The Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026 notification is officially live, announcing 675 Forest Observer vacancies. Review the eligibility criteria, key dates, selection process, and salary package; apply online between 1 August and 31 August 2026.
The Karnataka Forest Department has opened applications for 675 Forest Observer positions. Interested and eligible candidates can submit their online applications from 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2026. Read this comprehensive guide for all the essential recruitment details.
Karnataka Forest Department 2026 Notification Out
This recruitment drive, initiated by the Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests, aims to bolster the state's forest protection force. Selected candidates will serve as Forest Observers (Group D) across various forest circles in Karnataka. The official notification provides in-depth information on eligibility, reservation policies, age limits, and selection criteria.
Karnataka Forest Department recruitment 2026: Overview
This Group D recruitment drive covers critical exam information, including vacancy distribution, eligibility, age requirements, important dates, and the application fee structure. These field-level roles are vital for ground-level forest conservation and administrative support.
| Forest Department Recruitment 2026 – 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 has released 675 vacancies for the Forest Observer (Group D) role. These positions are spread across several forest circles within the state, as detailed below:
| 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 Are The Important Dates?
Refer to the table below for the key milestones and important dates regarding the Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026. Staying updated with these dates is crucial for a smooth application process.
| 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 is the Application Fee?
The application fee for the Karnataka Forest Department Group D recruitment is determined by candidate category and gender. According to the 2026 notification for Forest Observer posts, the fee structure is outlined as follows:
| 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?
The eligibility criteria for the Forest Observer recruitment 2026 encompass educational qualifications, age limits, physical standards, and other mandatory conditions.
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.
Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026 Apply Online
Online registration for the 675 Forest Observer (Group D) posts is now active. Candidates holding an SSLC (Class 10) certificate are eligible to apply until 31 August 2026. Please note that the final date for fee payment is 2 September 2026. Access the direct registration link below to submit your application.
Steps to Apply Online for KFD Recruitment 2026
Follow these simple steps to complete your online application:
- Visit the official Karnataka Forest Department website www.aranya.gov.in
- Open the Group D Recruitment 2026 application link.
- Complete the registration process.
- Fill in the online application form carefully.
- Upload the required documents, photograph, and signature.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the application form.
- Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.
Documents Required while filling the Forest Recruitment 2026
Ensure you have the following essential documents prepared before starting your application:
- 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 consists of several stages, potentially including 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 Instructions 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.
Why Apply for Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026?
Securing a position with the Karnataka Forest Department offers stable government employment, competitive salaries, opportunities for career advancement, and a chance to participate in environmental conservation. With 675 openings, this is a significant career opportunity for job seekers in the state.
KFD Recruitment 2026 PET Details
The recruitment process for the Forest Observer post includes a mandatory Physical Efficiency Test (PET). Qualified candidates must meet the physical standards prescribed in the official notification to proceed.
Physical Standered Test
| 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 |
Physical Endurance Test (Running)
- Male Candidates:1600 metres run in 7 minutes.
- Female & Ex-Servicemen:1000 metres run in 6 minutes.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
To clear the physical evaluation, candidates are required to successfully qualify in at least 3 out of the 5 specified events.
| Activity | Qualifying Time / Distance (Male) | Qualifying Time / Distance (Female) |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Metres Run | 15 seconds | 18.5 seconds |
| High Jump | 1.20 metres | 0.90 metres |
| Long Jump | 3.80 metres | 2.50 metres |
| Shot Put | 5.60 metres | 3.76 metres |
| Run | 2 min 50 sec (800 m) | 40 seconds (200 m) |
What Is The Salary Package?
Selected Forest Observers will be compensated according to the Karnataka Civil Services pay scale, ranging from ₹29,600 to ₹52,800 per month. Additionally, employees receive benefits such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other standard government allowances.
FAQs
A total of 675 Forest Observer (Group D) vacancies are available in this recruitment drive.
The minimum educational qualification required is an SSLC (Class 10) pass or an equivalent qualification recognized by the state government.
The online application portal for the recruitment will open on 1 August 2026.
The final deadline to submit the online application is 31 August 2026.