Karnataka Forest Department Group D Recruitment 2026 – 675 Posts

Karnataka Forest Department has issued the notification regarding Karnataka Forest Recruitment 2026 for recruitment in Group D posts of 675. Citizens of India who have qualified in SSLC or equivalent qualification are eligible to apply online from August 01, 2026 to August 31, 2026. Merit selection process would include SSLC marks and Physical Standards, Endurance and Efficiency Tests without any written exam. Shortlisted individuals will be appointed under Office of Chief Conservator of Forests & Selection Authority. Karnataka Forest Recruitment 2026 offers the best chance to individuals seeking prestigious State Civil Service Jobs in India in the field of forest protection. Selected applicants will enjoy remuneration in the form of competitive salary scale along with allowances. Applicants interested in the process must ensure that they meet all physical fitness criteria prior to registration through the official website.

About Karnataka Forest Department

Karnataka Forest Department is under the purview of the Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests and Selection Authority whose aim is to conserve the natural biodiversity of the state. The Karnataka Forest Department, owing to its circles of forests spread across the entire state, is an essential organization that helps in the protection of wildlife, afforestation and ecological balance. This is an opportunity for those who are enthusiastic about protecting nature and serving society in such a capacity through various Karnataka Forest Observer jobs 2026 positions. This recruitment is suitable for those candidates who are keeping abreast of all defence job in India and paramilitary services.

Current Openings for Karnataka Forest Department Group D Recruitment 2026

Key Dates to Remember

• Notification Release Date: July 20, 2026
• Online Application Start Date: August 1, 2026 (00:00:01)
• Online Application Last Date: August 31, 2026 (23:59:59)
• Last Date to Pay Application Fee: September 2, 2026

Qualification Criteria for Karnataka Forest Department Group D Recruitment 2026

Age Limitations (as on the date of notification)

• Minimum Age Limit: 18 Years
• General / Unreserved Category Maximum Age: 30 Years
• Category 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B (OBC) Maximum Age: 32 Years
• SC, ST and Category-I Maximum Age: 33 Years
• Upper Age Limit Relaxation: An upper age limit relaxation of 5 years is provided for all categories.
• Age Relaxation for Ex-Servicemen: The maximum upper age limit as per the category of the ex-serviceman + 3 years of service.
• Existing Forest Observers Relaxation (Min. 5 years continuous honorarium service):
  • General Category: 40 Years
  • Category 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B: 42 Years
  • SC / ST / Category-I: 43 Years

Remuneration Details

• 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/-
• Pension Scheme: The selected candidates shall be governed under the Contributory Pension Scheme as per the Government Order FD SPL 04 PET 2005 dated March 31, 2006

Application Fee Details

• Mode of Payment: Payment through online UPI/NEFT/Credit Card/Debit Card or Net Banking
• Payment in Cash: Candidate may opt for payment in cash, download the Challan generated by him and make the payment in any of the branches of State Bank of India, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India or Central Bank of India
• Important: No DD, Cheque, Postal Order or offline Application Form will be accepted

Recruitment Procedure for Karnataka Forest Department Group D Recruitment 2026

• Merit List: Generated on the basis of marks scored in the SSLC or equivalent qualifying examination, in the ratio of 1:20 (Posts: Candidates).
• Physical Standard Test (PST): The list of short-listed candidates will be scrutinized based on physical standards like height, chest measurement/expansion (for males) and height/weight (for females).
• Physical Endurance Test (PET) and Physical Efficiency Test: Those who qualify in the PST shall be subjected to endurance test and efficiency test as intimated by the department.
• Final Selection List: Generated on the basis of performance in the above physical test criteria, in the ratio of 1:1 (Post: Candidate).
• Essential Physical Standards: Qualifying in all physical tests of Forest Observer is a must for those who aspire for these Karnataka Government Jobs.

Physical Standards

For Male Candidates

For Female Candidates

• Note: Male criteria for evaluation will be used for third gender applicants identifying as male; female criteria for evaluation will be used for third gender applicants identifying as female

Disqualifying Physical Defects

• Knock-knees
• Bow legs
• Flat feet
• Varicose veins
• Impediment in speech and hearing
• Hydrocele (for male candidates)
• Defective vision / colour blindness / night blindness

Job Profile

• Forest Patrols: Routine patrols of allocated forest areas to avoid any illegal acts like poaching, timber theft and encroachment
• Wildlife Protection: Helping in protecting and conserving the wildlife species found in the forest territory
• Prevention and Control of Fires: Helping in carrying out firewatch duties and helping control fires that occur in dry seasons
• Support to Superiors: Helping Forest Guards and Range Officers in their everyday work
• Community Contact: Having interactions with communities in the forests and forest tribes
• Maintaining Records: Keeping necessary records regarding the forests, wildlife and patrols
• Physical Fitness: This job entails high levels of physical fitness as it entails much walking, climbing and tough terrains

Career Growth

• Promotion to the Rank of Forest Guard: Experience in the field and passing of departmental examinations help Forest Observers become Forest Guards, who have greater responsibility and enjoy a better salary scale.
• Career Path of Range Officers: With dedication and qualifications, Range Forest Officers can be promoted to the position of Range Forest Officer.
• Departmental Examinations: The department holds internal examinations for promotions that assist Group ‘D’ employees in obtaining promotions and latest government jobs in the higher cadre.
• Developing Professional Skills: Practical experience helps develop professional skills in areas such as wildlife management, forestry and disaster management.
• Promotions on the Basis of Seniority: Continuous promotions on the basis of seniority and performance keep the career moving forward.
• Specialization: Observers with high experience can specialize in various departments such as wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves and anti-poaching groups.

Submission Process for Karnataka Forest Department Group D Recruitment 2026

• Visit the official website at www.aranya.gov.in
• Navigate to the latest news section on the homepage.
• Select the appropriate Group D Forest Watcher Post which you want to apply for.
• Go through the whole notification in order to know the criteria of eligibility.
• Fill the application form available online with your personal, academic and other details related to Karnataka Forest Department apply online 2026.
• Upload the requisite certificates and documents as per the requirement of the online application form.
• Pay the application fee online or create cash challan for the payment through designated branches of banks.
• Go through the whole information carefully because once submitted no changes will be made.
• Click on the submit button to complete the application process.

Important Instructions

• Application should be made online only; postal, courier, email and personal applications will not be entertained.
• Whatever certificates/documents have been uploaded shall be taken into consideration at each stage and cannot be modified later
• Those candidates who claim for reservation in Local Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes category should fill up the corresponding column while submitting their applications online
• Use of fake documents or impersonation or false information results in debarment from candidature along with prosecution and debarment of 10 years as per rule 20 of Karnataka Civil Services (General Recruitment) Rules, 1977
• Decision of the Selection Authority on all issues shall be final; all legal proceedings, if any, will be under the jurisdiction of Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal
• Number of posts and reservation categories notified may vary and shall be announced through official website
• Candidates should maintain the mobile phone number and email id entered in the application till completion of the process of recruitment

Official Links

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