The Karnataka Forest Department has officially released an extensive employment notification for job seekers aspiring to join the state's forest services. Under this latest drive, applications are invited for 675 Forest Observer (Group D) / Forest Watcher posts. Eligible and interested candidates can review the recruitment breakdown, circle-wise distribution, eligibility norms, and complete application instructions to secure their candidacy before the deadlines.
Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026: Key Highlights
Candidates looking forward to applying should keep track of crucial milestones, official application windows, and organizational details summarized below:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting organization | Karnataka Forest Department |
| Post Name | Forest Observer (Group D) |
| Total Vacancies | 675 |
| Qualification | SSLC/Class 10 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Online Application Starts | 1 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 2 September 2026 |
| Official Website | aranya.gov.in / kfd.karnataka.gov.in |
Important Dates & Schedule
The official notification was promulgated on 20 July 2026. Applicants must complete their online submissions within the active application period.
| Notification Release Date | 20 July 2026 |
|---|---|
| Online Application Date | 1 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 August 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | To Be Announced |
| Exam Date | To Be Announced |
Circle-Wise Vacancy Distribution & Notification Downloads
The 675 vacancies are distributed across multiple forest circles in Karnataka. Candidates can review the circle breakdowns and access individual circle notifications via the provided download links:
| Forest Circle | Number of Posts | Download PDF |
|---|---|---|
| Shimoga | 44 | Download Link |
| Bangalore | 82 | Download Link |
| Chamarajanagar | 159 | Download Link |
| Bellary | 64 | Download Link |
| Mysore | 121 | Download Link |
| Belgaum | 42 | Download Link |
| Kalaburgi | 06 | Download Link |
| Chikkamagal | 60 | Download Link |
| Hasan | 31 | Download Link |
| Mangalore | 54 | Download Link |
| Dharwad | 12 | Download Link |
Eligibility Criteria & Age Limits
Applicants must fulfill the educational, age, and physical standard prerequisites to qualify for recruitment.
Educational Qualification Requirements
- Candidates must have passed SSLC (Class 10) or an equivalent examination from a recognized board such as the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board, CBSE, ICSE, or NIOS.
- Candidates awaiting their Class 10/SSLC results as on the last date of application are not eligible to apply.
Age Limits & Relaxations
The maximum age for General (GM) category candidates is 30 years. Age relaxations apply as follows:
- Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B: Up to 32 years.
- SC, ST, Category-I: Up to 33 years.
- An additional one-time 5-year relaxation is applicable for all categories in 2026.
Physical Standards Requirements
| Gender & Category | Height | Chest / Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Male (General) | Minimum 163 cm | 79 cm (Normal) + 5 cm Expansion |
| Male (Forest Dwelling ST) | Minimum 152 cm | 74 cm (Normal) + 5 cm Expansion |
| Female (General) | Minimum 150 cm | Minimum 40 kg |
| Female (Forest Dwelling ST) | Minimum 145 cm | Minimum 38 kg |
Application Fee Structure
| Category | Gender | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | Male | ₹200 |
| General Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | Female/Third gender | ₹100 |
| SC, ST, Category-I | Male | ₹100 |
| SC, ST, Category-I | Female/Third Gender | ₹50 |
Documents Required Checklist
- SSLC/Class 10 Mark Sheet
- Aadhaar Card or other ID proof
- Passport-size Photograph
- Signature
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Income Certificate (if applicable)
- Other supporting documents mentioned in the notification
Selection Process
There is no written exam for this recruitment. Selection depends directly on:
- SSLC Merit List
- Physical Standard Test (PST)
- Physical Endurance Test (PET)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Salary and Compensation Package
| Salary Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Forest Observer (Group D) |
| Pay Scale | ₹29,600 – ₹52,800 |
| Starting Basic Pay | ₹29,600 |
| Maximum Basic Pay | ₹52,800 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | ₹17,760 |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | ₹2,960 – ₹5,920 |
| Gross Monthly Salary | ₹50,320 – ₹76,640 |
| In-Hand Salary | ₹44,000 – ₹68,000 |
Steps to Apply Online for KFD Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026 – Apply Link.
- Open the Recruitment/Group D Recruitment 2026 section.
- Click on the Forest Observer recruitment application link.
- Complete the registration process using the required details.
- Fill in the application form carefully.
- Upload the photograph, signature and required documents.
- Pay the application fee according to the category.
- Submit the application form.
- Download and save the confirmation page.
- Take a printout of the application form for future reference.
After applying, candidates should securely store their application reference number and monitor the official portal for subsequent physical test schedules and admit card releases.