Close to 15,000 candidates undergo physical tests across Nagaland for 154 Forest Guard posts under state forest department.
Published on Jul 7, 2025
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KOHIMA — The four-day physical test for the recruitment of 154 Forest Guard posts under the Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change commenced on Monday with close to 15,000 aspirants appearing across Nagaland.
An official source informed Eastern Mirror that out of 23,673 applications received from all 13 districts—some of which were clubbed due to lower applicant numbers—a total of 14,960 candidates turned up to collect their admit cards.
The physical test includes a 24-kilometre run for male candidates and 15 kilometres for female candidates, both to be completed within four hours. In Kohima, the test was conducted along the Jotsoma-Khonoma-Kohima route.
The physical tests across the designated 13 district centres will conclude on July 10. While most districts with fewer candidates will complete the test in a single day, larger districts such as Kohima and Dimapur will continue until the final day.
District Level Screening Committees have been set up in all 13 districts to oversee the physical and upcoming written tests. Districts with fewer candidates have been clubbed together—for example, Tuensang is serving as the centre for Noklak and Shamator, while Dimapur and Niuland, and Phek and Meluri have also been grouped.
The screening committees comprise representatives from the Police, School Education, District Administration, and Forest departments.
Regarding transparency, the official maintained that there is no room for manipulation in the timing of the physical test. The written examination, scheduled for July 12, has also been fully outsourced—from question paper setting to printing and evaluation—which will be conducted by a third party.
Commenting on the overwhelming response, the official said that aside from high unemployment, the sheer volume of applicants also reflects the limited avenues for gainful employment in the state, with government jobs perceived as the most secure option.
He added that regular vacancies arise due to retirements, and depending on the success of the current recruitment drive and government approval, further vacancies will be notified in due course.