In this article we will examine the Odisha Forest Guard job profile, the role or purpose of a Forest Guards position and a detailed salary outlook for the role of Forest Guard in Odisha 2025 inclusive of those extra perks and benefits. This position provides the dual benefits of an assured government job, and love of nature. |
Odisha Forest Guard is one of the government jobs in Odisha that carries great prestige due to its eloquent purpose of protecting and conserving the forests and biodiversity of one of the richest states in India. The role of Forest Guard serves as a frontline guard of nature, inspecting, patrolling and conserving the habitats of Odisha's forests against illegal activities such as poaching and deforestation, as well as to enforce laws aimed at protecting the environment. In this sense, Odisha's Forest Guard supports wildlife conservation, sustainable forest management and climate action.
For candidates preparing to apply for Odisha Forest Guard in 2025, knowledge of the job salary structure, responsibilities and career opportunities is important for aspirants to help them prepare and make effective decisions regarding which careers to pursue should the job be suitable for them. Odisha Forest Guard is one of the more secure and meaningful government jobs in Odisha.
Odisha Forest Guard Salary Structure 2025 – Pay Scale, Allowances & In-Hand Salary
The Forest Guard job is important for the conservation of nature, but it also offers decent government pay scales, regular pay increments, and various allowances and perks under the Odisha Revised Scales of Pay (ORSP) Rules, 2017.
Pay Matrix Level
- The Odisha Forest Guard position is placed under Pay Matrix Level-4 of the ORSP Rules-2017.
Basic Pay
- Starting Basic Pay: ₹19,900 per month
- Maximum Basic Pay: ₹63,200 per month (based on increments and years of service)
Pay Band and Grade Pay
- Pay Band: ₹5,200 – ₹20,200.
- Grade Pay: ₹1,900.
In-Hand Salary 2025
Here’s a detailed overview of the in-hand salary for the year 2025
Category | Details |
During Probation | Approx. ₹8,880/month(contractual or initial training period) |
After Probation | Full in-hand salary including allowances (DA, HRA, TA), significantly higher |
Once the probationary or training period is over, employees are entitled to receive full benefits as per the state pay commission which include:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Travel Allowance (TA)
- Field Allowance (if applicable)
Other Benefits
- Annual increments and promotional grades
- Eligibility for state pension scheme
- Medical cover under state government health schemes
- Paid leaves, insurance and welfare schemes
Salary Structure
Below is a breakdown of the salary structure ;
Component | Amount (₹) | Remarks |
Basic Pay | 19,900 – 63,200 | Core salary component based on position and level |
Pay Band | 5,200 – 20,200 | Pre-revised structure (used for reference only) |
Grade Pay | 1,900 | Added to basic pay to determine total pay |
Probation Gross | 8,880 (monthly) | In-hand during training/probation |
Post-Probation Salary | 22,000 – 33,700+ (monthly) | In-hand after confirmation; varies by grade |
Annual Package | ₹96,000 – ₹2,00,000 | Probation-period total annual in-hand amount |
Allowances (Post-probation)
Dearness Allowance (DA):
- 53% of Basic Pay (as of 2025)
- For ₹20,000 basic pay, DA = ₹10,600
House Rent Allowance (HRA):
- Based on city (X, Y, Z cities)
Other Allowances:
- Transport Allowance (TA)
- Medical Allowance
- Risk/Hardship Allowance (as applicable)
- Uniform Allowance
Insurance & Paid leaves
Deductions
- Provident Fund (PF)
- National Pension System (NPS)
- Income Tax (as per taxable income slab)
- Professional Tax (as per applicable state)
Additional Benefits
- Job Security & Pension
- Gratuity
- Promotional Opportunities
- Career Development Programs
In -Hand Salary Overview
During probation
- Fixed earnings - ₹8,880/month (approx.)
- Total annual package - ₹96,000 - ₹2,00,000
- No Dearness Allowance , HRA or other standard allowances are applicable.
- Take-home salary is very little because, at this time, you are not entitled to any benefits (other than training)
- Purpose: training and performance evaluation period
After probation (confirmed employees)
Take-home salary - ₹22,000 - ₹33,700/month (or more)
So much depends on:
1. The level of Basic Pay given to you.
2. HRA will vary depending on your location.
3. The current rate of DEARNESS ALLOWANCE - current rate of 53% (2023).
4. Any other allowances applicable.
- All government allowances apply, including:
DA, HRA, TA, medical, risk, etc.
- Only then do deductions for PF, NPS and taxes begin.
Increment Policy
Annual increments:
- Every year, the basic pay increase is based on a fixed percentage or slab based on the 7th pay commission. (Usually around a 3% increment on Basic pay).
DA revisions:
- DA is revised two times a year (January and July) based on inflation.
Effect: every year your take-home increases, gradually, due to:
1. Better DA
2. Basic Pay Increase
3. Promotions (after typically 3-5 years).
Probation and Confirmation Policy
This table outlines the key aspects of the Probation and Confirmation Policy
Aspect | Details |
Probation Duration | 2 years from date of joining |
Purpose | Evaluate performance, conduct, and suitability |
Salary During Period | ₹8,880/month (fixed, minimal benefits) |
Post-Confirmation | Full pay, full benefits, allowances as per norms |
Failure to Confirm | Service may be terminated for poor performance |
Career Advancement, Promotion & Job Positions in Forest Department
Career Advancement & Promotion Pathway
There is a structured career path through the forest department for a Forest Guard. Promotion is based on experience, performance and completion of departmental exams.
Level | Designation | Eligibility |
Entry Level | Forest Guard | Initial appointment |
1st Promotion | Forester | After a few years + departmental exam |
2nd Promotion | Range Forest Officer (RFO) | Based on seniority + performance |
3rd Promotion | Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) | Higher exam + strong service record |
4th Promotion | Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) | Senior administrative post |
Higher Ranks | Chief Conservator, Principal Chief, etc. | Based on cadre rules, promotions, and exams |
Promotions and Salary Increases
- There are substantial advancements in Basic Pay for promotions/upgrades.
- Grade Pays, Annual Assistance and other allowances also increase.
- In-hand monthly salary, annual package, and pension and gratuity perspectives are improved upon promotion/upgrade.
Job Profile & Key Responsibilities
Forest Guards (FG) are essential in protecting the forests and wildlife for future generations to benefit. This is a full field job that is physically demanding and a vital task to preserve the environment.
The main Duties include:
- Patrolling the forest estates to ensure the flora and fauna are protected.
- Monitoring wildlife movements and ensuring illegal hunting and poaching does not happen.
- Preventing illegal activity such as:
• Logging of prohibited timber trees
• Encroachment onto federal land or forested area
• Smuggling forest products etc.
Environmental Protection Activities
• Assist with managing, and control of fires, and to create fire control lines;
• Assist with the planting and afforestation;
• Assist the implementation of Conservation schemes and wildlife initiatives;
BAR Record Keeping & Reporting Activity
• Completion of activity forms on a daily basis
• Report incidents, and provide patrol information to senior officers;
• Assist with surveys, mapping, and GPS recording.
Work with the Public Awareness & Promotion
• Public awareness campaigns in relation to Forest and Wildlife Protection will be conducted;
• Available for liaising with local communities along with tribal populations;
• Educate villagers on their legal rights, federal laws, and the environment care of forest;
