Forest Research Institute Overview
Forest Research Institute (FRI) Dehradun, also known as FRI (Deemed to be University), is a public institute for forestry and environmental studies. The institution was established in 1906 in Dehradun. The institute is approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and operates under the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE). It is accredited by NAAC with a B grade.
FRI Dehradun offers M.Sc. Forestry, M.Sc. Wood Science & Technology, M.Sc. Environment Management, M.Sc. Cellulose and Paper Technology, and Ph.D. programs. The flagship program is the M.Sc. course in multiple specialisations. Admission to the M.Sc. program is based on the FRI Entrance Examination. The first-year tuition fee for the M.Sc. program is INR 43,000.
Placement data for 2025 is not available; however, for the 2022–2024 batch, the highest package offered was INR 9.5 LPA, and the average package was around INR 5.7 LPA. Top recruiters include ITC Limited, JK Paper Mill, JMC Limited, Orient Paper Mill, Proklean, and Naini Papers Limited.
Forest Research Institute Highlights 2026
| Details | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Name of Institute | Forest Research Institute (Deemed to be University) |
| Established | Institute Type | 1906 | Public |
| Approved by | UGC |
| Affiliated | Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) |
| Courses offered | M.Sc. Forestry, M.Sc. Wood Science & Technology, M.Sc. Environment Management, M.Sc. Cellulose and Paper Technology, Ph.D. |
| Flagship Course | M.Sc. |
| Fees | INR 43,000 (First-year tuition fees for M.Sc.) |
| Entrance Exam | FRI Entrance Examination |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Facilities Available | Library, Hospital, Sports Facilities, Hostels, Gym |
| Average Package | INR 5.7 LPA (2022–2024 batch) |
| Official Website | fridu.edu.in |
| Location | Dehradun, Uttarakhand |
Forest Research Institute Dehradun Fees & Eligibility
| Course | Total Fees | Eligibility | Application Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.Sc (4 Courses) | ₹1.37 Lakhs – ₹1.43 Lakhs | Graduation | 31 Mar 2025 |
| Ph.D (Forestry) | ₹1.47 Lakhs | Post Graduation |
Forest Research Institute Courses & Fees
| Course | Duration | Eligibility Criteria | First Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.Sc. Forestry | 2 Years | Bachelor’s degree in Science with at least one of Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Zoology,Or a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or Forestry with a minimum of 50% marks | INR 43,000 |
| M.Sc. Wood Science & Technology | 2 Years | Bachelor’s degree with Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry or B.Sc. Forestry with a minimum of 50% marks | INR 43,000 |
| M.Sc. Environment Management | 2 Years | Bachelor’s degree in any branch of Basic or Applied Sciences, Forestry, Agriculture, or BE in Environmental Science with minimum 50% marks | INR 43,000 |
| M.Sc. Cellulose and Paper Technology | 2 Years | Bachelor’s degree in Science with Chemistry as one subject or BE/B.Tech. in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of 50% marks | INR 43,000 |
| Ph.D. (Forestry) | Varies | Post-graduation in a relevant discipline | INR 67,500 |
Forest Research Institute Admission 2026
Forest Research Institute (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, admits students to its flagship M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes for 2025 through the FRI Entrance Examination, followed by counselling and document verification. Applications are accepted offline, either obtained from the Registrar’s office or downloaded from the official website. The completed application form must be submitted with required documents and the application fee before the deadline. Entrance examination results are published on the official portal, and shortlisted candidates are called for counselling. Admission is confirmed after document verification and fee payment.
The M.Sc. programme is the flagship course, offered in Forestry, Wood Science & Technology (WST), Cellulose & Paper Technology (CPT), and Environment Management (EM), each with specialised eligibility criteria. The Ph.D. programme spans multiple disciplines in forestry and allied sciences.
| Course | Specialisation | Eligibility | Seats | Selection Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.Sc. | Forestry | B.Sc. in Forestry, Agriculture, Botany, Environmental Science, or allied fields | 38 | FRI Entrance Examination + Counselling |
| M.Sc. | Wood Science & Technology | B.Sc. in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Botany, Forestry, or allied fields | 38 | FRI Entrance Examination + Counselling |
| M.Sc. | Cellulose & Paper Technology | B.Tech. in Chemical/Mechanical Engineering or B.Sc. with Chemistry | 20 | FRI Entrance Examination + Counselling |
| M.Sc. | Environment Management | B.Sc. in Environment, Forestry, Botany, Zoology, or allied fields | 38 | FRI Entrance Examination + Counselling |
| Ph.D. | Forestry & Allied Sciences (Forest Botany, Entomology, Pathology, Ecology, Genetics, Wood Science, etc.) | Master’s degree in a relevant subject with minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/PwD) | Not Fixed | FRI Entrance Examination or exemption (NET/GATE/M.Phil.) + Interview |
Forest Research Institute Dehradun Placement 2025
The institute has not released a combined placement report for 2025. Based on the latest available data, the full 2022–24 cycle and the most recent Forestry list from 2021–23 — M.Sc. Environment Management (2022–24) had the highest package of INR 9.5 LPA. M.Sc. Cellulose & Paper Technology (2022–24) saw a highest of INR 6.5 LPA and an average of INR 4.85 LPA, while M.Sc. Wood Science & Technology (2022–24) had a highest of INR 5.36 LPA and an average of about INR 4.61 LPA. For M.Sc. Forestry (2021–23), the highest was INR 8.0 LPA and the average about INR 5.10 LPA. Recruiters covered sectors like pulp & paper, wood products and décor, environmental consulting, renewable energy, and government forestry, showing steady demand across these fields.
Placement Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Highest verified package | INR 9.5 LPA (M.Sc. Environment Management (2022–24)) |
| Average package (approx.) | INR 5.7 LPA |
| Placement rate | 94% |
| Top recruiting sectors | Environmental consulting, renewable/energy, sustainability, infrastructure |
| Representative recruiters | TERI, SG Analytics, Sterlite Power, Indus/Indus Environ, Enviro Analysts, IL&FS Environment, ERM India |
Forest Research Institute Dehradun Scholarships 2025
The Forest Research Institute (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, offers various financial assistance schemes to support students in its flagship programmes. A major initiative is the MEA–FRI Scholarship, instituted by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, specifically for foreign nationals from BIMSTEC member states — Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand — to pursue M.Sc. in Forestry & Allied Programmes for the 2024–26 session.
Under this scheme, 10 scholarships are awarded annually. The scholarship covers INR 3,53,163 for the entire course duration, which includes tuition, sports & magazine fees, library/teaching aid charges, hostel fees, and degree fees. Mess charges and refundable caution money of INR 4,175 must be borne by the student. The award is intended to facilitate fully residential study at FRI, with hostel accommodation, basic medical facilities, library access, and recreational amenities provided.
Eligibility Requirements: Candidates must meet the prescribed academic qualifications for the chosen M.Sc. programme, hold a valid residential permit or student visa for the duration of study, have their academic credentials recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) or equivalent, and demonstrate adequate knowledge of English at the 10+2 level. For eligible candidates from BIMSTEC nations, the FRI M.Sc. admission test requirement is waived.
Application Process: Applications must be submitted in triplicate, along with notarised documents (birth certificate, mark sheets, degrees, citizenship proof, character certificate) to the relevant Indian mission abroad. These are then forwarded to the BIMSTEC & SAARC Division, MEA, New Delhi, and subsequently to FRI. For the 2024–26 cycle, the last date to apply was 14 June 2024, with classes commencing in July 2024.
This scholarship represents FRI’s commitment to promoting regional cooperation and academic excellence in forestry and allied sciences, enabling international students from neighbouring countries to access advanced forestry education in India.
Read More: FRI Dehradun Scholarship 2025
Forest Research Institute Dehradun Hostel
FRI Dehradun provides a range of hostel facilities catering to different categories of students, ensuring comfortable accommodation and essential amenities:
- Visiting Hostel (Rooms): Designed for Boys Ph.D. Scholars, Project Trainees, and JRFs.
- Visiting Hostel (Flats): Accommodation for Girls Ph.D. Scholars, Project Trainees, and JRFs.
- New Rosewood Girls Hostel: Exclusively for M.Sc. Girls.
- Shisham Hostel: For M.Sc. Boys.
- Sandalwood Hostel: For Boys Ph.D. Scholars, Project Trainees, and JRFs.
| Hostel Name | Category | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Visiting Hostel (Rooms) | Boys Ph.D. Scholars, Project Trainees, JRFs | 44 students |
| Visiting Hostel (Flats) | Girls Ph.D. Scholars, Project Trainees, JRFs | 75 students |
| New Rosewood Girls Hostel | M.Sc. Girls | 84 students |
| Shisham Hostel | M.Sc. Boys | 140 students |
| Sandalwood Hostel | Boys Ph.D. Scholars, Project Trainees, JRFs | 25 students |
The hostel fee is INR 36,000 per annum (INR 3,000 per month). All hostels are equipped with furnished rooms, common recreation areas, and mess services.
Read More: FRI Dehradun Hostel
Forest Research Institute Campus 2025
- Library: The National Forest Library and Information Centre houses 1.2 lakh books, 32,000 bound periodicals, and subscribes to 118 Indian and 150 foreign periodicals. It also provides reprographic facilities.
- Medical Facilities: A well-equipped hospital with qualified doctors and an ambulance offers round-the-clock medical services.
- Sports & Recreation: Facilities include basketball, badminton, and lawn tennis courts, along with other sports infrastructure. Annual sports events are organized for students.
- Fitness Facilities: A fully equipped gym is available for students and staff.
- Cultural Activities: Students participate in annual cultural programs through the student club, showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of different regions.
- Extra-curricular Activities: Official societies and associations are encouraged, fostering academic, cultural, athletic, and social engagement among students.
University Comparison
Below is a comparison of FRI Dehradun with the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) Bhopal, another prominent institution in the forestry and environmental domain:
| Parameter | FRI Dehradun | IIFM Bhopal |
|---|---|---|
| Established | 1906 | 1982 |
| Type | Public (Deemed University) | Public (Autonomous) |
| Flagship Course | M.Sc. Forestry | PGDFM (Post Graduate Diploma in Forestry Management) |
| First-Year Fees | INR 43,000 (M.Sc.) | INR 4.32 lakh (PGDFM) |
| Entrance Exam | FRI Entrance Examination | CAT/XAT |
| Average Package | INR 5.7 LPA (2022–2024 batch) | INR 7.5 LPA (2023 batch) |
| Campus Size | 450 hectares | 217 acres |
| Facilities | Library, Hostels, Sports Complex, Gym, Medical Facilities | Library, Hostels, Sports Complex, Computer Centre, Medical Facilities |
Forest Research Institute FAQs
Ques. What is the placement scenario for M.Sc. students at FRI Dehradun?
Ans. Placement data for 2025 is not present yet. However, for the 2022–2024 batch, some courses had full placement. Some of the top recruiters were ITC Limited, JK Paper Mill, and Orient Paper Mill. The highest package offered was INR 9.5 LPA, and the average package was INR 5.7 LPA. It indicates that there is stability in the hiring trend of core forestry and environmental lines of work.
Ques. What is the flagship course at FRI Dehradun?
Ans. The flagship course is the M.Sc., which has multiple specializations, including M.Sc. Forestry, M.Sc. Wood Science & Technology, M.Sc. Environment Management, and M.Sc. Cellulose and Paper Technology. These programs are aimed at covering both theoretical knowledge as well as practical skill sets, wherein M.Sc. Forestry is considered the preferred trend because of its relevance to forestry research and managerial positions.
Ques. What are the facilities on campus at FRI Dehradun?
Ans. The campus has a range of facilities, including the National Forest Library and Information Centre, a gymnasium that is well-equipped, a sports ground, health care with a hospital facility, and separate hostels for the different categories of students. The facility is maintained to ensure the academic potential as well as the personal growth of students.
Ques. What is the admission process for the M.Sc.degree program at FRI Dehradun?
Ans. Admission for M.Sc. is through the FRI Entrance Examination, and admission is offline. Candidates will have to submit the prescribed application form, with required documents, and appear for the entrance exam, followed by counselling and allotment of seats.
Ques. Is there a scholarship for the first-year students at FRI Dehradun?
Ans. Yes, merit-based scholarships (to the tune of INR 11000 per semester) are available. Awards for the first-year students are based on entrance exam performances, while awards after the first semester will be based on academic results.
Ques. What kind of extracurricular opportunities are available at FRI Dehradun?
Ans. Students can participate in cultural programmes, annual sports meet, and join official societies and associations as a part of their extracurricular activities. All these activities also help students learn teamwork, leadership, and engage in the community alongside learning.
