The Karnataka Forest Department (KFD), under the Office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, has released the notification for direct recruitment to 750 Forest Watcher (Group ‘D’) posts for the year 2026-27. Of these, 700 vacancies are in the general recruitment stream and 50 are reserved under the Kalyana Karnataka (HK) region quota. The KFD Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026 covers 13 forest circles across the state, including Bengaluru, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Belagavi, Ballari, Chikkamagaluru, Dharwad, Hassan, Kenara, Kodagu, Kalaburagi, Mangaluru, and Shivamogga.
Interested and eligible candidates who have passed SSLC (10th standard) can apply online through the official recruitment portal. The KFD Forest Watcher Recruitment application window opens on 1st August 2026 and closes on 31st August 2026.
Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Department | Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) |
| Post | Forest Watcher (Group ‘D’) |
| Total Vacancies | 750 (700 General + 50 Kalyana Karnataka) |
| Mode of Selection | SSLC Merit + Physical Test (No written exam) |
| Apply Online Dates | 1st August to 31st August 2026 |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 27,500 – 46,675 |
| Job Location | Across Karnataka |
| Official Website | https://aranya.gov.in/ |
KFD Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 30th June 2026 (individual circle notices from 20-21 July 2026) |
| Apply Online Starts | 1st August 2026 (00:00:01 hrs) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 31st August 2026 (23:59:59 hrs) |
| Last Date to Pay Application Fee | 2nd September 2026 |
Karnataka Forest Department Forest Watcher Notification 2026 Out
The detailed KFD Forest Watcher Recruitment circular was issued vide No. KFD/HOFF/B9(RCT)/5/2026-PnR, dated 30.06.2026, by the Office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force), Aranya Bhavan, Bengaluru. Individual circle-wise notifications are to be published by respective Chief Conservators/Conservators of Forests on the official website.
KFD Forest Watcher Vacancy 2026 — Circle-wise Breakup
The 750 vacancies are spread across 13 forest circles for KFD Forest Watcher Recruitment, with the highest number of posts in Chamarajanagar (169) and the lowest in Kalaburagi (4).
| Circle | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Bengaluru | 70 |
| Belagavi | 42 |
| Ballari | 63 |
| Chamarajanagar | 169 |
| Chikkamagaluru | 56 |
| Dharwad | 12 |
| Hassan | 30 |
| Kenara | 60 |
| Kodagu | 32 |
| Kalaburagi | 4 |
| Mangaluru | 54 |
| Mysuru | 120 |
| Shivamogga | 38 |
| Total | 750 |
Also Read: GATE 2027 Website Link Live [Official], Check Important Dates for Registration, Exam & Results
KFD Forest Watcher Eligibility Criteria 2026
Check KFD Forest Watcher Recruitment eligibility below:
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed SSLC (10th standard) or its equivalent from the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board, an NIOS/Open Schooling certificate, or an equivalent recognised board examination.
Age Limit
Minimum age: 18 years, to be completed as on the date of the respective circle notification.
| Category | Maximum Age (includes one-time 5-year relaxation) |
|---|---|
| General/Unreserved | 30 years |
| Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | 32 years |
| SC/ST/Category-1 | 33 years |
| Ex-servicemen | Separate age norms as per rules |
| Existing Forest Volunteers (min. 5 years’ service) | Up to 40/42/43 years depending on category |
Nationality
Candidate must be an Indian citizen.
Marital Status
A male candidate with more than one living spouse, or a female candidate who has married a man already having a living spouse, is not eligible without prior government exemption.
Application Fee
Unlike some other state recruitments, this KFD Forest Watcher Recruitment notification is not fee-free — candidates must pay the prescribed application fee:
| Category | Male Candidates | Female / Third Gender Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| General & Categories 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | Rs. 200/- | Rs. 100/- |
| SC/ST/Category-1 | Rs. 100/- | Rs. 50/- |
KFD Forest Watcher Selection Process 2026
There is no written competitive examination for this recruitment. Selection proceeds as follows:
- Provisional Merit List — prepared based on SSLC (or equivalent) marks, in the ratio of 1:1 (post : candidate) as per category-wise vacancy and reservation rules.
- Physical Standard Test (PST) — verification of height, chest, weight, vision, and hearing standards.
- Physical Endurance Test (PET) — timed running test.
- Physical Efficiency Test — track and field events (race, jumps, shot put).
- Original Document Verification.
- Final Select List — prepared from candidates who qualify all the above, in the ratio of 1:1 against available vacancies.
Physical Standards
Male Candidates
| Parameter | Other Categories | Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Min. 163 cm | Min. 152 cm |
| Chest (unexpanded) | Min. 79 cm | Min. 74 cm |
| Chest Expansion | Min. 5 cm | Min. 5 cm |
Female Candidates
| Parameter | Other Categories | Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Min. 150 cm | Min. 145 cm |
| Weight | Min. 40 kg | Min. 38 kg |
Physical Endurance Test (Running)
| Candidates | Distance | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1600 metres | 7 minutes |
| Female / Ex-servicemen | 1000 metres | 6 minutes |
Physical Efficiency Test
| Event | Male Qualifying Mark | Female / Ex-servicemen Qualifying Mark |
|---|---|---|
| 100 m Race | 15 seconds | 18.5 seconds |
| High Jump | 1.20 m | 0.90 m |
| Long Jump | 3.80 m | 2.50 m |
| Shot Put (16 lb men / 8 lb women) | 5.60 m | 3.76 m |
| 800 m Race (men) | 2 min 50 sec | — |
| 200 m Race (women) | — | 40 seconds |
Candidates must qualify in at least 3 of these 5 efficiency events to be considered.
How to Apply for KFD Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official Karnataka Forest Department website: aranya.gov.in
- Go to the “ನೇಮಕಾತಿ” (Recruitment) link on the homepage.
- Register using your own Aadhaar (UID) number — each Aadhaar number can be used for only one application.
- Fill in personal, educational, and category details, and upload scanned copies of your photograph, SSLC marks card, category/caste certificate (if applicable), and other supporting documents.
- Pay the applicable fee online or via bank challan.
- Submit the form and save/print the acknowledgment for future reference.
Applications can be submitted only online; no offline, postal, or in-person applications will be accepted. Details furnished in the online application cannot be edited or corrected after final submission, so applicants are advised to verify all entries carefully before submitting.
Karnataka Forest Department Forest Watcher Salary Structure 2026
Pay Scale: Rs. 27,500-650-29,600-725-32,500-800-35,700-900-39,300-1,000-43,300-1,125-46,675
In addition to basic pay, selected Forest Watchers are entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other allowances/benefits as applicable under Karnataka Government service rules.
FAQs
Does KFD Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026 involve a written exam?
No. Selection is based on SSLC/equivalent merit marks, followed by physical standard, endurance, and efficiency tests, and document verification.
How many vacancies are announced for KFD Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026?
750 vacancies (700 general + 50 Kalyana Karnataka) across 13 forest circles in Karnataka.
Is there an application fee?
Yes. Rs. 200 (men)/Rs. 100 (women) for General and Categories 2A/2B/3A/3B, and Rs. 100 (men)/Rs. 50 (women) for SC/ST/Category-1. Persons with disabilities are exempt.
What is the last date to apply for KFD Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026?
31st August 2026 (fee payment allowed until 2nd September 2026).
What is the minimum educational qualification required?
Candidates must have passed SSLC (10th standard) or an equivalent examination from a recognised board.
<p>The post KFD Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026 Notification Out for 750 Vacancies, Apply Online Starts August 1 first appeared on Karmasandhan.</p>
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