Forest Observer (Group 'D') Recruitment 2026

📋 Job Description

- Recruitment drive for 675 Forest Observer (Group 'D') posts across Karnataka for the year 2026-27.
- Open to candidates who have passed SSLC (Class 10) or equivalent examination.
- Selection based on merit list (SSLC marks) followed by physical tests—no written examination.
- Posts distributed across 11 circles including Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, and Dharwad.
- Competitive pay scale ranging from Rs. 29,600 to Rs. 52,800 with grade increments.
- Application process entirely online via the official Karnataka Forest Department portal.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

- Indian citizenship is mandatory.
- Candidates must have passed SSLC (Class 10) or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
- Equivalent qualifications include CBSE/ICSE Class 10, State Board Class 10, or NIOS secondary-level courses.
- Candidates awaiting results are not eligible; only those with completed qualifications can apply.
- Candidates must be mentally and physically fit with no disqualifying physical defects.
- Candidates dismissed from government services or involved in anti-social activities are ineligible.
- Candidates must not have more than one living wife (for male candidates) or be married to a man with a living wife (for female candidates) without government permission.

🏆 Selection Process

- Merit list prepared category-wise based on SSLC (or equivalent) marks in a 1:20 ratio (posts to candidates).
- Shortlisted candidates undergo Physical Standard Test (PST) for height, chest, and weight measurements.
- Candidates clearing PST proceed to Physical Endurance Test (PET) and Physical Efficiency Test.
- Final selection list prepared category-wise in a 1:1 ratio (post to candidate) based on performance in all stages.
- No written examination is conducted for this recruitment.

📊 Key Information

Organization	Karnataka Forest Department (Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests & Selection Authority)
Location / State	Karnataka
Job Location	Karnataka
Category Eligibility	All (with age relaxations for reserved categories)
Application Start	01 August 2026
Last Date to Apply	31 August 2026

📊 KFD Recruitment - Vacancy Details

Post Name	Total Posts
Shimoga Circle	44
Bangalore Circle	82
Chamarajanagar Circle	159
Bellary Circle	64
Mysore Circle	121
Belgaum Circle	42
Kalaburagi Circle	6
Chikkamagaluru Circle	60
Hassan Circle	31
Mangalore Circle	54
Dharwad Circle	12
Total	675

📁 Required Documents

- SSLC/equivalent marks card (mandatory for all candidates).
- Caste/category certificate (if applicable, e.g., SC, ST, OBC, EWS).
- Community certificate with photograph (for Local Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe claims).
- Disability certificate (if claiming PwBD reservation).
- Aadhaar card (mandatory for online application).
- Any other certificate specified in the online application form.

🎓 Required Qualifications

📊 Vacancy Details

Shimoga Circle: 44 posts
Bangalore Circle: 82 posts
Chamarajanagar Circle: 159 posts
Bellary Circle: 64 posts
Mysore Circle: 121 posts
Belgaum Circle: 42 posts
Kalaburagi Circle: 6 posts
Chikkamagaluru Circle: 60 posts
Hassan Circle: 31 posts
Mangalore Circle: 54 posts
Dharwad Circle: 12 posts

🎂 Age Limits & Relaxation

General/Unreserved: 30 years (with 5-year relaxation applicable up to 31-12-2027)
Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B: 32 years (with 5-year relaxation applicable up to 31-12-2027)
SC, ST, Category-I: 33 years (with 5-year relaxation applicable up to 31-12-2027)
Minimum age: 18 years as on the notification date
Ex-servicemen: Maximum age limit of their category + years of service rendered + 3 years
Existing Forest Observers with 5+ years of service: General: 40 years; Category 2A/2B/3A/3B: 42 years; SC/ST/Category-I: 43 years

💰 Salary & Allowances

Pay scale: Rs. 29,600-725-32,500-800-35,700-900-39,300-1,000-43,300-1,125-47,800-1,250-52,800
Grade pay/level and probation period not specified in the notification.

💳 Application Fee Details

Payment modes: UPI, NEFT, Credit Card, Debit Card, Internet Banking, or cash via challan at specified banks.
Cash payment option available during online application; challan must be generated and paid at State Bank of India, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India, or Central Bank of India.
No other payment modes (DD, cheque, postal order) accepted.
Offline, postal, courier, or email applications are not considered.

✍️ How to Apply

Visit the official Karnataka Forest Department website: https://aranya.gov.in
Navigate to the 'Recruitment' section on the homepage.
Read the Karnataka Forest Department Services (Recruitment) (Amendment) Rules, 2019 carefully.
Register and fill the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and category details.
Upload required certificates/documents as prompted in the online form.
Pay the applicable application fee online or generate a cash challan for payment at specified banks.
Review all entered details carefully before submission; corrections are not allowed post-submission.
Submit the application and save/print a copy of the completed form for records.
Applications must be submitted online only; offline applications are not accepted.

⚠️ Important Instructions

Use only your own Aadhaar (UID) number during application; using another person's Aadhaar leads to rejection and debarment.
Certificates/documents uploaded during application are final and cannot be changed later.
Candidates claiming Local Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe reservation must fill the relevant column carefully.
Candidates dismissed from government services or involved in anti-social activities are ineligible.
Submission of fake documents or impersonation leads to cancellation of candidature and debarment.
Selected candidates will be governed by the Contributory Pension Scheme as per government order.
The Selection Authority's decision on all matters is final; legal disputes fall under the Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal.
Number of posts and reservation categories are subject to change; updates will be published on the official website.
Keep the mobile number and email ID provided in the application active until the recruitment process is complete.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many vacancies are there in Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026?

A. There are 675 Forest Observer (Group 'D') vacancies.

Q. What is the required qualification for Karnataka Forest Observer recruitment?

A. Candidates must have passed SSLC (Class 10) or an equivalent examination recognized by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board.

Q. What is the age limit for Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026?

A. The maximum age limit is 30 years for General category, 32 years for Category 2A/2B/3A/3B, and 33 years for SC/ST/Category-I, as on the notification date. A one-time 5-year relaxation is applicable as per the Government Order dated 29.01.2026.

Q. Is there a written exam for Karnataka Forest Observer recruitment?

A. No. Selection is based on a merit list prepared from SSLC (or equivalent) marks, followed by Physical Standard, Endurance, and Efficiency Tests. There is no written examination.

Q. What is the last date to apply for Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026?

A. The online application window closes on 31.08.2026 (23:59:59), and the application fee must be paid by 02.09.2026.