Odisha Forest Guard Salary & Job Profile 2025 | Pay Scale & Benefits

This article provides a detailed examination of the Odisha Forest Guard job profile, outlining the core responsibilities and offering a comprehensive salary outlook for the role in 2025, including associated perks and benefits. The position combines the security of a government job with a deep connection to nature. As a frontline protector of Odisha’s rich forests and biodiversity – one of India’s most ecologically significant states – the Odisha Forest Guard holds a role of considerable prestige. These guardians play a crucial part in inspecting, patrolling, and conserving natural habitats, actively preventing illegal activities like poaching and deforestation, and enforcing environmental protection laws. Ultimately, the Odisha Forest Guard contributes significantly to wildlife conservation, sustainable forest management, and climate action. For candidates considering an application in 2025, understanding the salary structure, job responsibilities, and career opportunities is essential for informed decision-making regarding this secure and meaningful government career in Odisha.

Odisha Forest Guard Salary Structure 2025 – Pay Scale, Allowances & In-Hand Salary

While the Forest Guard role is paramount for nature conservation, it also provides competitive government pay scales, consistent increments, and various allowances and benefits under the Odisha Revised Scales of Pay (ORSP) Rules, 2017.

Pay Matrix Level

The Odisha Forest Guard position falls 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

Below is a detailed overview of the in-hand salary for the year 2025:

Upon successful completion of the probationary or training period, employees become eligible for full benefits as per the state pay commission. These benefits 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

Here is a breakdown of the salary structure:

Allowances (Post-probation)

After confirmation, Forest Guards are entitled to various allowances:

• Dearness Allowance (DA): 53% of Basic Pay (as of 2025). For example, with a ₹20,000 basic pay, DA would be ₹10,600.
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): Determined by the specific city classification (X, Y, Z cities).
• Other Allowances:
  • Transport Allowance (TA)
  • Medical Allowance
  • Risk/Hardship Allowance (as applicable)
  • Uniform Allowance
  • Insurance & Paid leaves

Deductions

Standard deductions from the salary include:

• Provident Fund (PF)
• National Pension System (NPS)
• Income Tax (as per taxable income slab)
• Professional Tax (as per applicable state)

Additional Benefits

Beyond the salary and allowances, employees also enjoy several other benefits:

• Job Security & Pension
• Gratuity
• Promotional Opportunities
• Career Development Programs

In -Hand Salary Overview

A clear distinction exists in the in-hand salary during and after the probation period:

• During probation:
  • Fixed earnings of approximately ₹8,880/month.
  • The total annual package during this period ranges from ₹96,000 to ₹2,00,000.
  • Dearness Allowance, HRA, or other standard allowances are not applicable during probation.
  • The take-home salary is minimal as employees are not entitled to full benefits (beyond training).
  • This phase primarily serves as a training and performance evaluation period.
• After probation (confirmed employees):
  • The take-home salary typically ranges from ₹22,000 to ₹33,700/month or potentially higher.
  • This amount is influenced by several factors:
    1. The assigned level of Basic Pay.
    2. Variation in HRA based on location.
    3. The prevailing rate of DEARNESS ALLOWANCE, which was 53% in 2023.
    4. Any other applicable allowances.
  • All standard government allowances, including DA, HRA, TA, medical, and risk allowances, become applicable.
  • Deductions for PF, NPS, and taxes commence once full benefits are implemented.

Increment Policy

The Odisha Forest Guard salary structure incorporates a regular increment policy:

• Annual increments: Basic pay increases each year, based on a fixed percentage or slab as determined by the 7th pay commission, typically around a 3% increment on Basic pay.
• DA revisions: Dearness Allowance is revised twice a year, in January and July, in response to inflation.
• Effect: These policies ensure that the take-home salary gradually increases each year due to improved DA, basic pay increases, and potential promotions, which typically occur after 3-5 years of service.

Probation and Confirmation Policy

This table outlines the essential details of the Probation and Confirmation Policy for Odisha Forest Guards:

Career Advancement, Promotion & Job Positions in Forest Department

Career Advancement & Promotion Pathway

The Forest Department offers a well-defined career trajectory for a Forest Guard. Promotions are contingent on accumulating experience, consistent performance, and successfully clearing departmental examinations.

Promotions and Salary Increases

Promotions and upgrades lead to substantial advancements in Basic Pay. Additionally, Grade Pays, Annual Assistance, and other allowances also see increases. This results in significant improvements to the in-hand monthly salary, overall annual package, and future pension and gratuity prospects upon career progression.

Job Profile & Key Responsibilities

Forest Guards (FG) play a critical role in safeguarding forests and wildlife, ensuring these natural resources are preserved for future generations. This is an inherently field-based and physically demanding job, essential for environmental preservation. Key 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;