Karnataka Forest Department has released a recruitment notification for 774 Forest Watcher (Group D) vacancies for the year 2026-27. The vacancies are distributed across different forest circles of Karnataka.
This recruitment is a good opportunity for candidates who have passed 10th Class / SSLC. The Forest Watcher post is a Group D government job and candidates do not need ITI qualification to apply.
The recruitment notification was released on 20 July 2026. The online application process started on 1 August 2026 and the last date to submit the online application is 31 August 2026. The last date for payment of the application fee is 2 September 2026.
Vacancy Details
| Forest Circle | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Chamarajanagara | 159 |
| Mysore | 121 |
| Bengaluru | 82 |
| Kanara | 67 |
| Ballari | 64 |
| Chikamagaluru | 60 |
| Mangalore | 54 |
| Shimoga | 44 |
| Belagavi | 42 |
| Kodagu | 32 |
| Hassan | 31 |
| Dharwad | 12 |
| Kalburgi | 6 |
| Total | 774 |
Important Eligibility / Requirements
- Candidates must have passed SSLC / 10th Class or an equivalent examination recognized by the Karnataka Government.
- Candidates must satisfy the prescribed physical standards.
- Candidates must be physically fit for forest and field duties.
- ITI is not required for the Forest Watcher post.
- No prior work experience is required.
- Candidates must fulfil the prescribed age and other eligibility conditions.
Qualification Details
| Particular | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | 10th Pass / SSLC |
| Equivalent Qualification | SSLC equivalent recognized by Karnataka Government |
| ITI | Not Required |
| Experience | Not Required |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Physical Fitness | Mandatory |
Candidates who have passed SSLC or an equivalent Class 10 examination from a recognized board can apply for the Forest Watcher post.
Age Limit Details
| Candidate Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General Merit | 30 Years |
| Category 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B | 32 Years |
| SC / ST / Category-I | 33 Years |
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
Age relaxation is applicable to eligible candidates according to Karnataka Government rules. Candidates should check the official notification for the exact age calculation and relaxation applicable to their category.
Physical Standards
Candidates applying for Forest Watcher must fulfil the prescribed physical standards.
| Candidate Category | Height | Chest / Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Male – General | 163 cm minimum | 79 cm + 5 cm expansion |
| Male – Forest Dwelling Tribe | 152 cm minimum | 74 cm + 5 cm expansion |
| Female – General | 150 cm minimum | Minimum 40 kg |
| Female – Forest Dwelling Tribe | 145 cm minimum | Minimum 38 kg |
Candidates must also satisfy the required medical and physical fitness conditions for forest field duties.
Physical Endurance Test
The Physical Endurance Test is an important part of the selection process.
| Candidate | Physical Test |
|---|---|
| Male Candidates | 1600 metres run within 7 minutes |
| Female Candidates | 1000 metres run within 6 minutes |
| Ex-Servicemen | As prescribed in the notification |
Candidates must qualify in the prescribed physical tests to remain eligible for final selection.
Salary / Pay Scale
| Post | Pay Scale |
|---|---|
| Forest Watcher – Group D | ₹29,600 – ₹52,800 |
Selected candidates will receive salary according to the applicable Karnataka Government pay scale along with admissible allowances and other benefits.
Selection Process
The selection process for Forest Watcher does not include a regular written examination.
The selection process includes:
- SSLC Merit List
- Physical Standard Test (PST)
- Physical Endurance Test (PET)
- Physical Efficiency Test
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Candidates are shortlisted on the basis of their SSLC marks and are subsequently called for the prescribed physical tests. Candidates who qualify all required stages are considered for the final selection.
Application Fee
| Candidate Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / Category 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B – Male | ₹100 |
| General / Category 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B – Female / Third Gender | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / Category-I – Male | ₹50 |
| SC / ST / Category-I – Female / Third Gender | ₹50 |
| Payment Mode | Online |
Candidates should pay the applicable fee through the payment method provided in the official application portal.
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 your personal and educational details.
- Select the applicable forest circle.
- Upload the required photograph, signature and documents.
- Pay the applicable application fee.
- Check all details carefully before submitting the form.
- Submit the application before 31 August 2026.
- Save and print the final application form for future reference.
Important Dates
| Recruitment Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20 July 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 1 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 31 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 2 September 2026 |
| Admit Card | To Be Announced |
| Physical Test | To Be Announced |
| Final Selection List | To Be Announced |
| Current Status | Application Open |
Latest Update: As of 17 August 2026, Karnataka Forest Department Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026 for 774 vacancies is currently open. The online application started on 1 August 2026 and candidates can submit their applications up to 31 August 2026. The fee payment deadline is 2 September 2026. Candidates should complete their applications before the deadline and regularly check the official Karnataka Forest Department website for physical test and other recruitment updates.
Required Documents
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| SSLC / 10th Mark Sheet | Mandatory |
| SSLC / Equivalent Certificate | Mandatory |
| Caste Certificate | If applicable |
| Category Certificate | If applicable |
| Forest Dwelling Tribe Certificate | If applicable |
| Ex-Serviceman Certificate | If applicable |
| PwBD Certificate | If applicable |
| Identity Proof | Required |
| Recent Photograph | Required |
| Signature | Required |
| Other Supporting Documents | As prescribed |
Important Links
| Official Resource | Direct Official Link |
|---|---|
| Forest Watcher Recruitment 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/ |
