Forestry Career Scope: Jobs, Placements, Salary, Top Recruiters/Companies

Updated on Aug 9, 2024 11:59 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtContent Writer

Forestry courses are a way to gain expertise and training in the field of forestry. Forestry students learn how to manage forests, new and existing plantations, and other natural resources. Throughout the course, they receive both theoretical and practical knowledge in the fields of forestry and related fields.

Those who want to pursue a career in this field are required to be physically fit, have an adventurous spirit, be courageous and enthusiastic, and be able to adjust to new environments. Additionally, they should have an interest in environmental preservation and global issues. Students can choose to pursue a range of Forestry course options like BSc Forestry, MSc Forestry, Forestry Certification, or PhD in Forestry.

Forestry scope in India is vast as students get opportunities to work in government departments such as wildlife, forest, national parks & sanctuaries, as well as in private organizations. The average salary of a Forest Range Officer is INR 8.6 LPA in India and the salary package increases with time, experience, and expertise.

Sher-e-Kashmir University, Indian Institute of Forest Management, Birsa Agricultural University, Phonics Group of Institutions, and Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology are among the Forestry colleges in India with one of the highest placement records at INR 28 LPA. Interested candidates can continue reading the article to get more details on Forestry scope and salary in India.

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Reasons to Pursue a Career in Forestry

Here are some reasons why pursuing a career in the Forestry field can benefit students as well as the globe:

  • Forests have accounted for 80% of global biodiversity and 31% of the planet's land area. In addition to providing us with a variety of fruits, nuts, seeds, and fungi to eat, clean water to drink, and raw materials like timber to build homes, furniture, and even skyscrapers, forests are essential to human survival.

Students can significantly contribute to preserving the biodiversity of our planet, as well as guaranteeing future generations' access to food and resources, by pursuing a career in forest conservation.

  • Despite not being as well known as some other Science-based majors like Engineering, Chemistry, or Wildlife Biology, Forestry is a fascinating subject to study for students and offers a wide range of specializations and career paths. It's also a very intellectually demanding field. The options are endless when it comes to pursuing a career in Forestry.
  • Most qualified Foresters choose to work for the federal government or a local, state, or provincial unit of government when choosing where to work. Good pay can be obtained from government work, particularly at the federal level, where professional Foresters make an average of INR 8 LPA. Many non-profit and environmental advocacy groups also hire Forestry graduates if they're not interested in working for the government.

Top Career Profiles in Forestry

The field of Forestry holds many opportunities and demands. Students have opportunities in both public and private departments, including those dealing with wildlife, forests, national parks, and sanctuaries. As a result, graduates of Forestry programs will have many options for well-paying employment following graduation. Here are some Job opportunities in Forestry Jobs Government and Private, along with details mentioned below.

Job Profiles

Job Description

Average Salary

Farm Manager

They plan finances and production to maintain farm progress against budget parameters.

INR 7.2 LPA

Retail Agri-Credit Manager

They assess loan applications, which involves determining the financial health and creditworthiness of potential borrowers, as well as suitable loan amounts and interest rates.

INR 6 LPA

Nursery Manager

They provide overall management of the nursery ensuring the setting fulfils all legal and statutory requirements.

INR 4 LPA

Assistant Professor

They deliver lectures and lessons, prepare course materials, and evaluate students' performance through exams, assignments, and other assessments.

INR 5.5 LPA

Forest Range Officer

They are responsible for the forests, environment and wildlife-related issues of a Forest Range within a state or union territory of India.

INR 8.6 LPA

Forest Guard

They patrol forests to detect any discrepancies and maintain stability.

INR 2.2 LPA

Researcher

They collect, record and analyze data. Interpret data analysis results and draw inferences and conclusions.

INR 7.7 LPA

Lab Technologist

They test and analyze body fluids, such as blood, urine, and tissue samples.

INR 2.9 LPA

Animal Breeder

Their role involves selecting and breeding animals according to their genealogy, characteristics, and offspring.

INR 5.9 LPA

Plant Breeder

They are responsible for the research of seed characteristics and strive to improve the seed characteristics that are of the best quality for the plant.

INR 5 LPA

Note: The information is taken from external sites and may vary.

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Emerging Trends in the Forestry Field

Emerging Forestry trends utilizing technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things to make the industry more efficient and sustainable. Here are some growing trends industries are adopting:

  • Forest Mapping: The most significant technological development in the forestry sector is forest mapping, which speeds up climate tech solutions and permits forest conservation and resource analysis. It offers data-driven insights on tree cover, woodland resources, and landscape developments.
  • Tree Monitoring System: Authorities can monitor and count the number of trees in the forest thanks to tree monitoring systems. To measure different eco-physiological and biological parameters that indicate the health of tree foliage, foresters affix sensors to specific trees within the forest.
  • Forest Regeneration: By using artificial or natural methods, advanced forest regeneration solutions promote the renewal of forests. These methods are supplemented by tech-enabled solutions like data analytics and artificial intelligence to maximise nutrient allocation, enhance seedling dispersal, and forecast yield.

Forestry Core Industries

Forestry students can seek career opportunities in various industries in both private and government sectors. In the table mentioned below, candidates can find the core industries hiring for Forestry graduates:

Forestry Core Industries

Forest Departments

Wildlife Department

Zoological Parks

National Parks and Sanctuaries

Horticulture Departments

Forest Nurseries

Wildlife Research Institutes

College & Universities

Note: The information is taken from external sites and may vary.

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Top Recruiters for Forestry Students

Numerous organisations provide employment options for Forestry students for various job roles such as Researcher, Technologist, Breeder, Manager, and more. Along with a good salary package, students gain skills, experience, and expertise by working with such companies. Here are some top Forestry recruiters in India, candidates can seek employment for:

Top Recruiters for Forestry Students

Indian Forest Service

Parle Products

Indian Council of Agricultural Research

Hatsun Agro Product

PepsiCo

Amul Dairy

Nestle

ITC Limited Foods Division

Food Corporation of India

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry

Note: The information is taken from external sites and may vary.

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Competitive Exams After Forestry

There are several well-known government competitive exams to be eligible for government employment. Students who wish to secure job positions with the federal or state governments can apply for these exams after completing a Forestry course.

UGC-NET Exam

IBPS SO Exam

NABARD Grade-A Exam

State Forest Exam

UPSC-IFSC (Indian Forest Services) Exam

Best Forestry Colleges for Placements (in India)

There are more than 90 Forestry colleges in India, along with offering advanced learning opportunities, these colleges offer the best placement options for students who wish to work in the same field. Here are some popular Forestry college options with high placement records:

Best Forestry Colleges for Placements

Average Salary Offered

SKUAST Placements

INR 28.07 LPA

IIFM Bhopal Placements

INR 10 LPA

Faculty Of Forestry Placements

INR 8.46 LPA

Birsa Agricultural University Placements

INR 6.4 – 8.09 LPA

Phonics Group of Institutions Placements

INR 8 LPA

Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology Placements

INR 7.08 LPA

College of Forestry, Ponnampet Placements

INR 7 LPA

Manipur University Placements

INR 6.9 LPA

JNU Placements

INR 6 LPA

CCS HAU Placements

INR 6 LPA

Note: The information is taken from the official body and may vary.

Links useful for Forestry Career:

Career Guidance for Forest Officer

Forestry Career FAQs

Q. What are the career options after BSc Forestry?

A. You can choose from a variety of career options after BSc Forestry such as:

  • Forester: You can work as a forester in government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations.
  • Conservation Scientist: Conservation scientists work to protect and manage natural resources, including forests.
  • Environmental Consultant: As an environmental consultant, you can work with companies and organizations to assess the environmental impact of their activities, including forestry operations.
  • Wildlife Biologist: If you are interested in wildlife conservation, you can pursue a career as a wildlife biologist.
  • Forest Ecologist: Forest ecologists study the relationships between living organisms and their environment in forest ecosystems.

Q. BSc in Agriculture or BSc in Forestry which has better scope?

A. Both a BSc in Agriculture and a BSc in Forestry can offer good career opportunities, but the scope and opportunities can vary based on several factors such as the current job market trends, personal interests, location, and specific skills acquired during the program.

Agriculture is a vast field with a broad range of career options such as agricultural management, agribusiness, agricultural research, agricultural engineering, food science, etc. The scope for agriculture graduates can be diverse and can cater to various sectors of the economy.

On the other hand, Forestry focuses on the management of forests, conservation of natural resources, wildlife management, and sustainable forestry practices. Graduates can work in forestry departments, conservation organizations, environmental consulting firms, and more.

Hence, both BSc in Agriculture and BSc in Forestry have their unique scopes and opportunities. It's essential to consider your interests, career goals, and current job market trends to make an informed decision.

Q. What's it like being a Forest Engineer?

A. A Forest Engineer's income is relatively high when compared to other career fields, which is a major benefit for this field of work. Additionally, your pay will probably rise over time as you acquire more training and expertise. Your compensation as an engineer may also be impacted by other variables.
Your responsibility as a Forest Engineer will be to assist with land management and forestry initiatives. In this position, you might assist with sustainability plans, choose the best routes for rail or road networks, and manage engineering projects that are located in or close to forests.

Q. What can we do after BSC forestry?

A. After completing a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Forestry, there are several career paths you can follow. Here are some options:

  • Forestry Technician/Technologist: Work in the field managing forests, conducting surveys, and implementing conservation practices.
  • Forest Manager: Oversee forest operations, including timber production, conservation efforts, and land management.
  • Wildlife Biologist: Study and manage wildlife populations and their habitats, often working in conjunction with forestry practices.
  • Environmental Consultant: Provide expertise on environmental regulations and help organizations implement sustainable practices.
  • Research Scientist: Engage in research related to forest ecology, management practices, climate change impacts, and more.
  • Urban Forester: Manage and care for trees in urban environments, focusing on community forestry and green space management.
  • Conservation Officer: Work with governmental or non-profit organizations to enforce laws and regulations related to wildlife and forest conservation.
  • Forest Products Industry: Work in sectors related to timber, paper, and non-timber forest products, focusing on sustainable practices.

Q. What is the salary of an Indian Forest Service officer?

A. All Group A officers, including the officers of the Indian Forest Service, get about INR 50,000 to INR 60,000 per month as pay when they join the Service. However, the total pay depends on the place of posting also as the house rent or other allowances may be higher at some stations.

Q. Which is a better job LDC or Forester?

A. Choosing between a job as a Logistics Distribution Coordinator (LDC) and a Forester depends on various factors, including your interests, skills, and career goals. Here's a comparison to help you decide:

Pros of being a Logistics Distribution Coordinator (LDC):

  • Stable Work Environment: Typically works in an office or warehouse setting, which can offer a more predictable schedule.
  • Career Advancement: Opportunities for advancement in supply chain management or logistics.
  • Skills Development: Gain skills in project management, data analysis, and communication.

Pros of being a Forester:

  • Outdoor Work: Opportunities to work in natural settings, which can be fulfilling for nature lovers.
  • Impactful Work: Contribute to conservation, sustainable practices, and forest management.
  • Diverse Tasks: Work can vary from fieldwork to research and policy-making.

Q. Which is a better career option, agriculture officer or forest range officer?

A. Forest department is a regulatory department hence a Range officer has more powers than an agriculture officer. Most of the forests in India are owned by the government and the forest department has to protect them. The agriculture department is development-oriented as almost all agriculture in India is in private hands. You may make a choice depending on your aptitude.

The job of a range officer involves dealing with criminals and the post of a Range officer is a uniformed post like that of a police officers. It also involves staying in remote areas and a lot of travel. Range officers do development-oriented work also such as plantations and the construction of roads and even buildings. The fact that the agricultural officer has a better scale also means that this post is one level above the Range officer in the hierarchy.

Q. What can I do after an MSc in Forestry in India?

A. After completing an MSc in Forestry in India, you have several options to consider based on your interests, skills, and career goals. Here are some potential paths:

Further Studies

  • PhD Programs: Pursue a doctorate in forestry, environmental science, or related fields if you're interested in research and academia.
  • Specialized Certifications: Enroll in certificate programs focusing on areas like wildlife management, sustainable forestry practices, or GIS (Geographic Information Systems).

Employment Opportunities

  • Government Jobs: Look for positions in government departments such as the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, or state forestry departments. Roles may include forest officer, wildlife biologist, or conservation manager.
  • Private Sector: Explore opportunities in private forestry companies, NGOs, and environmental consultancies. Positions may involve project management, research, or policy advocacy.
  • Research Institutions: Apply for research assistant positions or project coordinator roles in organizations focused on forestry and environmental studies.

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Forestry Courses. Students interested in pursuing a career on Forestry Courses, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Feb '25 - Apr '25

CUET 2025 Application Process

TENTATIVE

Apr '25

CUET UG 2025 Application Form Correction

TENTATIVE

2 Jan ' 25 - 1 Feb ' 25

CUET PG 2025 Application Process

2 Jan ' 25 - 2 Feb ' 25

CUET PG 2025 Application Process Online Fee

6 Jan ' 25 - 10 Jan ' 25

ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 Counselling: Online Registrati...

15 Jan ' 25 - 16 Jan ' 25

ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 Counselling 1st Round: Seat Al...

14 Oct ' 24

Rajasthan JET 2024 Final Counselling Campus repor...

11 Oct ' 24

Rajasthan JET 2024 Final Counselling Last date t...

Popular Forestry Courses Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Forestry Courses Colleges in India. Learn more about these Forestry Courses colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
2 Courses
5.05 K - 5.85 K
8 LPA

#110 QS World University Rankings

2.14 L - 4 L

#151 NIRF

76.88 K
4.2 LPA
1 Course
6 K
3 LPA
76.02 K
7 LPA

Popular Private Forestry Courses Colleges in India

2.14 L - 4 L

#151 NIRF

3 Courses
36 K - 11.8 L
4.2

Forestry Applications open. Apply Now

2 Courses
5.05 K - 5.85 K
8 LPA

#110 QS World University Rankings

76.88 K
4.2 LPA
1 Course
6 K
3 LPA
76.02 K
7 LPA

Popular Forestry Courses UG Courses

Following are the most popular Forestry Courses UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Forestry Courses PG Courses

Following are the most popular Forestry Courses PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Answered 3 weeks ago

In Madhya Pradesh, several colleges offer B.Sc. Forestry programs. Notable options include Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (Jabalpur), which is a public institution recognised by ICAR, offering a range of courses in forestry. The tuition fees at this university range from 30,000 to 83,000. A

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Amit Saini

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Here are some of the top Forestry college options in India offering great placement options to students:

Forestry CollegesAverage Package Offered
SKUASTINR 28.07 LPA
Faculty BhopalINR 10 LPA
Faculty Of ForestryINR 8.46 LPA
Birsa Agricultural UniversityINR 6.4 - 8.09 LPA
Phonics Group of InstitutionsINR 8 LPA

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

There are some personal skills and interests required in this field of Forestry to study and do well in this course. Here are some points required to get success in this field as follows:

  • People who are interested in this field need to be adventurous as they have to stay and work inside a forest for

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, there is an age limit for some forestry courses, such as a

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Forestry: BSc Forestry: The minimum age requirement for a BSc in Forestry is usually 17 years old, and the maximum is 21 years old.

Distance education BSc Forestry: There is no upper age limit for distance edu

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Forestry students can seek employment options in various fields including:

  • Forest Departments
  • Zoological Parks
  • Horticulture Departments
  • Wildlife Research Institutes
  • Wildlife Department
  • National Parks and Sanctuaries
  • Wildlife Ranges
  • Forest Nurseries
  • College & Universities

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

There are a lot of upcoming new trends in the Forestry field. Students who are adventurous, love to enter this field. Therefore,  a lot of people are getting engaged in this field, and hence new sides of this field are gaining popularity. Apart from keeping the forests safe, collecting products from

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

There are a lot of opportunities and demands for Forestry. The popularity of this course is increasing day by day and students are getting more and more inclined to this course. The Opportunities in India and abroad is pretty noticeable. 

Students will get opportunities in the wildlife department, fo

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

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