KFD Recruitment 2026- The Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) has released the recruitment notification for 750 new Forest Watcher (Group ‘D’) posts and 25 backlog posts, a total of 775 vacancies in different forest circles in Karnataka.
Applicants who have cleared the SSLC (10th class) or its equivalent examination are eligible to apply for these positions. The online application process will start from August 1, 2026 to August 31, 2026. The applicants have to pay an application fee of ₹50 to ₹200 depending on the category and gender of the applicant.
Physical tests shortlisting is done on the basis of SSLC percentage marks in a 1:20 ratio. Successful applicants will get an initial pay scale of ₹27,500 – ₹43,300 plus allowances under the state pay structure. Online applications can be submitted at the website aranya.gov.in up to the last date of submission.
KFD Recruitment 2026: Overview
The table below gives a short overview of the main details for the Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026. It shows important information such as the number of vacancies, authority details, and official links.
| Recruitment Authority | Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) |
| Post Name | Forest Watcher (Group ‘D’) / ಅರಣ್ಯ ವೀಕ್ಷಕ |
| Total Vacancies | 775 Posts (750 Fresh + 25 Backlog) |
| Application Mode | Online Only via Official Portal |
| Online Application Dates | 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2026 |
| Job Location | Across Karnataka |
| Official Website | aranya.gov.in |
Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details
The Karnataka Forest Department has announced 750 new vacancies and 25 backlog vacancies across 13 forest circles in the state. The table below shows the vacancy distribution by cadre, divided between Non-Kalyana Karnataka (Non-HK) and Kalyana Karnataka (HK) regions.
| Cadre / Region Type | Fresh Vacancies | Backlog Vacancies | Total Posts |
| Non-Kalyana Karnataka (Non-HK) | 700 | 22 | 722 |
| Kalyana Karnataka (HK – Art. 371J) | 50 | 03 | 53 |
| Grand Total | 750 | 25 | 775 |
Eligibility Criteria for Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026
Before applying online, candidates must make sure they meet all the eligibility rules set by the department. These rules include minimum educational qualifications, age limits, and specific work experience requirements wherever needed.
Educational Qualification for Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment
Candidates must have the required educational qualification from a recognized board on or before the closing date of the application. Those waiting for their final exam results are not allowed to apply.
| Post Name | Minimum Prescribed Educational Qualification |
| Forest Watcher (Group ‘D’) | Passed SSLC (10th Standard) from KSEAB OR CBSE / ICSE / NIOS / Other State Boards. |
Age Limit
The minimum age to apply for the post is 18 years. The maximum age limit includes a special one‑time relaxation of 5 years granted by the Karnataka State Government.
| Candidate Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age Limit (As of 01.08.2026) |
| General Merit (GM) | 18 Years | 30 Years |
| Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B (OBC) | 18 Years | 32 Years |
| SC, ST, Category-1 | 18 Years | 33 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 18 Years | Service Years + 03 Years Relaxation |
| Forest Preeraks (General) | 18 Years | 40 Years |
| Forest Preeraks (OBC) | 18 Years | 42 Years |
| Forest Preeraks (SC / ST / Cat-1) | 18 Years | 43 Years |
Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026 Salary and Benefits
Candidates selected for the Forest Watcher post will get a competitive salary package and benefits under the state government pay rules. The main financial details and benefits are given below.
| Starting Basic Pay | ₹27,500 per month |
| Pay Scale | ₹27,500 – ₹650 – ₹29,600 – ₹725 – ₹32,500 – ₹800 – ₹35,700 – ₹900 – ₹39,300 – ₹1,000 – ₹43,300 |
| Probation Period | 36 months total (including a mandatory 6-month basic foundational training program) |
Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment benefits listed below:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Comprehensive medical and healthcare coverage.
- Coverage under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
- Official travel allowances and forest duty concessions.
Selection Process of Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026
The selection process for candidates includes several stages to check academic merit and physical fitness.
The recruitment steps are explained below, stage by stage.
Stage 1: Academic Shortlisting:
- Candidates are shortlisted in a 1:20 ratio per post based on their SSLC (10th standard) marks.
Stage 2: Physical Standard Test (PST) & Medical Examination:
- Verification of height, chest measurements, weight, vision parameters, hearing abilities, and general physical health.
Stage 3: Physical Endurance Test (PET):
- Qualifying running test (1600m for males, 1000m for females and ex-servicemen).
Stage 4: Physical Efficiency Test (PET):
- Performance assessment across 5 physical events (candidates must qualify in at least 3 events).
Stage 5: Final Selection & Document Verification (DV):
- Preparation of a 1:1 merit list based on 10th marks, followed by document verification and medical sign-off prior to training.
The physical standards and efficiency test requirements are explained in the table below.
| Physical Test / Parameter | Male Candidates | Female & Ex-Servicemen Candidates |
| General Height Standard | Minimum 163 cm | Minimum 150 cm |
| Tribal (LFDT) Height Standard | Minimum 152 cm | Minimum 145 cm |
| Chest / Minimum Weight | Chest: 79 cm (+5 cm expansion) | Weight: Minimum 40 kg (38 kg for LFDT) |
| PET Endurance Run | 1600 Meters in 07 Minutes | 1000 Meters in 06 Minutes |
| PET Sprint (100m) | 15.0 Seconds | 18.5 Seconds |
| PET High Jump | Minimum 1.20 Meters | Minimum 0.90 Meters |
| PET Long Jump | Minimum 3.80 Meters | Minimum 2.50 Meters |
| PET Shotput | 5.60 Meters (16 lbs weight) | 3.76 Meters (8 lbs weight) |
| PET Distance Run | 800 Meters in 2 mins 50 secs | 200 Meters in 40 secs |
Application Fee for Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026
Applicants must pay the non‑refundable application fee through online payment gateways or bank challan during the active period. The category‑wise fee structure is shown in the table below.
| Candidate Category | Gender Profile | Total Fee Amount |
| General, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B (OBC) | Male | ₹200 |
| General, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B (OBC) | Female / Transgender | ₹100 |
| SC, ST, Category-1 | Male | ₹100 |
| SC, ST, Category-1 | Female / Transgender | ₹50 |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | All Candidates | Exempted (₹0) |
How to Apply Online for Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026
Applications must be submitted online through the recruitment dashboard of the Karnataka Forest Department. Follow the step‑by‑step instructions below to complete your registration.
Step 1: Visit the official website of the Karnataka Forest Department at aranya.gov.in and click on the ‘Recruitment’ section.
Step 2: Locate the Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026 notification link and read all guidelines thoroughly.
Step 3: Register on the portal by entering your mobile number, email address, and personal Aadhaar details.
Step 4: Fill out your personal, educational (SSLC marks), category, address, and circle preference details.
Step 5: Upload clear scanned copies of your photo, signature, SSLC marks card, and applicable reservation certificates.
Step 6: Pay the application fee online using UPI, Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or download a challan for bank branch cash payment.
Step 7: Submit the form, download the generated PDF acknowledgment receipt, and print a copy for future verification stages.
Important Links
- Apply Now Portal: Click Now
- Official Notification PDF: Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment Notice
- Official Website: aranya.gov.in
Documents Required for Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026
Candidates must keep their original documents and scanned copies ready before starting the online application. These documents will be checked during the final stage of the process.
- SSLC (10th Standard) marks card or recognized equivalent board certificate for age and educational qualification proof.
- Valid Caste and Category Certificate (Form D for SC/ST, Form E for Cat-1, Form F for 2A/2B/3A/3B) issued by the competent Tahsildar.
- Special Reservation Certificates such as Rural Certificate (Form-2), Kannada Medium Certificate (1st to 10th std), and Project Displaced Person Certificate (Form-3).
- Local Forest Dwelling Tribes (LFDT) Certificate (Form-2 countersigned by BEO and Tahsildar residence certificate) if claiming 50% tribal quota.
- Valid Photo Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Driving License, or Passport).
- Recent passport-sized photograph and clear scanned signature done with black ink on white paper.
Important Dates for Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026
Applicants must keep track of important schedule deadlines to submit their application forms and fees on time. The key dates are shown in the table below.
| Event Activity | Scheduled Calendar Date |
| Official Notification Issue Date | 20 July 2026 |
| E-Gazette Publication Date | 21 July 2026 |
| Opening Date for Online Applications | 01 August 2026 (00:00:01 Hrs) |
| Closing Date for Application Submission | 31 August 2026 (23:59:59 Hrs) |
| Last Date for Online Application Fee Payment | 02 September 2026 |
Final Thought
The KFD Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026 is a good chance for SSLC pass job seekers who want to build a career in environmental protection and forestry services in Karnataka. Since shortlisting for the physical rounds depends only on 10th‑standard marks, candidates must enter their marks and personal details carefully without mistakes.
Please start physical training early for the PET/PST events and finish your online application before the August 31 closing date to avoid a last-minute rush on the portal.
Note : All information in this post is correct but if there is any error, we will not be responsible for it. To verify all the details about this post, please visit only the official website related to this notification and read carefully that it is strategic, given above the name of the important link.
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Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026 FAQs
Q1: How many total vacancies are announced in KFD Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026?
A1: A total of 775 vacancies (750 fresh posts + 25 backlog posts) have been officially announced.
Q2: What is the minimum educational qualification required to apply?
A2: Candidates must have passed SSLC (10th standard) or an equivalent examination from a recognized education board.
Q3: What is the maximum age limit for General Merit candidates?
A3: The upper age limit for General Merit candidates is 30 years, which includes a one-time 5-year state government relaxation.
Q4: How will candidates be shortlisted for physical tests?
A4: Candidates will be shortlisted in a 1:20 ratio per post based on their SSLC (10th standard) marks merit list.
Q5: What is the starting basic pay for KFD Forest Watchers?
A5: The starting basic pay scale is ₹27,500 per month in the pay range of ₹27,500 – ₹43,300.










