maximum of five years.
- Retrenched temporary employees in the State Census Department: 3 years relaxation.
Payment Process:
- Basic details for fee calculation and age relaxation will be pre-populated from OTPR data.
- Verify all displayed details.
- After submitting the payment form, details used for fee calculation and age relaxation cannot be altered.
Note:
- Clicking “Save” partially saves application details; “Save & Submit” submits the application.
- Corrections in the application will be allowed within 7 days from the last date of application submission, except for fields affecting Name, fee, and age relaxations.
- Manual corrections request will be entertained with a fee of Rs.100/- per correction.
Fee Details:
Application Processing Fee: Rs. 250/- Examination Fee: Rs. 120/-
Exemption from Examination Fee: SC, ST, BC, Ex-Servicemen, families with white cards, and unemployed youth as per G.O.Ms.No.439, G.A (Ser- A) Dept.
Mode of Payment: Online through net banking/credit card/debit card. IPOs/Demand Drafts are not accepted.
Ensure eligibility and accuracy before submitting the application form. Incomplete or incorrect forms will be rejected. For corrections, a fee of Rs.100/- per correction applies. Candidates should carefully follow instructions to avoid rejection.
Scheme of Examination, Examination Centers, and Dispute Resolution:
Scheme of Examination:
Annexure-II: The Scheme & Syllabus for the Screening Test and Main examination, including Computer Proficiency Test (CPT), is provided.
Prescribed Scheme:
As per G.O.Rt.No.2493, General Administration (Ser-A) Dept., dated: 28/11/2018, and G.O.Ms.No.26, G.A. (Ser-B) Dept., Dt: 24/02/2023 for CPT.
Penalization for Wrong Answers: Each wrong answer will be penalized with 1/3rd of the marks prescribed for the question, as per G.O. Ms. No.235, Finance (HR-I, Plg & Policy) Dept., Dt. 06/12/2016.
Qualifying for Main Examination: The Commission selects candidates for the Main Examination based on minimum qualifying marks in the Screening Test/Preliminary Examination, as decided at its discretion.
Centers for Examination:
Location: Screening Test and Main Examination will be held in 13 erstwhile Districts, with the Commission reserving the right to adjust the number of centers.
Examination Centers: – Candidates can choose examination centers with three preferences from the listed districts. – The Commission reserves the right to allocate candidates to any center based on resource availability.
Selection of Centers: Applicants must indicate the Centers for both Screening Test and Main Written Examination in the On-Line Application Form.
Resolution of Disputes Related to Question Paper and Answer Key:
Invalidation of OMR Answer Sheet: Invalidation occurs for incorrectly bubbled Booklet Series or tampering with the answer sheet, leading to rejection without reconsideration.
Initial Answer Key: The Commission publishes initial answer keys on its website after the examination. Candidates can file objections within three days of publication.
Examination of Objections: Objections are examined by three subject experts, and the Commission finalizes the key based on their decision. No further objections are entertained after finalization.
Payment for Objections: Candidates must pay Rs.100/- per objection within the stipulated time. Genuine objections, sustained after analysis, will be reimbursed.
Question Paper Language: General Studies & Mental Ability and Mathematics are set in English and translated into Telugu. English version is considered authentic for valuation. Other subject papers are in English medium, with the Qualifying Paper in respective languages.
Scaling of Marks: In case of question deletion, scaling is done proportionately to the maximum marks prescribed for the paper.
Publication of Answer Key: Answer keys are published on the website for reference.
Ensure familiarity with the examination scheme, choose examination centers wisely, and adhere to the guidelines for dispute resolution.
Official Notification: Recruitment of Forest Range Officers
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Conclusion:
This blog post has provided a comprehensive guide to the recruitment process for Forest Range Officers in the A.P. Forest Service. Prospective candidates are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility criteria, educational qualifications, and application process before applying. For further information and updates, candidates should regularly visit the Commission’s website.