Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026: 750 Forest Watcher Vacancies, Eligibility, Salary & Apply Online
The Karnataka Forest Department has announced an excellent government job opportunity for candidates looking for employment in the forest department. Under Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026, a total of 750 Forest Watcher (Aranya Veekshaka) vacancies have been announced across different forest circles in Karnataka.
Candidates who have completed their SSLC (10th Standard) education can apply for these posts if they fulfil the prescribed age, physical fitness and other eligibility requirements.
The recruitment offers an opportunity to work in Karnataka’s forest conservation system while enjoying the benefits of a government job. Interested candidates should carefully check the vacancy details, educational qualification, age limit, selection procedure, application fee and important dates before submitting their applications.
Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Department | Karnataka Forest Department |
| Recruitment Name | KFD Recruitment 2026 |
| Post Name | Forest Watcher (Aranya Veekshaka) |
| Job Category | Group D |
| Total Vacancies | 750 |
| Non-HK Vacancies | 700 |
| HK Region Vacancies | 50 |
| Educational Qualification | SSLC / 10th Pass |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Karnataka |
| Salary | ₹27,500 – ₹46,675 |
| Selection Process | Physical Tests and SSLC Merit |
| Official Website | aranya.gov.in |
Karnataka Forest Department Vacancy 2026 Details
The department has announced 750 vacancies under the Forest Watcher recruitment drive. These vacancies are distributed between the Non-HK and Kalyana Karnataka (HK) regions.
The circle-wise vacancy distribution is given below:
| Forest Circle | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Bengaluru | 70 |
| Belagavi | 42 |
| Ballari | 63 |
| Chamarajanagar | 169 |
| Chikkamagaluru | 56 |
| Dharwad | 12 |
| Hassan | 30 |
| Kanara | 60 |
| Kodagu | 32 |
| Kalaburagi | 4 |
| Mangaluru | 54 |
| Mysuru | 120 |
| Shivamogga | 38 |
| Total | 750 |
Candidates should refer to the official recruitment notification for the exact reservation and circle-wise eligibility conditions before selecting their preferred recruitment category.
Educational Qualification
One of the important advantages of this recruitment is that candidates with a basic school education can apply.
Applicants must have passed the SSLC (10th Standard) examination conducted by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board or possess an equivalent recognised qualification.
Candidates with equivalent Class 10 qualifications from recognised boards may also be eligible, subject to the conditions mentioned in the official notification.
Applicants should ensure that their educational certificates and marks cards are available during the document verification process.
Age Limit for KFD Recruitment 2026
Candidates must satisfy the minimum and maximum age requirements prescribed by the Karnataka Forest Department.
The category-wise maximum age limits are:
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General Merit | 30 Years |
| Category IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB | 32 Years |
| SC / ST / Category-I | 33 Years |
The minimum age requirement is 18 years.
Additional age relaxation may apply to eligible candidates under the applicable government rules, including the notified one-time relaxation. Candidates belonging to reserved categories and other eligible groups should check the official notification for the exact conditions.
Salary Details
Selected candidates for the Forest Watcher posts will receive a salary according to the prescribed Karnataka Government pay scale.
Pay Scale: ₹27,500 – ₹46,675 per month.
Apart from the basic pay, applicable allowances and service benefits will be governed by the relevant Karnataka Government rules.
The appointment will be subject to the applicable service conditions and pension provisions.
Selection Process
The Karnataka Forest Department selection process focuses on candidates’ physical fitness and SSLC academic performance.
The recruitment process includes the following stages:
- Application screening.
- Shortlisting based on SSLC marks.
- Physical Standard Test (PST).
- Physical Endurance Test (PET).
- Physical Efficiency Test.
- Preparation of the merit list.
- Original document verification.
- Medical examination.
- Final selection list.
Candidates should note that the recruitment process does not follow a conventional written examination-based selection pattern. Physical qualification and academic merit play important roles.
The exact physical measurements, endurance requirements and qualifying conditions must be checked in the official recruitment notification.
Application Fee
Applicants must pay the prescribed application fee according to their category.
| Category | Male Candidates | Women / Third Gender |
|---|---|---|
| General / Category IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB | ₹200 | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / Category-I | ₹100 | ₹50 |
| PwD Candidates | Exempted | Exempted |
Candidates should verify the applicable fee and payment instructions on the official application portal before making payment.
Important Dates
The application process for Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026 started on 1 August 2026.
According to the latest update displayed on the official recruitment portal, the application deadline has been extended.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 30 June 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 1 August 2026 |
| Extended Last Date | 15 November 2026 |
Candidates who have not submitted their applications should complete the process before the revised deadline. Applicants who have already registered should also log in and check whether any corrections are required.
How to Apply Online for Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official Karnataka Forest Department recruitment website.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official website: https://recruitment.aranya.gov.in/
- Open the Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026 application section.
- Click on the registration option if you are a new applicant.
- Enter the required personal and educational details.
- Provide the necessary identification and reservation information.
- Upload the required certificates and documents.
- Select the appropriate recruitment category and circle as permitted.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable.
- Carefully verify all the information entered in the application.
- Submit the application and download the confirmation page.
Candidates should keep a copy of the submitted application and payment receipt for future reference.
Required Documents
Before starting the online application, candidates should keep the following documents ready:
- SSLC marks card.
- Aadhaar card or other accepted identification.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Scanned signature.
- Caste and category certificate, if applicable.
- Reservation-related certificates, where required.
- Other documents specified in the official notification.
Ensure that all uploaded documents are clear and valid.
Important Links
| Description | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | https://recruitment.aranya.gov.in/candidate/login |
| Karnataka Forest Department | https://aranya.gov.in/ |
| Recruitment Information | https://recruitment.aranya.gov.in/ |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many vacancies are available in Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026?
A total of 750 Forest Watcher vacancies have been announced, including 700 Non-HK and 50 HK posts.
2. What is the educational qualification?
Candidates must have passed SSLC or an equivalent recognised Class 10 examination.
3. What is the salary for Forest Watcher posts?
The prescribed pay scale is ₹27,500 to ₹46,675.
4. What is the last date to apply?
The latest deadline displayed on the official recruitment portal is 15 November 2026.
5. Is there a written examination?
The notified selection process focuses on SSLC merit and physical tests rather than a conventional written examination.
6. Where can candidates apply online?
Candidates can submit their applications through the official portal at https://recruitment.aranya.gov.in/candidate/login.
Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026 is a valuable opportunity for SSLC-qualified candidates who are interested in securing a government job in Karnataka. With 750 Forest Watcher vacancies, an attractive pay scale and a selection process based on academic merit and physical fitness, eligible applicants should carefully review the official notification and complete their applications within the extended deadline of 15 November 2026.
Before applying, always verify the latest instructions, eligibility requirements and reservation conditions through the official Karnataka Forest Department recruitment portal.