The Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) has officially released the recruitment notification for the post of Forest Watcher / Forest Observer (Group ‘D’) for the year 2026. As per the official announcement, candidates will be selected without any written examination through a combination of SSLC merit, Physical Standard Test (PST), Physical Endurance Test (PET), Physical Efficiency Test, and Document Verification.
The recruitment process covers vacancies across various Karnataka circles, with the Kodagu Circle notification specifically covering 32 Forest Watcher posts. Eligible candidates who have passed 10th (SSLC) can submit their online applications from August 1, 2026, to August 31, 2026, through the official website aranya.gov.in.
Candidates are advised to carefully review all details regarding vacancy distribution, qualification requirements, age limits, application fee, physical standards, selection process, and important dates before submitting their application.
Karnataka Forest Department Group D (Forest Watcher) Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Karnataka Forest Department (KFD), Government of Karnataka |
| Post Name | Forest Watcher / Forest Observer (Group ‘D’) |
| Statewide Approved Vacancies (2026-27) | 750 (as per Kodagu Circle notification, citing state Finance Department approval) |
| Notification Covered in This Document | 32 Forest Watcher Posts — Kodagu Circle, Madikeri (Notification No. Sibbandi/Nemakati/CR-31/2026-27, dated 20.07.2026) |
| Application Mode | Online Only — via “ನೇಮಕಾತಿ” (Recruitment) tab |
| Application Start Date | 1 August 2026 (00:00:01) |
| Application End Date | 31 August 2026 (23:59:59) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 2 September 2026 |
| Selection Mode | No Written Exam — SSLC Merit + Physical Tests + Document Verification |
| Pay Scale | ₹29,600 – ₹52,800 (Karnataka Pay Matrix, with periodic increments) |
| Official Website | aranya.gov.in |
Important Clarification on Total Vacancy Count
Karnataka Forest Department recruitment for Forest Watcher (Group ‘D’) posts is issued separately by each Circle / Divisional office across the state, not as a single combined notification. The official document used as the source for this article — issued by the Conservator of Forests & Selection Authority, Kodagu Circle, Madikeri, dated July 20, 2026 — covers 32 posts specific to Kodagu Circle, and separately references a state-level approval for 750 posts to be filled statewide through direct recruitment across all circles for 2026-27.
Various news portals are currently reporting different statewide totals — 675, 707, 750, and 775 — most likely because different circles/divisions across Karnataka are issuing their own notifications on different dates, and each portal is capturing the count available at the time of their report. Candidates should treat the statewide total as provisional and rely on their own Circle/Division’s specific notification, along with the official aranya.gov.in portal, for the confirmed number of posts relevant to them.
Kodagu Circle – Division-Wise Vacancy Break-Up (32 Posts)
| Division | No. of Posts |
|---|---|
| Madikeri Regional Division | 13 |
| Virajpet Regional Division | 7 |
| Madikeri Wildlife Division | 12 (including 6 posts reserved for Local Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes) |
| Total (Kodagu Circle) | 32 |
Note: No backlog vacancies remain in this cycle — a previous 2023-24 notification for 16 Forest Watcher posts in Kodagu Circle has already been fully filled, with no pending backlog posts from reserved categories.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidate must be an Indian citizen
- A married male candidate should not have more than one living spouse; a married female candidate whose husband is alive must obtain prior government permission to apply
- Candidates must be mentally and physically fit; those with a physical disability that could compromise the safe performance of duties will be assessed by a competent medical authority, with a minimum disability level exemption as per rules
- Candidates found permanently unfit at any stage, including after joining, are liable to have their candidature/appointment cancelled without any compensation
Educational Qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | SSLC (10th Standard) passed from Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board |
| Alternative Qualification | Equivalent 10th standard examination from a recognized State Board |
| Open Schooling | Candidates who have completed the equivalent qualifying course through NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) or Karnataka State Open School are also eligible |
Age Limit (As per Notification)
| Category | Maximum Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 30 Years |
| Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | 32 Years |
| SC / ST / Category-I | 33 Years |
Note: As a one-time measure under Government Order No. ಸಿಆಸುಇ 262 ಸೇನೆನಿ 2025 dated January 29, 2026, a 5-year age relaxation applies across all categories for recruitments notified up to December 31, 2027 — this recruitment falls within that window, and the limits above should be read together with that government order.
Additional Age Relaxation for Ex-Servicemen and Forest Prerak (Motivators)
| Category | Maximum Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Ex-Servicemen — General | 40 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen — 2A/2B/3A/3B | 42 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen — SC/ST/Category-I | 43 Years |
Forest Prerak (motivators) who have completed a minimum of 5 years’ continuous service can also apply, with the same 40/42/43-year age structure applying to General/reserved-rural/SC-ST-Category-I candidates respectively.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B — Male | ₹200/- |
| General / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B — Female / Third Gender | ₹100/- |
| SC / ST / Category-I — Male | ₹100/- |
| SC / ST / Category-I — Female / Third Gender | ₹50/- |
| Persons with Disability (PwBD) | Exempted (as per GO No. SWD 431 SNSE 2016 dated 28.12.2016) |
| Payment Modes | Online (UPI/NEFT/Credit Card/Debit Card/Internet Banking) or Cash Challan at SBI, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India, or Central Bank of India branches |
Note: The application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances, including if a candidate is later found ineligible or does not appear for any test in the selection process.
Selection Process – No Written Exam
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Shortlisting by SSLC Merit: Based on marks scored in SSLC (or equivalent), a provisional merit list is prepared in a ratio of up to 1:20 (post to candidate) for each category to shortlist candidates for the physical tests |
| Stage 2 | Physical Standard Test (PST): Candidates are checked against prescribed height, chest, weight, vision, and hearing standards |
| Stage 3 | Physical Endurance Test (PET): A qualifying run (1600m for men, 1000m for women/ex-servicemen) within a set time limit |
| Stage 4 | Physical Efficiency Test: Candidates must qualify in at least 3 of 5 listed athletic events (100m run, high jump, long jump, shot put, and 800m/200m run as applicable) |
| Stage 5 | Merit List: A merit list is prepared strictly from the marks/scores obtained in the Physical Endurance and Physical Efficiency Tests among candidates who qualified the Physical Standard Test |
| Stage 6 | Document Verification: Original documents and certificates are verified against the details submitted online |
| Stage 7 | Final Selection List: Prepared in a 1:1 ratio against the number of vacancies, based on final verified marks and category-wise reservation rules |
Physical Standard Test – Detailed Requirements
Male Candidates
| Measurement | Other Categories | Local Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Minimum 163 cm | Minimum 152 cm |
| Chest (normal) | Minimum 79 cm | Minimum 74 cm |
| Chest Expansion (minimum) | 5 cm | 5 cm |
Female Candidates
| Measurement | Other Categories | Local Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Minimum 150 cm | Minimum 145 cm |
| Weight | Minimum 40 kg | Minimum 38 kg |
Note: Physical standards prescribed for male candidates apply to male third-gender candidates, and standards prescribed for female candidates apply to female third-gender candidates.
Disqualifying Physical Conditions:
- Knock-knees, bow legs, flat feet, varicose veins
- Speech/hearing impediment
- Hydrocele (in male candidates)
- Defective vision/colour blindness/night blindness
Eye Vision Standard:
- Distant vision: 6/6 (better eye) or 6/9 (worse eye)
- Near vision: 0/6 (better eye) or 0/8 (worse eye), with or without glasses
- Colour blindness testing is also carried out
- Hearing is checked via Rinne’s Test, Weber’s Test, and Vertigo tests
Physical Endurance Test (PET)
| Category | Distance & Time |
|---|---|
| Male Candidates | 1600 metres run to be completed within 7 minutes |
| Female Candidates & Ex-Servicemen | 1000 metres run to be completed within 6 minutes |
Physical Efficiency Test – Event-Wise Standards
| Event | Male Qualifying Standard | Female Qualifying Standard |
|---|---|---|
| 100 metres run | 15 seconds | 18.5 seconds |
| High Jump | 1.20 m | 0.90 m |
| Long Jump | 3.80 m | 2.50 m |
| Shot Put | 5.60 m (16 lb) | 3.76 m (8 lb) |
| 800 metres run (Male) / 200 metres run (Female) | 2 minutes 50 seconds | 40 seconds |
Note: Candidates must qualify in at least 3 out of these 5 events. Only candidates who qualify in a minimum of 3 events proceed further in the selection process, and marks are drawn only from the events they’ve qualified in.
Documents Required at Physical Test Stage
- Any valid original photo ID: Aadhar Card, Passport, Driving Licence, PAN Card, or a government/PSU service ID card with photograph
- Bank Passbook with photograph, or a registered property document/patta with photograph, as an alternative photo ID
- Community/Caste Certificate with photograph, where a reserved category is claimed
- Ex-servicemen’s pension book/pension payment order, where applicable
- NREGS job card with photograph, where applicable
- Voter’s EPIC card with photograph
- Hall ticket printout — candidates must carry it; hall tickets do not permit accompanying persons to the venue
Reservation for Local Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes
In the territorial jurisdiction of specific Wildlife Divisions/Tiger Reserves (including Bandipur, Nagarahole, BRT, Cauvery, Bhadra, Kudremukh, Madikeri, MM Hills, Bannerughatta, Kali, and Shivamoga Wildlife Divisions), 50% of the arising vacancies are reserved for local forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes such as:
- Jenu Kuruba, Kadu Kuruba, Hakkipikki, Soliga, Soligaru, Yerava, Gowdlu, Irular, Iruliga, Koraga, Melakudi, Malaikudi, Maleru, Meda, and Thoda
To claim this reservation:
- Candidates must have studied for at least one year (from 1st to 12th Standard) in the taluk where the relevant Wildlife Division/Tiger Reserve is located
- Must indicate their order of preference for the applicable Wildlife Division/Tiger Reserve while applying
For Kodagu Circle specifically, this reservation applies to the Madikeri Wildlife Division, where 6 of the 12 posts are earmarked for Local Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe candidates.
Probation, Training & Place of Posting
- Selected candidates undergo a departmental training period of 6 months followed by a probation period, with a combined qualifying period of 36 months (probationary training + probation) as per Karnataka Forest Department rules
- Posting will be within the recruiting Circle/Division as per departmental requirement — candidates cannot choose a specific range or beat
- Physical standards and fitness are expected to be maintained throughout the recruitment process and subsequent service
How to Apply Online
Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Visit the official Karnataka Forest Department portal — aranya.gov.in
- Click on the “ನೇಮಕಾತಿ” (Recruitment) link on the homepage
- Select the Forest Watcher Group ‘D’ notification relevant to your Circle/Division
- Register using your own Aadhaar (UID) number — using someone else’s Aadhaar number leads to rejection of the application at any stage and a 10-year departmental debarment for both the applicant and the person whose Aadhaar was misused
- Fill in personal, educational, and category details carefully — corrections or edits after submission are not permitted
- Upload the required documents/proofs in support of your qualification, category, and other claims — only complete and correct proofs uploaded within the deadline will be considered valid
- Pay the applicable application fee online or via bank challan
- Submit the form before August 31, 2026, 23:59:59 — no offline applications are accepted under any circumstances
Key Instructions & Disqualification Grounds
- Fee once paid is non-refundable under any circumstances
- Candidates must bear their own travel and other expenses for attending all stages of the selection process
- Candidates who studied Kannada as a first or second language subject up to 10th standard are required to have this reflected in their qualification, in line with the department’s Kannada-medium recruitment policy
- Only candidates certified under LC (Leprosy Cured), AAV (Acid Attack Victims), or MI (Mental Illness) categories are eligible for the disability quota for this specific post, as per the Karnataka notification under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
- Central/State government employees, or employees of government/semi-government bodies, are not eligible to apply
- Candidates dismissed or removed from any government service, or debarred from any public examination/recruitment process, are not eligible
- Candidates practising or supporting social boycott, or with links to organisations declared unlawful, are not eligible
- Candidates with criminal antecedents are not eligible
- A married male candidate with more than one living spouse, or a married female candidate whose husband is alive and who has not obtained the required government permission, is not eligible
- Submitting fake documents/certificates, discovered at any stage — including after appointment — will lead to cancellation of candidature/appointment along with legal action as applicable
Preparation Tips for Physical Tests
- Since there’s no written exam, your SSLC percentage is what gets you shortlisted — the physical tests decide your final rank, so treat fitness preparation as seriously as any exam prep
- Start endurance training well in advance for the 1600m/1000m run — pace yourself against the exact qualifying time rather than just “finishing” the distance
- Practice all 5 Physical Efficiency Test events, even though only 3 need to be cleared — having a backup event or two reduces pressure on exam day
- Get a basic health check done beforehand, especially vision and hearing, since these are strict disqualifying criteria under the Physical Standard Test
- If applying under the Local Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes reservation, keep your school-study proof for the relevant taluk ready in advance, since this is a specific and often overlooked documentation requirement
- Double-check your Aadhaar details before registering — using anyone else’s UID leads to serious, long-term consequences under this notification
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (Forest Watcher Group D 2026) | Click Here (Active 1–31 August 2026) |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Jobweb.in – Latest Jobs & Updates | Click Here |
| Join Telegram Channel | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Karnataka Forest Department Group D Recruitment 2026
Q1. How many Forest Watcher posts are there in this recruitment?
Ans. The Kodagu Circle notification specifically covers 32 posts. A state-level approval exists for 750 posts statewide, though other sources report different totals (675/707/775) since each Circle/Division issues its own separate notification — always confirm the number applicable to your Circle from its own notification.
Q2. Is there a written exam for this recruitment?
Ans. No. Selection is based on SSLC merit for shortlisting, followed by Physical Standard, Endurance, and Efficiency Tests, and document verification — there is no written examination.
Q3. What is the last date to apply?
Ans. The online application window is open from August 1, 2026 (00:00:01) to August 31, 2026 (23:59:59), with fee payment allowed until September 2, 2026.
Q4. What is the educational qualification required?
Ans. A pass in SSLC (10th Standard) from the Karnataka board or an equivalent recognized board/open schooling qualification.
Q5. What is the age limit for this recruitment?
Ans. 30 years for General, 32 years for Category 2A/2B/3A/3B, and 33 years for SC/ST/Category-I, with these limits reflecting a one-time 5-year relaxation applicable under a government order valid through December 31, 2027.
Q6. What is the pay scale for Forest Watcher?
Ans. ₹29,600 to ₹52,800 as per the Karnataka Pay Matrix, with periodic increments.
Q7. What are the minimum physical standards for male candidates?
Ans. Minimum height of 163 cm (152 cm for Local Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe candidates), minimum chest of 79 cm (74 cm for the same category), with a minimum chest expansion of 5 cm.
Q8. How many events must I clear in the Physical Efficiency Test?
Ans. Candidates must qualify in at least 3 out of the 5 listed events (100m run, high jump, long jump, shot put, and 800m/200m run as applicable).
Q9. Is there reservation for local forest-dwelling tribal candidates?
Ans. Yes, 50% of vacancies arising within the jurisdiction of specified Wildlife Divisions/Tiger Reserves (including Madikeri Wildlife Division in Kodagu Circle) are reserved for eligible Local Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes, subject to at least one year of schooling in the relevant taluk.
Q10. Can I use someone else’s Aadhaar number to apply if I face an issue with mine?
Ans. No. Using another person’s Aadhaar (UID) number leads to rejection of the application at any stage and a 10-year debarment from Karnataka Forest Department recruitments for both parties involved.
Q11. Are government employees eligible to apply?
Ans. No, candidates already employed with the Central/State Government or any government/semi-government organisation are not eligible for this recruitment.
Q12. Is the application fee refundable if I don’t appear for the physical test?
Ans. No, the application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances, regardless of whether the candidate appears for subsequent stages