Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 675 Forest Observer Posts

The Karnataka Forest Department has officially announced the recruitment of 675 Forest Observers (Group D) across various forest circles in the state. This recruitment drive offers a significant opportunity for candidates who have completed their Class 10 education to secure a stable entry-level government position in the forest sector. Eligible aspirants can complete their application process through the official department portal.

Karnataka Forest Department Group D 2026 Notification

Initiated by the Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests, this recruitment campaign aims to bolster the state's forest protection infrastructure. Candidates selected for these Group D positions will be deployed as Forest Observers across Karnataka. The official notification provides comprehensive insights into reservation policies, age limits, academic requirements, and the step-by-step selection procedure.

Karnataka Forest Department Group D Official Notification PDF – Download Now

Karnataka Forest Observer recruitment 2026: Overview

This recruitment notification encompasses vital examination details, including vacancy breakdowns, mandatory eligibility criteria, age relaxations, important submission dates, and the application fee structure. As Group D staff, recruits will serve in essential field-level roles, contributing directly to ground-level forest conservation and administrative support operations.

Forest Department Group D – Key Highlights
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

Karnataka Forest Observer Vacancy 2026

The Karnataka Forest Department is inviting applications for 675 Forest Observer positions. These opportunities are spread across multiple jurisdictional forest circles throughout Karnataka, ensuring comprehensive coverage for the state’s ecological zones.

Forest Circle	Number of Posts
Shimoga	44
Bangalore	82
Chamarajanagar	159
Bellary	64
Mysore	121
Belgaum	42
Kalaburgi	06
Chikkamagal	31
Mangalore	54
Dharwad	12

What is the Last Date To Apply Online 2026?

The online application portal for the Karnataka Forest Department recruitment will be active from 1 August 2026 until 31 August 2026. Applicants should note that the deadline for the final payment of the application fee is 2 September 2026. Please consult the table below for a detailed schedule of upcoming recruitment events.

Karnataka Group D 2026: Important Dates
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

What are the Application Fee?

The application fee for the 2026 Forest Observer recruitment is structured based on candidate category and gender. Refer to the official guidelines to verify the exact fee applicable to your category before proceeding with the payment process.

Category	Gender	Application Fee
General Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B	Male	₹200
	Female/Third gender	₹100
SC, ST, Category-I	Male	₹100
	Female/Third Gender	₹50

What are the Eligibility Criteria?

To qualify for the Karnataka Forest Observer (Group D) positions in 2026, candidates must strictly adhere to the educational qualifications, specified age limits, and required physical health standards set by the department.

Educational qualification

• 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 limit

• Maximum age for General (GM) category candidates is 30 years as per the Forest Observer notification.
• Relaxations apply: up to 32 years for Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B and up to 33 years for SC/ST/Category‑I, with additional relaxation as per the latest Government Order (including a one‑time 5‑year relaxation mentioned in 2026).
• Exact age will be calculated with reference to the date specified in the notification (usually the notification date).

Physical standards

• Male candidates: For all other Candidates minimum height 163 cm; chest 79 cm with at least 5 cm expansion and for Scheduled Tribe candidates minimum height 152 cm; chest 74 cm at least 5 cm expansion.
• Female candidates:  For all other Candidates minimum height 150 cm with minimum weight 40 kg and for Scheduled Tribe candidates minimum height 145 cm with minimum weight 38 kg.
• Candidates must also satisfy medical norms (eyesight, hearing, absence of disabling conditions) suitable for field duties in forest areas.

Other essential conditions

• Candidates must be physically fit to undergo Physical Standard Test (PST), Physical Endurance Test (PET) and efficiency tests, which are mandatory stages of selection.
• Selection is based on SSLC/10th marks merit list followed by PST, PET and medical/document verification; there is no written examination for these Group D Forest Observer/Watcher posts.

Step to Apply Online for Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026

Interested candidates can follow these streamlined steps to complete their application successfully:

1. Visit the official Karnataka Forest Department website.
2. Open the Group D Recruitment 2026 application link.
3. Complete the registration process.
4. Fill in the online application form carefully.
5. Upload the required documents, photograph, and signature.
6. Pay the application fee online.
7. Submit the application form.
8. Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

Document Required while filling the Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026

Before beginning the online application, ensure you have the following essential documents prepared for submission:

• 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

Karnataka Forest Observer Selection Process

The selection process for the Karnataka Forest Department recruitment comprises several evaluation stages, which may include the following:

• Preparation of provisional merit list based on SSLC (Class 10) marks only, circle‑wise.
• Shortlisting of candidates from this list (for example, in around 1:20 ratio) for physical tests.
• Physical Standard Test (PST) to check height, chest (for males), weight and other prescribed physical norms.
• Physical Endurance / Physical Efficiency Test (PET) such as running or walking over a fixed distance within a given time.
• Medical examination to ensure fitness for strenuous forest duties, including eyesight and general health.
• Document verification of age, education, caste/category and other required certificates before final appointment.
• Final selection list prepared using SSLC marks of candidates who qualify in all physical and medical stages; no written exam is held for these Group D Forest Observer/Watcher posts.

Important Instruction for Karnataka Group D Recruitment 2026

• Read the official notification before applying.
• Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
• Fill in accurate details in the application form.
• Upload the required documents in the prescribed format.
• Submit the application before the last date.
• Pay the application fee (if applicable) on time.
• Keep a printout of the submitted application for future reference.
• Visit the official website regularly for the latest updates.