Various courses are available in the field of forestry. You can pursue forestry courses at graduate, postgraduate, diploma as well as at Ph.D. level. 

BSc in Forestry

It is a four year full time course. The whole course is divided into 8 semesters of six month duration each. 

The course covers topics on the techniques of forestry, the various laws that have been passed by the government to protect forest and techniques of ecology and wildlife. Various subsidiary courses are available for B.Sc Agriculture, which focuses on each and individual aspects of forestry. The subsidiary courses included in the curriculum are:

• Basic Sciences and Humanities
• Forest Biology and Tree Improvement
• Forest Products and Utilization
• Natural Resource Management
• Silviculture and Agroforestry

MSc Forestry

It is a postgraduate course in Forestry and Wildlife. Nature lover students and those who want an adventurous career may choose this course. 

Imparting theoretical and practical knowledge in the areas of forestry is the main aim of the M.Sc Forestry program. Managing forests, tree plantation and related natural resources are some of the topics that students pursue under this course. The course equips the students in understanding the multiple uses of forests, its maintenance and to prevent destruction of forests. 

The specializations offered here are Forest Management, Forest Products, Wildlife Science, Forest Economics, Commercial Forestry, Agroforestry to name a few. You can further study and apply for M.Phil./PhD in this field to become a scholar and open more doors for yourself.

Other Courses in Forestry

There are certain certifications and diploma courses you can do inForestry. These are Certificate Course in Wildlife Management, Diploma in Zoo and Wild Animals Health Cure Management or Post Graduate Diploma in Forest Management (PGDFM). 

 Interested candidates can also go for M.Phil/PhD degree in Forestry that opens more career opportunities as well as hike in their salary.

In Kerala, Kannur University conducts a 3 year BSc Course on Forestry and it is not equivalent to 4 year BSc Forestry Courses.

Indian Forest Service

The Indian Forest Service (IFS) is one of the Civil Services Examination conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the recruitment officers at the All India level by the Government of India for the scientific management of its forests.  It is one of the three All India Services. The other two All India Services being Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS).  Indian Forest Service is one of the Civil Services of India and belongs to the apex All India Services group.

IFS services are placed under various State cadres and joint cadres though they have the mandate to serve both under the State and Central Governments. The main mandate of IFS service is the implementation of the National Forest Policy which aims to ensure environmental stability and maintenance of ecological balance. An IFS officer is largely independent of district administration and exercises administrative, judicial and financial powers in their own domain. All top positions in the state forest department are held by IFS officers.

Candidate should hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the subjects namely, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics and Zoology or a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or Forestry or Engineering of a recognised university or equivalent.