The Karnataka Forest Department has officially launched a major recruitment drive, offering 675 openings for Forest Watcher (Group D) positions for the 2026-27 cycle. This employment opportunity features a distinctive selection process that bypasses written tests entirely, relying instead on academic performance and physical evaluations. Aspiring candidates looking to build a career in state conservation can review comprehensive details regarding eligibility, timelines, fee structures, and application procedures below.
Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026 – Overview
The online application phase commenced on August 1, 2026. Interested individuals must complete their registration and fee payments before the final closing date on September 7, 2026. The role offers a competitive salary package under a lucrative pay scale ranging from ₹29,600 to ₹52,800.
| 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 | 07 September 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 07 September 2026 |
| Official Website | aranya.gov.in / kfd.karnataka.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Notification Release Date | Online Application Date | Last Date to Apply | Admit Card Release Date | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 July 2026 | 1 August 2026 | 07 September 2026 | To Be Announced | To Be Announced |
Forest Circle-Wise Vacancy Distribution
Vacancies are distributed across various forest circles in Karnataka. Candidates can review the circle breakdown and download the specific official circle notifications via the links provided below:
| 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 and Application Fee
Candidates must satisfy the mandatory educational requirements and age boundaries before applying:
- Educational Qualification: Must have passed SSLC/Class 10.
- Age Limit: General (GM) maximum age limit is 30 years.
- Age Relaxations: Up to 32 years for 2A/2B/3A/3B and 33 years for SC/ST/Category-I, along with an additional 5-year one-time relaxation.
| 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 |
Selection Process & Physical Standards
Selection is conducted without any written exam. Instead, the process includes:
- SSLC Merit List
- Physical Standard Test (PST)
- Physical Endurance Test (PET)
- Document Verification
| 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 |
| 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) |
Salary Package Details
| 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 |
Documents Required for KFD Recruitment 2026
Ensure you have the following documents ready before initiating your online 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
Steps to Apply Online for KFD Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official Karnataka Forest Department recruitment portal at Forest Department Recruitment 2026 – Apply Link.
- Open the recruitment section and select the Forest Observer/Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026 application link.
- Complete the registration process by entering the required details.
- Log in using the registration ID and other required credentials.
- Fill in the application form with personal, educational and other details.
- Upload the required photograph, signature and supporting documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the applicable application fee through the available online payment mode.
- Carefully verify all the details entered in the application form before submission.
- Submit the application form within the prescribed deadline.
- Download and save the submitted application/acknowledgement for future reference.
After applying, candidates should retain their acknowledgement receipt and monitor the official portal for admit card announcements regarding the physical tests.