JKSSB Forester Eligibility Criteria Changed: New Qualifications and Requirements for 2024

The Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) recently announced an amendment to the eligibility criteria for the post of Forester in the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department. This update, documented in a recent notification by the Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir, introduces new minimum educational and physical requirements for direct recruitment to the Forester position. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the updated qualifications and selection process.

New Minimum Qualifications for JKSSB Forester 2024

The revised eligibility criteria specify that candidates applying for the Forester position in Jammu and Kashmir should meet certain academic qualifications. Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s Degree with at least one of the following subjects:

• Agriculture
• Botany
• Zoology
• Chemistry
• Forestry
• Geology
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Statistics

This is a shift from previous requirements and aims to ensure that selected candidates have relevant academic backgrounds suited to the responsibilities of the role.

Physical Fitness Standards

In addition to the educational qualifications, the updated criteria outline specific physical fitness standards for candidates. These standards include:

1. Height Requirements:
   • Male: Minimum of 163 cm
   • Female: Minimum of 150 cm
2. Physical Endurance Test:
   • Candidates must complete a physical fitness test walk within four hours:
     • Male: 25 kilometers
     • Female: 16 kilometers
3. Medical Certification:
   • A Physical Fitness Certificate from the Chief Medical Officer is mandatory, ensuring that all candidates meet the required health and fitness standards to perform the physically demanding tasks associated with the Forester position.

Mode of Recruitment

The recruitment process will be conducted as follows:

• Direct Recruitment: 40% of the vacancies will be filled through direct recruitment.
• Class VII Merit: 60% of the vacancies will be filled based on merit among candidates with at least a Class VII qualification.

Why This Amendment?

The amendment is intended to ensure that candidates selected for the Forester position are well-prepared academically and physically. The role of a Forester often involves working in rugged outdoor environments and handling a range of forestry management responsibilities. The updated qualifications reflect the evolving needs of the Forest Department and align with the Jammu and Kashmir Forest (Subordinate) Services Recruitment Rules of 1991, as recently modified.