Forest Guard Salary in Delhi 2025: Pay Scale, In-Hand Salary & Allowances

The Forest Guard position in Delhi, with The Department of Forests and Wildlife, is vital to ensure the conservation of green cover, wildlife sanctuaries, eco-sensitive areas, and species that are threatened, or less common. In a time where cities are urbanizing and pollution levels are rising, urban forest conservation needs to take a key role in maintaining the health of urban ecosystems. Forest Guards are the enforcers of environmental laws/rules on the ground protecting trees, wildlife, and protected areas within the urban forests and reserved areas across the city.

In 2025, the position of a Forest Guard will be important not only from the ecological perspective, but as a secure and dependable government job offering good salaries, allowances, and long-term career progressions. Understanding environmental governance, pollution control and urban greening, make this post all the more relevant in its importance for the civic and administrative ecosystem of Delhi.

Why should you consider the Delhi Forest Guard role in 2025?

• A permanent government job with pension and job security
• Location with extra HRA/urban allowances
• Career progression for Forester and Range Officer (up to further IFS tracks)
• Contribution to wildlife protection and public awareness around eco-issues
• Step Salary increments every year and regular pay reviews under government pay scales.

Structure of Forest Guard Salary in Delhi - 2025 (7th Pay Commission)

The Forest Guard salary in Delhi in 2025 will be based on the 7th Central Pay Commission norms so it will make it competitive and dependable for those looking for a government job in the capital. It is classified as Pay Level 3, which is focused on both entry-level safekeeping and also long-term advancement.

Important Components of the Salary

• Dearness Allowance (DA): ~53% of gross pay (may vary)
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): Based on the type of city (Delhi is X category = 24%)
• Transport Allowance (TA): Monthly reimbursement of travel expenses on a fixed basis
• Others: Medical reimbursement, risk and uniform allowance, pension / NPS contribution

Why Salary Understanding in 2025?

1. It helps you when planning financial decisions before accepting the position.

2. It sets expectations on your net which will be deducted against (PF, NPS, income tax).

3. It helps you understand the range of annual increment and promotion opportunities sustained by the currently-approved Delhi government scale/focus.

4. It outlines how allowances such as DA and HRA can also contribute to your compensation.

Delhi Forest Guard Salary Table - 2025

Here’s the latest salary structure for Delhi Forest Guard personnel as of 2025.

Allowances and Benefits – Delhi Forest Guard 2025

Standard Allowances

Dearness Allowance (DA):

• 53% of the Basic Pay (as of 2025)

House Rent Allowance (HRA):

• 27% of the Basic Pay for capital cities like Delhi
• Lower percentages (8% - 16%) for other city classifications

Transport Allowance (TA):

• Fixed amount depending on the location and job-related aspects

Other Principal Benefits

Medical:

• Reimbursement and government hospital reach

Uniform Allowance:

• Annual allowance for official clothing and other gear

Risk Allowance:

• For work requiring hazardous duties and field operations

Retirement benefits:

• Pension Scheme / NPS along with Gratuity and Provident Fund (PF) on confirmation

In-Hand Salary, Probation, and Increment Policy for Forest Guards

1. In-hand Salary structure

• The in-hand salary of a Forest Guard will depend on whether they are a probationary or confirmed employee and what allowances are eligible.

During the probation

• Forest Guards who are appointed on probation earn an in-hand salary starting around ₹ 22,000 per month.
• This salary consists of base pay and limited allowances, as identified in probation policy.
• Some allowances, like full Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), etc., may be partially or entirely withheld during the probation period.

Post Confirmation

• Once a Forest Guard has successfully completed their probation and has been confirmed in their position, they will be eligible to receive all allowances and to have their pay revised.
• Their in-hand salary will substantially increase to ₹33,700/month or more depending on the current pay scale and what allowances may be applicable.

2. The probation period

Duration:

• All newly appointed Forest Guards will serve a probation period of two (2) years.
• Conditions:
• During the probation period, the employee’s conduct and performance will be evaluated, along with their overall suitability for the position.
• The appointing authority may approve an extension of the probation period in the instance of unsatisfactory performance, or they may terminate the probation period altogether.
• If the probation is confirmed and completed successfully, then the employee will move on from the probation period.

3. Increment Policy and Career Progression

Annual increments:

• Forest Guards may earn an annual increment of 3% of the basic pay.
• The increments, effective on their anniversary/adopted date of appointment, or per departmental policy, would be based on the grade of satisfactory performance.

Salary Over Time:

• With the continued years of service and successful performance evaluations:
• After 5 Years of Service, his/her in-hand salary may reach ₹30,000 or greater monthly.
• After 10 years of service it may reach ₹40,000 or greater, plus annual increases and possible promotions or revision of pay scale.

Performance/Review Process:

• Regular performance and departmental reviews play an important part in determining a candidate's eligibility for increments, promotions, training, etc.

Career Advancement Pathway

Forest Guards have clear and structured opportunities for advancement in the Forest Department. Promotion takes place through seniority, departmental tests, performance assessments, and available vacancies.

Promotion Sequence:

• Forest Guard

(Initial position)

• Forester

(Supervisory position with a broader area of responsibility)

• Forest Ranger

(In charge of forest ranges; line begins managerial responsibilities)

• Deputy Ranger / Assistant Conservator

(Higher level officer: responsibility for administration and field)

• Promotions beyond

(can be promoted to certain senior administrative positions upon qualification and record of service)

Criteria for Promotion:

• Departmental Tests: Forest Guards may become eligible to sit for tests that allow them to move to a higher position like Forester, and Ranger.
• Experience and Performance: Candidates only consider service record, regular assessment of performance.
• Training & Courses: Completion of prescribed training courses will likely be required for various promotions.

Grade Pay & Pay Band is increased for each promotion :

1. Higher grade pay

2. Greater allowances

3. Broader duties and responsibility

State-Wise Salary Comparison: Forest Guard

The salary structure of Forest Guards varies from state to state in India based on factors such as state pay commissions, living standard indexes, and allowances based on city-based status. Of the various salaries of Forest Guards in India, the salary of Delhi Forest Guards is relatively healthy and beneficial, particularly Delhi forest guards assigned to less rural urban and semi-urban settings.

Delhi compared to other states have more competitive pay

• Cost benefit, In-Hand Salary (Post-Confirmation): ₹33,700+ monthly
• Probationary Salary: ₹22,000 approx.
• Allowances: Higher House Rent Allowance (HRA), Dearness Allowance (DA) and Travel Allowance (TA) as a metropolitan city.
• Cost of Living Adjustments for being a National Capital Region (NCR) to a higher living scale.

Comparison With Other States(Indicative)

Here’s a comparative overview of the Delhi Forest Guard salary in relation to other states, providing an indicative comparison