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

Age Limit & Eligibility

Vacancy Details

How to Apply

1. Go to the official Karnataka Forest Department website, aranya.gov.in.
2. Open the 'Recruitment' section at the bottom of the homepage and select the Forest Observer/Forest Watcher Direct Recruitment 2026-27 link.
3. Read the Karnataka Forest Department Services (Recruitment) (Amendment) Rules, 2019 before proceeding.
4. Register and fill the online application form with accurate personal, educational and category details.
5. Upload the certificates/documents requested in the online form.
6. Pay the application fee online, or generate a cash challan and pay it at one of the specified bank branches.
7. Recheck all entered details carefully - the notification does not allow corrections or additions once the form is submitted.
8. Submit the form and keep a printed copy for your records; only online applications are accepted.

Selection Process

• Merit List - drawn up category-wise from marks obtained in SSLC or an equivalent qualifying exam, in a ratio of 1:20 (posts to candidates called forward).
• Physical Standard Test (PST) - candidates on the merit list are checked against the prescribed height and chest measurement/expansion (men) or height and weight (women) norms.
• Physical Endurance Test (PET) and Physical Efficiency Test - conducted for candidates who clear the PST, as notified by the department.
• Final Selection List - prepared category-wise in a 1:1 ratio based on performance across the above stages. There is no written examination for this post.

Circle-wise Vacancy Details (675 posts, 2026-27, as per notifications dated 20-07-2026)

Two more circles - Kanara (67 posts) and Kodagu (32 posts) - were listed on the official aranya.gov.in recruitment page with notifications dated 21-07-2026, a day after the 11 circles below; these were not part of this article's 675-post total. Owner should verify and, if applicable, update the total/vacancy table to include these additional circles.

General Eligibility Conditions

• Candidate must be an Indian citizen.
• A male candidate with more than one living wife, or a woman who has married a man who already has a wife, is not eligible without prior Government permission.
• Candidate must be mentally and physically fit, and free from any physical defect that could hinder efficient discharge of duties.
• The Selection Authority may reject a candidate found medically unfit, based on a Medical Board's report.

Pay Scale

Take-home in-hand salary, exact pay level and probation period are not specified in the notification.

Physical Standards - Male Candidates

Physical Standards - Female Candidates

Physical Standard Notes

• Male physical standards apply to third-gender candidates who identify as male; female physical standards apply to third-gender candidates who identify as female.
• Candidates with the following are disqualified: knock-knees, bow legs, flat feet, varicose veins, speech/hearing impediment, hydrocele (male candidates), and defective vision/colour blindness/night blindness.

Documents Likely Required

• SSLC/equivalent marks card
• Caste/category certificate, if applicable
• Community certificate with photograph, if claiming Local Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe reservation
• Any other certificate specified in the online application form

The notification does not carry a single consolidated documents checklist. Based on the eligibility and reservation clauses, keep the following ready for upload, subject to confirmation from the online application portal:

Important Instructions

• Use only your own Aadhaar (UID) number while applying; using another person's Aadhaar leads to rejection and a 10-year debarment from Karnataka Forest Department recruitments.
• Certificates/documents uploaded at the time of application are considered at every stage and cannot be changed later.
• Candidates claiming Local Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe reservation must fill the reservation column carefully; errors are the candidate's responsibility.
• Candidates dismissed from any Central/State Government department or government/quasi-government body are not eligible.
• Members of, or those in close contact with, organisations declared unlawful are not eligible.
• Candidates involved in anti-social activities or found guilty of an offence are not eligible.
• Candidates debarred from any government examination/selection are not eligible for this recruitment.
• Fake documents, impersonation or false information leads to cancellation of candidature, criminal proceedings and a 10-year debarment, as per Rule 20 of the Karnataka Civil Services (General Recruitment) Rules, 1977.
• Selected candidates will be governed by the Contributory Pension Scheme (Government Order No. FD SPL 04 PET 2005 dated 31.03.2006).
• All disputes fall under the jurisdiction of the Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal; the Selection Authority's decision on selection matters is final.
• The number of notified posts and reservation categories is subject to change; any changes will be published on the official website.
• Keep the mobile number and email ID given in the application active until the recruitment process is complete.

Important Links

Important Questions