Divisional Forest Officer (DFO)
A Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) is a key administrative and enforcement officer in the Indian Forest Service (IFS) or State Forest Department. The DFO is responsible for forest conservation, wildlife protection, sustainable resource management, and enforcement of environmental laws.
This position is highly prestigious and is filled through competitive examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for IFS officers or by State Public Service Commissions (PSCs) for State Forest Services.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) - Roles & Responsibility
A DFO performs a mix of administrative, field, and conservation duties, including:
1. Forest Management & Conservation
Implementing afforestation and reforestation programs.
Preventing illegal logging, encroachment, and poaching.
Managing protected areas (wildlife sanctuaries, national parks).
2. Wildlife Protection
Combating wildlife trafficking and poaching.
Conducting census operations for endangered species.
Managing human-wildlife conflict situations.
3. Law Enforcement & Legal Duties
Enforcing Forest Acts, Wildlife Protection Act, and Environmental Laws.
Filing legal cases against offenders (timber mafia, poachers).
Issuing permits for forest produce (bamboo, timber, medicinal plants).
4. Community Engagement & Tribal Welfare
Working with tribal communities for sustainable forest use.
Implementing Joint Forest Management (JFM) programs.
Promoting eco-tourism and livelihood programs.
5. Disaster Management
Controlling forest fires, landslides, and floods.
Leading rescue operations in forest areas.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) - Eligibility Criteria
1. Educational Qualification
Bachelor’s degree in Forestry / Agriculture / Botany / Zoology / Environmental Science or related fields.
For IFS (UPSC): A science/engineering/forestry degree is mandatory.
2. Age Limit
UPSC IFS: 21–32 years (relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD).
State Forest Services: Varies (usually 21–35 years).
3. Physical Standards (for some states)
Minimum height, chest measurements (varies by state).
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) - Exam Pattern
1. UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Exam (GS Paper-I & CSAT) | Qualifying stage (same as IAS prelims). |
| Main Exam (Written + Descriptive) | 6 papers (Forestry, General Studies, Essay, Optional Subjects). |
| Interview (Personality Test) | Assesses leadership, decision-making, and communication skills. |
| Medical Test | Ensures fitness for field postings. |
2. State Forest Service Exams (SFS)
Conducted by State PSCs (varies by state).
Generally includes:
Prelims (Objective – GK, Science, Environment).
Mains (Descriptive – Forestry, State-specific laws).
Interview & Physical Test.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) - Syllabus
1. UPSC IFS Syllabus
| Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Forestry (Core Paper) | Silviculture, Forest Management, Wildlife Conservation |
| General Studies | Environment & Ecology, Indian Polity, Economy |
| Optional Subjects | Agriculture, Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Geology |
2. State Forest Service Syllabus
Forest & Wildlife Laws (Indian Forest Act, Wildlife Protection Act).
State-specific forest policies.
General Science & Environmental Studies.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) - Salary Range
1. Pay Scale
UPSC IFS Officers: ₹56,100 – ₹2,25,000 (Level-10, 7th CPC).
State DFOs: ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000 (varies by state).
2. Promotional Hierarchy
Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) → Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) → Conservator of Forests (CF) → Chief Conservator (CCF) → Principal Chief Conservator (PCCF).
3. Perks & Benefits
Government accommodation in forest ranges.
Field allowances, travel benefits, and security.
Pension & post-retirement benefits.
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