The Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun has released a big recruitment notification for Group-C posts in 2026. This is an official advertisement (No. 1/FRI/GC/2026) released on 4 May 2026 by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), which works under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
A total of 91 vacancies have been announced across 9 different posts. If you are an Indian national and want a stable government job with good pay and benefits, this could be your golden opportunity.
Read this article fully to understand everything about FRI Recruitment 2026 — who can apply, what is the age limit, how to apply, what the exam looks like, and much more.
What is FRI? A Quick Introduction
The Forest Research Institute (FRI) is located at P.O. New Forest, Dehradun – 248006, Uttarakhand. It is one of India’s most respected research institutions in the field of forestry and environment. Its official website is https://fri.icfre.gov.in, where all recruitment updates are published.
FRI Group-C Recruitment 2026 – Important Dates
Before you do anything else, note down these key dates:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of Online Application | 04 May 2026 (12:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 03 June 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Computer Based Test – Stage I (Tentative) | June 2026 |
| Descriptive Paper – Stage II | To be notified later |
| Skill/Trade Test – Stage III | To be notified later |
Total Vacancies – Post-Wise Breakdown
Here is a clear list of all 91 posts announced in this recruitment:
| Post Name | Pay Level | Total Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Library Information Assistant | Level-6 | 02 |
| Technical Assistant (Field/Lab Research) | Level-5 | 04 |
| Stenographer Grade II | Level-4 | 02 |
| Technician (Field/Lab Research) | Level-3 | 11 |
| Store Keeper | Level-3 | 03 |
| Technician (Maintenance) | Level-2 | 09 |
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC) | Level-2 | 08 |
| Forest Guard | Level-2 | 07 |
| Multi Tasking Staff (MTS) | Level-1 | 45 |
| Total | 91 |
Note: The number of vacancies may increase or decrease as per the Institute’s requirement. If a post becomes zero, the application fee will be refunded.
Eligibility Criteria – Educational Qualification
Each post has its own qualification requirement. Here’s a simple summary:
- Library Information Assistant: Graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Library Science from a recognised university. Age: 18–27 years.
- Technical Assistant (Field/Lab Research): Bachelor’s degree in Science with subjects like Botany, Zoology, Forestry, Ecology, Biotechnology, Genetics, Microbiology, Geology, or Bio-Chemistry. Age: 21–30 years.
- Stenographer Grade II: 12th pass + minimum stenography speed of 80 words per minute in English/Hindi + computer certificate course with typing speed of 5 key depressions per word. Age: 18–27 years.
- Technician (Field/Lab Research): 10+2 in Science with at least 60% marks, or equivalent. Age: 18–30 years.
- Store Keeper: 12th pass from a recognised board. Age: 18–27 years.
- Technician (Maintenance): Matriculation + ITI certificate or Certificate Course from a Govt. recognised institute in relevant trade. Age: 18–30 years.
- Lower Division Clerk (LDC): 12th pass + 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 with Science from a Government recognised board. Also needs to meet physical standards (see below). Age: 18–27 years.
- Multi Tasking Staff (MTS): 10th standard pass from a recognised board. Desirable: 3 or more years of experience in a relevant field. Age: 18–27 years.
Forest Guard Physical Standards
Men: Walk 25 km in 4 hours | Height: minimum 165 cm | Chest: 79 cm (without expansion), 84 cm (with expansion).
Women: Walk 14 km in 4 hours | Height: minimum 150 cm | Chest: 74 cm (without expansion), 79 cm (with expansion).
Age Limit and Age Relaxation
The minimum age for most posts is 18 years. The upper age limit varies from 27 to 30 years depending on the post. Age is calculated as on the closing date of the online application (3 June 2026).
Age relaxation is given to:
- SC/ST candidates: 5 years on reserved posts
- OBC candidates: 3 years on reserved posts
- PWD (Persons with Disability, minimum 40%): 10 years (15 years for SC/ST, 13 years for OBC)
- Ex-servicemen: Service period + 3 years extra (upper limit: 45 years or 50 years for SC/ST)
- Central Govt. Civilian Employees (with 3+ years service): Up to 40 years (45 years for SC/ST)
- Widows/Divorced Women (not remarried): Up to 35 years
- ICFRE Permanent Employees: No age limit for Technician posts; up to 5 years relaxation for other posts
Selection Process – 3 Stages Explained
The selection happens in three stages:
Stage I – Computer Based Test (CBT)
This is the most important stage. It has 100 questions worth 100 marks. Duration is 3 hours (3 hours 60 minutes for VH/OH with certain disabilities). There is negative marking of 1/3 mark for each wrong answer (except LDC, Forest Guard, Steno, Store Keeper, Library, MTS where it is 1/4 mark).
Minimum qualifying marks vary by category:
| Category | Minimum Percentage Required |
|---|---|
| General | 50% |
| EWS | 50% |
| OBC | 40% |
| SC | 40% |
| ST | 40% |
| PH | 33% – 45% (varies by post) |
Stage II – Descriptive Paper
This is a qualifying test only (pass/fail basis). It involves writing a short essay (~300 words) and a Letter/Application — one in Hindi and one in English. The paper is worth 50 marks (25+25). You need at least 50% to qualify. The test is held in Dehradun only, in pen and paper mode.
Stage III – Skill/Trade Test
Only for certain posts and only for candidates who pass Stage II. It is also qualifying in nature. Post-wise tests are:
- Technician (Maintenance): Skill/Trade Test
- Lower Division Clerk: Typing Test
- Forest Guard: Physical standards verification + 25 km walk (men) / 14 km walk (women)
- Steno Grade II: Stenography Test
The final merit list is based on CBT marks only.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹1,500 (₹800 Application Fee + ₹700 Processing Fee) |
| Female / SC / ST / PWD | ₹700 (Processing Fee only |
How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit the official FRI website: https://fri.icfre.gov.in or scroll down and go to Useful Web-Links Section
- Find the link for Group-C Recruitment 2026 application
- Register with your basic details and create a login
- Fill in the online application form carefully
- Upload your photograph (recent passport size, light background), signature (on white paper with black/blue ink), left hand thumb impression, and relevant certificates
- Pay the application fee online
- Submit the form and take a printout for your records
Useful Web-Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Short Notice | Click Here |
| Full Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Important General Instructions
- Essential qualifications are mandatory. No exceptions.
- Qualifications must be from Government recognised Universities/Boards/Institutions.
- No interview will be conducted for these posts.
- Canvassing in any form will lead to disqualification.
- Any corrigendum or addendum will be published on the FRI website only.
- Do not write your name, roll number, or mobile number inside the answer book during the Descriptive Test — it will be treated as unfair means (UFM).
- The date and examination centre will be announced later on the FRI website.
- The crucial date for all category/age benefits is the closing date of online application.
Pay and Benefits
All selected candidates will be paid as per the 7th CPC pay scales. They will also receive allowances such as:
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance
- Children’s Education Allowance
- Medical benefits, LTC (Leave Travel Concession), and other benefits as per Government/ICFRE norms
- New Pension Scheme (NPS) coverage
All posts are temporary in nature but likely to continue. Candidates will be confirmed after successfully completing the probation period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the last date to apply for FRI Group-C Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 3 June 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Q2. How many total vacancies are there?
There are 91 vacancies across 9 different Group-C posts.
Q3. Is there a negative marking in the CBT?
Yes. For most posts the negative marking is 1/3 mark per wrong answer. For LDC, Forest Guard, Steno, Store Keeper, Library Information Assistant, and MTS, it is 1/4 mark per wrong answer.
Q4. Can women apply for Forest Guard?
Yes, women can apply for Forest Guard. However, they must meet the physical standards: walk 14 km in 4 hours, height minimum 150 cm, and chest 74–79 cm.
Q5. What is the application fee for OBC candidates?
OBC male candidates have to pay ₹1,500 (₹800 Application Fee + ₹700 Processing Fee).
Q6. Where will the Descriptive Test (Stage II) be held?
The Descriptive Test will be held only in Dehradun, in pen and paper mode.
Q7. What is the age limit for MTS post?
The age limit for MTS is 18 to 27 years (as on the closing date of application). Age relaxation is applicable as per Government of India norms.
Q8. Is the Skill/Trade Test (Stage III) compulsory for all posts?
No. Stage III is only for Technician (Maintenance), LDC, Forest Guard, and Steno Grade II candidates.
Q9. Will the final merit list consider Stage II and Stage III marks?
No. The final merit list is based only on CBT (Stage I) marks. Stages II and III are qualifying in nature only.
This article is based on the official FRI Advertisement No. 1/FRI/GC/2026 dated 04/05/2026. Candidates are advised to read the official notification carefully before applying.