Karnataka Forest Department has released a recruitment notification for 707 Forest Watcher Group D vacancies for the year 2026-27. The recruitment is being conducted by the Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests and Selection Authority across different forest circles of Karnataka.
This recruitment is a good opportunity for candidates who have passed 10th Class / SSLC. No ITI qualification is required for the Forest Watcher post.
The official notification was released on 20 July 2026. The online application process started on 1 August 2026 and the last date to apply is 31 August 2026. The last date for payment of the application fee is 2 September 2026. (aranya.gov.in)
Vacancy Details
| Forest Circle | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Shimoga Circle | 44 |
| Bangalore Circle | 82 |
| Chamarajanagar Circle | 159 |
| Bellary Circle | 64 |
| Mysore Circle | 121 |
| Belgaum Circle | 42 |
| Kalaburgi Circle | 6 |
| Chikkamagaluru Circle | 60 |
| Hassan Circle | 31 |
| Mangalore Circle | 54 |
| Dharwad Circle | 12 |
| Kodagu Circle | 32 |
| Total | 707 |
The vacancies are distributed among different forest circles for the 2026-27 recruitment year. (govtjobguru.in)
Important Eligibility / Requirements
- Candidates must have passed SSLC / 10th Class or an equivalent examination.
- The qualification must be obtained from a recognized board or institution.
- Candidates must satisfy the prescribed physical standards.
- Candidates must be physically fit to perform forest-related field duties.
- ITI is not required for the Forest Watcher post.
- Candidates must satisfy the prescribed age and other eligibility conditions.
Qualification Details
| Particular | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | SSLC / 10th Pass |
| Equivalent Qualification | Recognized equivalent to SSLC |
| ITI | Not Required |
| Experience | Not Required |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Physical Fitness | Mandatory |
Candidates who have passed SSLC conducted by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board or an equivalent Class 10 examination recognized under the applicable rules can apply. (govtjobguru.in)
Age Limit Details
| Candidate Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 18–30 Years |
| Category 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B | 18–32 Years |
| SC / ST / Category-I | 18–33 Years |
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
A one-time five-year relaxation in the maximum age limit has been provided by the Karnataka Government for notifications issued up to 31 December 2027. Candidates should check the official notification for the exact application of this relaxation to their category. (govtjobguru.in)
Physical Standards
Candidates shortlisted for the Forest Watcher post have to meet the prescribed physical standards.
| Candidate | Height | Other Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Male – General | 163 cm minimum | Chest 79 cm + 5 cm expansion |
| Male – Forest Dwelling ST | 152 cm minimum | Chest 74 cm + 5 cm expansion |
| Female – General | 150 cm minimum | Weight 40 kg minimum |
| Female – Forest Dwelling ST | 145 cm minimum | Weight 38 kg minimum |
Candidates must also be medically and physically fit. Certain physical conditions such as knock-knees, bow legs, flat feet, colour blindness and other prescribed defects can lead to disqualification. (govtjobguru.in)
Salary / Pay Scale
| Post | Pay Scale |
|---|---|
| Forest Watcher Group D | ₹29,600 – ₹52,800 |
The selected candidates will receive salary according to the applicable Karnataka Civil Services pay scale along with admissible allowances and benefits.
Selection Process
There is no written examination for this Forest Watcher recruitment.
The selection process includes:
- SSLC Merit List
- Physical Standard Test (PST)
- Physical Endurance Test (PET)
- Physical Efficiency Test
- Document Verification
- Final Selection List
Candidates are initially shortlisted on the basis of their SSLC marks. The department prepares the initial merit list in a prescribed ratio, after which shortlisted candidates are called for the physical tests. (govtjobguru.in)
Application Fee
| Candidate 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 |
| PwBD Candidates | Exempted |
The application fee can be paid through the prescribed online payment method or other payment option mentioned in the application process.
How to Apply Complete Guide
The application process is online.
- Visit the official Karnataka Forest Department website.
- Open the Recruitment section.
- Click on the Forest Watcher recruitment application link.
- Read the recruitment notification carefully.
- Complete the registration process.
- Enter personal, educational and category details.
- Upload the required documents and photograph.
- Complete the application fee payment.
- Check all details carefully before submitting the form.
- Submit the application before 31 August 2026.
- Save and print the submitted application form for future reference.
The official Karnataka Forest Department recruitment page currently provides the Forest Watcher application link. (aranya.gov.in)
Important Dates
| Recruitment Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20 July 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 1 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 2 September 2026 |
| Admit Card / Physical Test | To Be Announced |
| Physical Test | To Be Announced |
| Current Status | Application Open |
Latest Update: As of 17 August 2026, Karnataka Forest Department Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026 for 707 posts is currently open. The online application started on 1 August 2026 and the last date to apply is 31 August 2026. Candidates can pay the applicable application fee up to 2 September 2026. The official Karnataka Forest Department recruitment page currently provides the Forest Watcher application link. (aranya.gov.in)
Required Documents
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| SSLC / 10th Mark Sheet | Mandatory |
| SSLC / Equivalent Certificate | Mandatory |
| Caste Certificate | If applicable |
| Category Certificate | If applicable |
| Forest Dwelling ST Certificate | If claiming applicable reservation |
| PwBD Certificate | If applicable |
| Identity Proof | Required |
| Photograph | Required |
| Signature | Required |
| Other Supporting Documents | As prescribed |
Important Links
| Official Resource | Direct Official Link |
|---|---|
| Forest Watcher 2026 – Apply Online | https://recruitment.aranya.gov.in/ |
| Karnataka Forest Department – Recruitment Page | https://aranya.gov.in/aranyacms/(S(ujww4hmzfddz5tudysslhyvu))/English/Recruitment.aspx |
| Karnataka Forest Department – Official Website | https://aranya.gov.in/ |
| Government of Karnataka – Official Website | https://www.karnataka.gov.in/ |
