The Indian Forest Service (IFS) holds significant importance within the Indian government, constituting one of the three prestigious All-India Services alongside the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS). Originating in 1864 during the British Raj as the Imperial Forest Service, it was formally restructured into its present form in 1966.
In the state forest department, Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers hold the highest positions and operate independently of district administration control. They undertake a wide array of responsibilities encompassing administrative, judicial, and financial domains within their designated jurisdiction. The salary for Junior Grade IFS officers commences at Rs. 56,100 and can escalate up to Rs. 2,25,000. Apart from an attractive salary package, they are entitled to various benefits and allowances. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the roles and responsibilities of an Indian Forest Service Officer, elucidates how their remuneration varies with rank, and delineates the diverse allowances they receive while serving the Government of India.
Indian Forest Officer positions offer appealing salaries, making them highly sought after. Those selected for this role can enjoy competitive pay, ranging from Rs. 38,000 to Rs. 44,000 in the junior scale and Rs. 55,000 to Rs. 60,000 in the senior scale. Moreover, they receive various perks and allowances on top of their good salaries. Below, you’ll find information about the salary framework and additional benefits for Indian Forest Officers:
Grade Wise Monthly Salary of Forest Officials | ||||
S. No. | Grade | Designation in Government of India | Basic Monthly Salary | Designation in State Government |
1 | Junior Time Scale | Assistant Inspector General of Forests | INR 56,100 | Assistant Conservator of Forests/ Assistant Deputy Conservator of Forests |
2 | Senior Time Scale | Assistant Inspector General of Forests | INR 67,700 | Deputy Conservator of Forests |
3 | Junior Administrative Grade | Assistant Inspector General of Forests | INR 78,800 | Deputy Conservator of Forests |
4 | Selection Grade | Assistant Inspector General of Forests | INR 1,18,500 | Deputy Conservator of Forests (Selection Grade) |
5 | Super Time Scale | Deputy Inspector General of Forests | INR I,50,000 | Conservator of Forests/Chief Wildlife Warden |
6 | Senior Administrative Grade | Inspector General of Forests | INR 1,75,000 | Chief Conservator of Forests |
7 | HAG Scale | – | INR 2,00,000 | Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests |
8 | HAG+ Scale | Additional Director General of Forests | INR 2,05,400 | Principal Conservator of Forests |
9 | Apex Scale | Director-General of Forests | INR 2,25,000 | Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) |
Here are the Grade Pay levels for Indian Forest Officers with promotions:
Pay Grade For Indian Forest Services | ||
S. No. | Pay Scale/ Salary | Level |
1. | Rs.56100-132000 (Pay Level 10) | At Entry |
2. | Rs.67700-160000 (Pay Level 11) | After 5 years of service |
3. | Rs.78800-191500 (Pay Level 12) | After 12 years of service |
4. | Rs.118500-214100 (Pay Level 13) | After 16 years of service and based on seniority |
5. | Rs.131100-216600 (Pay Level 13A) | Completed minimum 5 years of service in previous Pay Level and also based on seniority |
6. | Rs.144200-218200 (Pay Level 14) | Completed minimum 1 year of service in previous Pay level and also based on seniority |
7. | Rs.182200-224100 (Pay Level 15) | Completed minimum 5 years of service in previous Pay Level and based on seniority |
India boasts abundant forests and places great importance on its endangered animal species as a valuable cultural asset. To safeguard and enhance the beauty, history, and cultural significance of its unique plants and wildlife, a credible organization is needed. The Indian Forest Service holds this responsibility in India. Its officers sometimes face crises that threaten ecosystems and wildlife. Here are the key roles and responsibilities of these Forest Officers:
Indian Forest Service officers in India receive promotions at various points in their careers – after five, eight, twelve, sixteen, twenty, and twenty-seven years. With each promotion, their basic salary increases. Besides their handsome salary, these officers also enjoy additional benefits and allowances, including:
Once candidates successfully clear the IFoS exam, they must undergo a two-year training program at IGNFA (Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy). After completing this training, they are appointed as Assistant Forest Conservators (ACF) with a starting salary of INR 56,100. As they progress in their careers and work diligently, they can expect to receive promotions, which come with higher IFoS salaries. Here are the ranks that candidates can achieve as they get promoted over the years:
Indian Forest Service Salary 2023 Promotion and Ranks | ||
S.No. | Rank | Duration |
1 | Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF/ DFO) | After 2-3 years of service |
2 | Conservator of Forests | 14-15 years of service |
3 | Chief Conservator of Forests | 5- 6 years as Conservator |
4 | Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF) | — |
5 | Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) | — |
6 | Head of Forest Force (HoFF) | — |
In the central department, there are various ranks and positions, and they differ from others.
1 | Assistant Inspector General of Forests (AIGF) |
2 | Deputy Inspector General of Forests (DIGF) |
3 | Inspector General of Forests (IGF) |
4 | Additional Director General of Forests (ADGF) |
5 | Director-General of Forests (DGF) |
The highest Indian Forest Services salary, which is Rs 2,25,000, goes to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) at the state level or the Director-General of Forests at the state level.
The starting IFS salary is 56,100 INR. It is given to the Assistant Conservator of Forests or Assistant Deputy Conservator of Forests.
The salary for an Indian Forest Service officer starts at INR 56,100 and increases to INR 2,25,000 for the position of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. IFS officials often receive bonuses, incentives, and other advantages in addition to their salaries.
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