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HPPSC RFO RECRUITMENT - Notification, eligibility, Important Dates, Admit Card and more 2021
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- Team Edural
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The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has announced 45 vacancies for the post of Range Forest officer for the year 2021. The position is of a Class II Gazetted Range Forest Officer on a contractual basis under the Department of Forest, Himachal Pradesh. Here in this article, you will find everything you need to know about Range Forest Officer Prelims Examination 2021.
Link to view the official notification - here
HPPSC RFO 2021 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 23 March 2021 |
| Start date of application | 23 March 2021 |
| Last date of application | 19 April 2021 |
| Admit Card release | will be released soon |
| HPPSC RFO Prelims exam | 25 July 2021 |
| HPPSC RFO Prelims results | to be announced |
| Physical test | to be announced |
| Physical test results | to be announced |
| Interview | to be announced |
| Final Results | to be announced |
Eligibility Criteria for HPPSC RFO 2021
Nationality
The candidate must be a citizen of India and a domicile or a permanent resident of Himachal Pradesh.
Educational Qualification
The minimum educational qualification required for the HPPSC RFO exam is a Bachelor's degree in Science or Engineering (or its equivalent) from a recognised university in at least one of the following subjects-
Agriculture Botany Chemistry Computer Applications / Science. Engineering (Agricultural / Chemical / Civil / Computer / Electrical / Electronics / Mechanical) Environmental Science Forestry Geology Horticulture Mathematics Physics Statistics Veterinary Science Zoology /
Knowledge of customs, manners, and dialects of Himachal Pradesh, and suitability for appointment in the peculiar conditions prevailing in the state are desirable supplementary qualifications that could favour the candidates' selection.
Age (as of 01.01.2021)
Lower age limit: 21 years
Upper age limit: 31 years
The state offers upper age limit relaxation till 42 years for candidates already in government service.
Physical Standard
| Height (cm) | Chest girth (normal) (cm) | Chest girth (expanded) (cm) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male Candidate | 163 | 79 | 05 |
| Female Candidate | 150 | 74 | 05 |
HPPSC RFO 2021 Application fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General Category / E.W.S | ₹ 400/- |
| S.C. of H.P. / S.T. of H.P. / O.B.C. of H.P./ BPL of H.P./ EWS (BPL) | ₹ 100/ |
| Ex-Servicemen of H.P/ Blind / Visually impaired individuals of H.P. | exempted |
How to apply for HPPSC RFO Exam-2021
- Visit the HPPSC official website here.
- Click on the "Apply Online" link on the Home Page.
- Register by creating your profile for "One-Time Registration(OTR)."
- Log into your OTR account, and you will find a list of advertisements for various posts offered.
- Click on the "Range Forest Officer Prelims 2021" link.
- Fill in your details and upload the required documents as mentioned in the advertisement.
- Review your details and documents.
- Pay the application fee online by Debit Card/Credit Card/Internet Banking through "ePayment Gateway."
- Submit the application form by signing the declaration.
- Take a printout of your application for future reference.
HPPSC RFO 2021 Admit Card
The admit card for Range Forest Officer Examination-2021 will be released soon on the official website of the commission - http://www.hppsc.hp.gov.in/. Candidates who have applied for this examination can download their admit card by logging into the portal using the correct credentials.
Remember, the Admit cards will not be sent to you by post. You must download your admit card from the commission website. So note down your login credentials while filling the application form and save them. Use these credentials to log in to your OTR account and download your e-Admit card.
HPPSC RFO 2021 Vacancy
Total number of vacancies available: 45
Reserve list
| Category | B.Sc. (Forestry) (70%) | Non- B.Sc. (Forestry) (30%) | Total vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 07 | 00 | 07 |
| EWS of HP | 04 | 00 | 04 |
| SC of HP | 08 | 01 | 09 |
| ST of HP | 04 | 00 | 04 |
| OBC of HP | 06 | 01 | 07 |
| General (ex-servicemen of HP) | 02 | 02 | 04 |
| General (wards of ex-servicemen of HP) | 03 | 03 | 06 |
| SC (ex-servicemen of HP) | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| SC (wards ex-servicemen of HP) | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| ST (ex-servicemen of HP) | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| OBC (ex-servicemen of HP) | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| TOTAL | 37 | 08 | 45 |
HPPSC RFO Selection Process
The appointment of a Range Forest Officer at the Department of Forest, Himachal Pradesh, happens in four stages -
- Screening test
- Written Examination
- Physical Test
- Personal Interview
Screening test
The first stage of selection is a screening test which is a qualifying test for the written examination.
- Description: 100 objective type questions carrying one mark each.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Maximum Marks: 100
- Marking Scheme: The test will have negative marking - correct answer: +1 and wrong answer: -0.25
Written Examination
The total number of candidates admitted for the written examination will be 20 times the total number of vacancies available.
The examination will have four papers - two compulsory and two optional.
- General Knowledge and General English are mandatory papers.
- Optional Subjects: candidates should choose any two of the following subjects -
| Agriculture | Electrical Engineering |
|---|---|
| Botany | Electronics Engineering |
| Chemistry | Mechanical Engineering |
| Computer Applications/ Computer Science | Environmental Science |
| Agricultural Engineering | Forestry |
| Chemical Engineering | Geology |
| Civil Engineering | Horticulture |
| Computer Engineering | Mathematics |
| Statistics | Veterinary Science |
| Physics | Zoology |
NOTE: Candidates cannot choose more than one subject from the following -
- Agriculture, Agriculture Engineering and Veterinary Science
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Computer Applications / Computer Science & Computer Engineering.
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics Engineering
- Mathematics and Statistics.
Physical test
Candidates performing well in the written examination have to go through some physical tests. The number of candidates called in for the physical test after passing the written examination will be five times the number of vacancies mentioned in the notification.
Personal Interview
Candidates who are successful in the physical tests will be called in for a personal interview reviewed by the selection board. The number of candidates called for the interview will be three times the total number of vacancies available. The interview carries 100 marks.
The objective of the personal interview is to judge the mental calibre and individual suitability of the candidate for the job. The interview is personal in nature. You will be asked about your hobbies, interests and history. Mental alertness, manners, social traits, judgement, critical thinking, decision making, leadership skills are some of the few qualities that will be assessed.
HPPSC RFO 2021 Examination pattern
Screening test
Forestry graduates-
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| Forestry Subject | 80 |
| General Knowledge of Himachal Pradesh | 10 |
| General Knowledge of National and International Affairs. | 10 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Non-Forestry Graduates-
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| History, Geography and Socio-Economic development of Himachal Pradesh | 30 |
| Knowledge of current events of national and international importance and such matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspects as may be expected of an educated person who has not made a particular study of any scientific subject. | 30 |
| Modern History (From 1857 onwards) of India, Indian Culture, Indian Polity, Indian Economy, Geography of India, Disaster Management, Environment and Gender issues and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. | 40 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Written Examination
| Name of Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 100 |
| General English | 100 |
| Optional Subject 1 | 200 |
| Optional Subject 2 | 200 |
| TOTAL | 600 |
Physical test
| Male candidates | 25 km in 4 hours on foot |
|---|---|
| Female candidates | 16 km in 4 hours on foot |
HPPSC RFO Examination-2021 Syllabus
Compulsory subjects
| General Knowledge | knowledge of current events and of such matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspects, questions on Indian Polity including the Political system and the Constitution of India, History of India and Geography |
|---|---|
| General English | knowledge of grammar, idiom and usages, unseen passage for summary, essay on current topics on State / National / International events. |
The essay carries 30 marks and the summary carries 20 marks.
Click here for a detailed syllabus for the written examination.
HPPSC RFO Examination-2021 Result
The minimum qualifying marks for the written examination is 40% marks in each compulsory paper and 45% marks in aggregate.
The HPPSC will release the result on the official website after every stage of the selection process. The first merit list will be drawn after the screening test. The list will contain the roll numbers of candidates who have qualified for the written examination.
The final merit list will be released after the interview is conducted. The result will be based on the marks scored in the main examination and the interview and the candidates' performance in the physical test. Hence, the final list will contain the names of candidates who have performed well in the tests.
HPPSC RFO Examination-2021 Cut-off
The HPPSC will release the cut-off marks along with the merit lists. The cut-off marks will be different for different categories. The first cut-off marks list will be released with the screening test results, and the second cut-off marks list will be released with the final results. Candidates who score more than the cut-off marks have a chance of making it to the merit list.
HPPSC RFO Job Profile
The Forest Range Officer will be responsible for the administration and management of their forest jurisdiction. The officer will have custody of all government properties in the area. The duties and responsibilities include:
- Collection of forest revenue and dues
- Supervise subordinate officers and their work
- Prevention of any forest offences
- Protection of the forest land
HPPSC RFO Salary
The pay scale of a range forest officer is ₹ 10300 - 34800 + 4800(GP)
The fixed contractual amount is ₹ 15100 per month.
Preparation tips for the Screening test and Written examination
Read newspapers every day to stay updated with current events around the world. For specific knowledge about Himachal Pradesh, refer to Himachal Pradesh GK books. Having local knowledge is quite essential for both the test and the interview.
Attempt mock tests and previous year question papers. Mock tests will give you an idea of what you can expect in the exam and how well you may do. Mock tests are designed at a slightly higher level, so you can use these to master your time management skills during the exam.
Essay Writing: Before tackling an article, note points you want to include in your report. Practice writing essays as you have to complete the rest of the questions in the stipulated time.
Preparation tips for the Interview
- Improve your speaking skills. Prepare well structured and engaging answers to common questions about yourself like your motivation behind taking up the exam, your aim in life, etc.
- The point of this interview is to understand your personality. Answer the questions regarding yourself truthfully. If you don't know something, admit it instead of deflecting the topic.
- Please do not say what you think they want to hear. Do not leave out details about yourself just because they are different. Many students believe that this invites further questions and fear it. But this could be used as an advantage. By mentioning unique traits and hobbies, you demand the attention of the panel. It makes your interview more engaging and the question will be something you could prepare in advance.
- Pay attention to your tone and body language. Do not talk too fast or loud.
- Stay calm and take a minute to compose yourself before speaking. Believe in your preparation.
Question papers
click here to view HPPSC RFO examination-2017 screening test paper.
click here to view HPPSC RFO 2017 General English paper.
click here to view HPPSC RFO 2017 General Knowledge Paper.
Recommended Books
Current Affairs
| Book name | Author/Publication |
|---|---|
| Daily newspapers | Indian Express, The Hindu, local newspapers |
| Press Information Bureau (PIB) | website |
| Current Affairs monthly magazine | Pratiyogita Darpan, Competition success review |
Geography
| Book name | Author/Publication |
|---|---|
| Certificate Physical and Human Geography | G C Leon |
| Fundamentals of Physical Geography (Class 11) | NCERT |
| Concise Geography | ALS |
Indian and Himachal Economy
| Book name | Author/Publication |
|---|---|
| Classes 11 and 12 economics textbooks | NCERT |
| Indian Economy | Ramesh Singh |
| Niti Aayog Reports | Specific to Himachal Pradesh |
| Himachal Government Year Book |
History
| Book name | Author/Publication |
|---|---|
| Classes 11 and 12 History textbooks | NCERT |
| India’s Ancient Past | R.S. Sharma |
| Indian Art and Culture | Nitin Singhania |
| A brief history of Modern India | Spectrum |
Indian Polity
| Book name | Author/Publication |
|---|---|
| Class 11 and 12 Politics textbooks | NCERT |
| The Constitution of India: Bare Act | - |
| Indian polity | Laxmikant |
General Science
| Book name | Author/Publication |
|---|---|
| NCERT textbooks | NCERT |
| Science and technology | Ashok Singh |
| Newspaper columns dedicated to Science | - |
English
| Book name | Author/Publication |
|---|---|
| Plinth to Paramount (Both Volumes) | KD Publication |
| English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin |
| Objective English | S. P. Bakshi/Arihant Publication |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman & Lewis |
Study Plan for RFO Examination-2021
A Time table- Analyse where you stand, knowledge-wise, before the exam and divide your time accordingly. Make a priority list of concepts and tackle them one by one to not miss any section of the syllabus.
Learn & Revise- The vast syllabus of the examination can seem overwhelming. Plan your study method in such a way that you get to revise whatever you have learnt the whole day or week.
Focus on basic concepts- The position doesn't call for hardcore intellectuals but rather aspirants with the practical knowledge of their surroundings. Candidates should be mindful of the state and its significant evolution. It is expected of the candidates to know about the state's society, culture etc.
Making evident notes- Making quick notes when you're studying helps you catch up easily the next time you flip your books for revision. Include mind-maps and flowcharts wherever possible. Make your notes visually appealing. It helps your brain retain information.
Current Affairs- Civil services exams examine an aspirant's thorough knowledge of the society they reside in. Learning about international events is also essential, but knowing one's district, state, and country should be considered the foundation for preparation. This provides significant help in serving the nation well.
Practicing questions- Add solving at least ten questions from previous years question papers and mock tests to your daily schedule. Solving past year questions helps provide a clear picture of what you are going to approach.
This article will guide you through the process of becoming a forest officer in Himachal Pradesh. Now, concentrate all your energy towards achieving your goal, and no force in the world can stop you!