APPSC FBO & ABO Exam 2026: February Mains Dates Announced, 691 Forest Jobs at Stake
APPSC has scheduled the Forest Beat Officer (FBO) and Assistant Beat Officer (ABO) Mains Exam for February 9–10, 2026. Check exam dates, timings, pattern, selection process, and key instructions.
For thousands of aspirants aiming to secure a government job in Andhra Pradesh’s forest services, the waiting period is officially over. The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has released crucial details for the Forest Beat Officer (FBO) and Assistant Beat Officer (ABO) Exam 2026, setting the stage for one of the most competitive recruitment processes of the year.
With 691 vacancies on offer and the Mains examination scheduled for February 9 and 10, 2026, the recruitment is now entering its decisive phase—where preparation, stamina, and precision will matter more than ever.
Why the FBO & ABO Recruitment Matters
Forest Beat Officers and Assistant Beat Officers play a frontline role in:
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Forest protection and wildlife conservation
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Preventing illegal logging and encroachment
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Supporting environmental policy at the ground level
At a time when climate concerns and forest governance are gaining national importance, this recruitment goes beyond jobs—it strengthens Andhra Pradesh’s environmental backbone.
APPSC FBO & ABO Mains Exam Schedule (February 2026)
The Mains Examination will be conducted over two days, with a qualifying test followed by core papers.
Detailed Exam Timetable
| Paper | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Test (Essay – English / Telugu / Urdu) | 09 Feb 2026 | 09:30 AM – 10:15 AM |
| Paper I: General Studies & Mental Ability | 09 Feb 2026 | 02:30 PM – 04:10 PM |
| Paper II: General Science & General Mathematics | 10 Feb 2026 | 09:30 AM – 11:10 AM |
Important:
Only candidates who qualify the Essay Writing Test will have their Paper I and Paper II evaluated.
Key Recruitment Details at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) |
| Posts | Forest Beat Officer (FBO) & Assistant Beat Officer (ABO) |
| Total Vacancies | 691 |
| Exam Mode | Offline (OMR-based) |
| Exam Level | SSC Standard |
| Admit Card | To be announced |
Mains Exam Pattern Explained
The Mains Written Examination is designed to test both knowledge and aptitude, with equal weightage across subjects.
Written Exam Structure
| Section | Subjects | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | General Studies & Mental Ability | 75 | 75 |
| Part B | General Science & General Mathematics | 75 | 75 |
| Total | — | 150 | 150 |
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Total Duration: 150 minutes
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Marking Scheme: 1 mark per question
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Standard: SSC (10th level)
The qualifying essay paper is mandatory but does not carry marks toward the final merit—it only determines eligibility for evaluation.
Complete Selection Process
The APPSC FBO & ABO recruitment follows a multi-stage selection process, designed to assess both mental and physical readiness.
Stages of Selection
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Screening Test (Objective, Offline)
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Main Written Examination
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Physical Measurements Test (PMT)
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Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
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Document Verification
Clearing the written exam alone is not enough—physical fitness and prescribed standards are equally critical for final selection.
Physical Standards: A Crucial Filter
Forest department roles are field-intensive. Candidates must meet specific height, chest, and endurance benchmarks to proceed beyond the written stage.
Failure to meet PMT or PET criteria will result in disqualification, regardless of written exam performance—making physical preparation just as important as academics.
Admit Card & Official Updates
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The admit card release date is yet to be announced
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Candidates must rely only on official APPSC notifications for authentic updates
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Exam centers, reporting time, and instructions will be mentioned on the hall ticket
Avoid unofficial links and third-party claims during this phase.
What Aspirants Should Focus on Now
With less than a year to go, the preparation window is narrowing.
Smart Preparation Strategy
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Revise SSC-level Science and Mathematics thoroughly
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Practice General Studies and Mental Ability with time-bound mock tests
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Work on essay writing clarity in the chosen language
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Begin physical fitness training early to avoid last-minute setbacks
This exam rewards consistency more than last-minute cramming.
Conclusion: A Defining Opportunity
The APPSC FBO & ABO Exam 2026 is not just another government recruitment—it is a gateway into one of the most respected and responsibility-driven services in the state.
With 691 posts, a clear exam schedule, and a transparent selection process, the path is now visible. What remains is execution.
For serious aspirants, February 2026 will not be a date on the calendar—it will be a career-defining moment.
