The Karnataka Forest Department (KFD), Aranya Ilakhe, has released separate recruitment notifications across July 2026 for the direct recruitment of Elephant Kavadi (Group-D) posts for the year 2026-27. Notifications have been issued by the Chief Conservator of Forests and Appointing Authority for the Shivamogga, Kanara (Sirsi), Kodagu (Madikeri), Mysuru, and Chamarajanagara circles.
Eligible candidates can download the application form from the official website www.aranya.gov.in and submit it offline at the respective circle office. The application window opens on 5th August 2026 and closes on 3rd September 2026 (5:30 PM). Candidates are advised to download the respective circle’s notification PDF to check vacancy details, eligibility, reservation, selection process and how to apply.
KFD Elephant Kavadi Recruitment 2026 for Group-D Posts
The Karnataka Forest Elephant Kavadi Recruitment 2026 is out for candidates experienced in elephant handling, through an offline application process. Check complete information in the table below:
| KFD Elephant Kavadi Recruitment 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Karnataka Forest Department (Aranya Ilakhe) |
| Reference Rule | FEE 258 FNG 08, dated 09.03.2009 |
| Post | Elephant Kavadi (Group-D) |
| Total Vacancies (across notified circles) | 57 (approx., circle-wise) |
| Application Mode | Offline (by post/courier/hand delivery) |
| Notification Dates | 27th & 28th July 2026 |
| Application Window Opens | 5th August 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply | 3rd September 2026 (5:30 PM) |
| Official Website | www.aranya.gov.in |
KFD Elephant Kavadi Recruitment 2026 Dates
| KFD Elephant Kavadi Recruitment 2026 | Dates |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 27–28 July 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 5 August 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 3 September 2026 (5:30 PM) |
| Interview/Physical Test | To be announced |
| Provisional Merit List | To be announced on aranya.gov.in |
Karnataka Forest Elephant Kavadi Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF Out
Notification PDFs for Elephant Kavadi Group-D posts have been released separately for each forest circle under reference number FEE 258 FNG 08, dated 09.03.2009 (Karnataka Forest Department Services (Recruitment) Rules). Each notification specifies circle-wise vacancies, category-wise reservation, eligibility, application schedule and other recruitment guidelines. Candidates are advised that before applying, they must go through the notification of their respective circle thoroughly, since forms, addresses and vacancy numbers differ by circle.
KFD Elephant Kavadi Recruitment 2026 Vacancy
Vacancies have been notified circle-wise for the Elephant Kavadi Group-D post. The highest number of vacancies is in Mysuru Circle, followed by Kodagu.
| Circle | Total Vacancies | Division/Sub-unit |
|---|---|---|
| Mysuru | 27 (26 + 1 backlog) | Gandhi Rashtriya Udyanavana, Hunsur |
| Kodagu | 11 (10 + 1 backlog) | Madikeri Regional Division |
| Chamarajanagara | 9 | Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Bandipur |
| Shivamogga | 9 | Shivamogga Wildlife Division |
| Kanara (Sirsi) | 1 (backlog) | Kanara Circle |
Pay Scale for Elephant Kavadi
Selected candidates will be placed in the pay scale of Rs. 29,600–725–32,500–800–35,700–900–39,300–1,000–43,300–1,125–47,800–1,250–52,800 as applicable to Group-D employees of the Karnataka Forest Department.
How to Apply for Karnataka Forest Elephant Kavadi Recruitment 2026?
The application for Elephant Kavadi posts is entirely offline. The steps are as follows:
Visit www.aranya.gov.in
↓
Go to the “Nemakati” (Recruitment) section on the homepage
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Download the prescribed Application Form for the relevant circle
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Fill the form legibly in English (capitals) or Kannada only
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Affix a recent passport-size photograph
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Submit the filled form by post, courier, or in person at the respective Chief Conservator of Forests office of the circle
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Ensure the application reaches the office within the notified window (05.08.2026 to 03.09.2026, 5:30 PM)
There is no application fee, and no documents need to be enclosed with the application form itself; original certificates are verified later at the interview stage.
Also Read: RCFL MT Recruitment 2026 Notification Out for 94 Management Trainee vacancies
Who Can Apply for KFD Elephant Kavadi Recruitment 2026?
Nationality
Only Indian citizens, or persons of Indian origin from specified categories (as detailed in the notification), residing within Karnataka’s notified forest areas, are eligible.
Language
Candidates must be able to speak and understand Kannada, as this is essential for handling duties and the interview process.
Experience
Experience in handling elephants is mandatory for all applicants. There is no fixed minimum number of years prescribed uniformly, but the application form requires candidates to declare their years of experience, and this experience is a key criterion evaluated during selection.
Age Limit
| Category | Maximum Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General/Unreserved | 35 years |
| Category IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB and other backward classes | 38 years |
| SC, ST, Category-I | 40 years |
| Ex-servicemen | As per applicable relaxation rules |
What is the Selection Process for KFD Elephant Kavadi Recruitment 2026?
Unlike many government recruitments, the Elephant Kavadi selection does not involve a written examination. Instead, selection is based on an interview combined with a practical test of the candidate’s ability and experience in handling elephants.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Document Verification | Original certificates and documents verified before the interview panel |
| Interview & Practical Test | Conducted in Kannada; assesses ability to handle elephants and relevant experience |
| Total Marks | 100 (interview and elephant-handling practical assessment combined) |
| Provisional Merit List | Prepared based on marks obtained and category-wise reservation |
| Final Merit List | Published after resolving objections to the provisional list |
| Medical Fitness | Candidates must be mentally sound and physically fit, without any disability that could compromise elephant-handling duties |
Documents Required at the Time of Interview
Candidates must carry originals along with self-attested photocopies of any one of the following identity documents, along with category-specific certificates (caste certificate, rural certificate, Kannada-medium certificate, ex-servicemen certificate, project-displaced certificate, etc., as applicable):
- Aadhar Card
- Passport
- Driving License
- PAN Card
- Government/PSU Service ID Card
- Bank Passbook with photograph
- Community certificate with photograph
Probation Period
Once appointed, selected Elephant Kavadi employees must serve a minimum probation period of two (2) years from the date of joining, under the appointing authority of the department.
FAQs
Question 1. How many vacancies have been declared under Karnataka Forest Elephant Kavadi Recruitment 2026?
Ans: A total of approximately 57 vacancies have been declared across the Mysuru, Kodagu, Chamarajanagara, Shivamogga, and Kanara circles combined.
Question 2. What is the application period for Karnataka Forest Elephant Kavadi Recruitment 2026?
Ans: Applications can be submitted from 5 August 2026 (10:00 AM) to 3 September 2026 (5:30 PM).
Question 3. Is there a written exam for the Karnataka Forest Elephant Kavadi post?
Ans: No. Selection is based on an interview and a practical test assessing the candidate’s experience and skill in handling elephants, for a total of 100 marks.
Question 4. Is there any application fee for this recruitment?
Ans: No, there is no application fee, and no documents need to be enclosed at the time of submitting the application form.
Question 5. What is the minimum qualification required?
Ans: The notification does not prescribe a formal educational qualification but requires experience in handling elephants, along with the ability to speak and understand Kannada.
Question 6. What is the age limit for KFD Elephant Kavadi Recruitment 2026?
Ans: The upper age limit is 35 years for General category, 38 years for backward categories, and 40 years for SC/ST/Category-I candidates, with an additional one-time 5-year relaxation applicable up to 31.12.2027.
Question 7. How can I apply for KFD Elephant Kavadi Recruitment 2026?
Ans: Candidates must download the application form from www.aranya.gov.in and submit the filled form by post, courier, or in person at the respective circle’s Chief Conservator of Forests office before the last date.
<p>The post Karnataka Forest Elephant Kavadi Recruitment 2026 Out for Multiple Circles, Group D Notification PDF first appeared on Karmasandhan.</p>
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