The Karnataka Forest Department (KFD), Government of Karnataka has notified direct recruitment for 750 Forest Observer (Forest Watcher — Group D, Aranya Veekshaka) posts across 13 forest circles of Karnataka (Ref: No. KFD/HOFF/B9(RCT)/5/2026-PnR dated 30 June 2026). Of the 750 posts, 700 are in the regular cadre (Non-HK) and 50 are in the Kalyana Karnataka (HK) region. The online application window opened on 1 August 2026 and has since been extended. As per the latest extension letter dated 29 September 2026, the last date to apply online is now 30 October 2026. Candidates who have passed SSLC (Class 10) or an equivalent examination can apply at aranya.gov.in. There is no written examination — selection is based on Physical Standard Test, Physical Endurance Test, Physical Efficiency Test and a merit list based on SSLC marks.
Important Note: Three things every candidate must know. First, all documents — SSLC marks card, caste certificate, reservation certificates and all others — must be uploaded at the time of applying online. Documents cannot be added, changed or supplemented at any later stage. If you claim a reservation but do not upload the prescribed certificate, you will not be considered for that reservation. Second, your own Aadhaar (UID) number is mandatory. Using another person’s Aadhaar number leads to rejection and a 10-year debarment from KFD recruitment. Third, for the 11 specified wildlife divisions and tiger reserves, 50% of the vacancies in 8 circles are reserved for Local Forest Dwelling Tribes (ST-LFDT). If you belong to the listed tribes and studied in the area of the relevant division or reserve, select the ST-LFDT reservation carefully in the application — errors are the candidate’s responsibility.
KFD Forest Observer Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Karnataka Forest Department (KFD), Government of Karnataka |
| Notification Reference | No. KFD/HOFF/B9(RCT)/5/2026-PnR dated 30 June 2026 |
| Post | Forest Observer (Forest Watcher — Group D / Aranya Veekshaka) |
| Total Vacancies | 750 (700 Non-HK + 50 HK/Kalyana Karnataka) |
| Forest Circles | 13 |
| Minimum Qualification | SSLC (Class 10) or equivalent |
| Minimum Age | 18 years (on notification date) |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 27,500 to Rs. 46,675 (with increments) |
| Pension | Contributory Pension Scheme |
| Application Mode | Online only at aranya.gov.in |
| Application Start Date | 1 August 2026 |
| Extended Last Date | 30 October 2026 |
| Selection | PST + PET + PEfT + SSLC merit (No written exam) |
| Official Website | aranya.gov.in |
KFD Forest Observer Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 30 June 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 1 August 2026 |
| Original Last Date | 31 August 2026 |
| First Extension | 1 to 7 September 2026 (technical reasons) |
| Second Extension | Up to 30 September 2026 |
| Latest Extended Last Date | 30 October 2026 |
| Fee Payment | Check aranya.gov.in for current deadline |
| Provisional Shortlist for Physical Tests | To be published on aranya.gov.in |
| Physical Tests | To be announced on aranya.gov.in |
KFD Forest Observer Recruitment 2026: Circle-wise Vacancies
| Circle | Posts |
|---|---|
| Bengaluru | 70 (Non-HK) |
| Belagavi | 42 (Non-HK) |
| Ballari | 63 (17 Non-HK + 46 HK) |
| Chamarajanagar | 169 (Non-HK) |
| Chikkamagaluru | 56 (Non-HK) |
| Dharwad | 12 (Non-HK) |
| Hassan | 30 (Non-HK) |
| Kanara | 60 (Non-HK) |
| Kodagu | 32 (Non-HK) |
| Kalaburagi | 4 (HK) |
| Mangaluru | 54 (Non-HK) |
| Mysuru | 120 (Non-HK) |
| Shivamogga | 38 (Non-HK) |
| Total | 750 (700 Non-HK + 50 HK) |
The largest single allocations are Chamarajanagar circle (169 posts), Mysuru circle (120 posts) and Bengaluru circle (70 posts), driven by major tiger reserves and wildlife divisions in these areas.
KFD Forest Observer Recruitment 2026: Eligibility
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification | SSLC or equivalent (Karnataka Board, CBSE, ICSE, other State Boards, NIOS or KOS) |
| Marks | Must hold marks card as on last date to apply |
| Aadhaar | Mandatory (own Aadhaar only) |
| Nationality | Indian citizen |
| Kannada | Candidates who did not study Kannada must pass a departmental Kannada test before final appointment |
KFD Forest Observer Recruitment 2026: Age Limit
| Category | Maximum Age (with 5-year one-time relaxation) |
|---|---|
| General | 30 years |
| Category IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB (Backward Classes) | 32 years |
| SC, ST and Category-I | 33 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Category upper limit + years of service + 3 years |
| Forest Preraks (General, with 5+ years service) | 40 years |
| Forest Preraks (Category IIA/IIB/IIIA/IIIB) | 42 years |
| Forest Preraks (SC/ST/Cat-I) | 43 years |
Note: A one-time relaxation of 5 years has already been included in the limits above (per Government order dated 29.01.2026 for notifications issued up to 31.12.2027).
KFD Forest Observer Recruitment 2026: Application Fee
| Category | Male | Female and Third Gender |
|---|---|---|
| General, Category IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB | Rs. 200 | Rs. 100 |
| SC, ST, Category-I | Rs. 100 | Rs. 50 |
| Persons with Disabilities | Nil | Nil |
Fee is non-refundable. Payment modes: online (UPI, NEFT, credit/debit card, net banking) or cash at SBI/Canara Bank/Union Bank/Central Bank branches via challan. Demand drafts, cheques or postal orders are not accepted.
KFD Forest Observer Recruitment 2026: Pay Scale
| Details | Scale |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Starting Pay | Rs. 27,500 per month |
| Pension | Contributory Pension Scheme |
KFD Forest Observer Recruitment 2026: Selection Process
No written examination. Selection is entirely based on physical tests and SSLC marks.
Stage 1: Screening of Online Applications
Applications are verified. Incomplete or incorrect applications are rejected.
Stage 2: Provisional Shortlist for Physical Tests (1:20 ratio)
Candidates shortlisted in the ratio of 20 candidates per vacancy, based on SSLC marks. Published on aranya.gov.in.
Stage 3: Physical Standard Test (PST)
| Measurement | Male (General) | Male (Forest Dwelling ST) | Female (General) | Female (Forest Dwelling ST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 163 cm (min) | 152 cm (min) | 150 cm (min) | 145 cm (min) |
| Chest (normal) | 79 cm (min) | 74 cm (min) | – | – |
| Chest expansion | 5 cm (min) | 5 cm (min) | – | – |
| Weight | – | – | 40 kg (min) | 38 kg (min) |
Disqualifying physical defects: knock-knees, bow legs, flat feet, varicose veins, speech or hearing impediment, hydrocele (men), colour blindness, night blindness, squint or any abnormal eye/eyelid condition.
Vision standards: Better eye 6/6 m (distant), 0/6 m (near); Worse eye 6/9 m (distant), 0/8 m (near).
Stage 4: Physical Endurance Test (PET)
| Candidate | Event | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,600 metres run | 7 minutes |
| Female and Ex-Servicemen | 1,000 metres run | 6 minutes |
Stage 5: Physical Efficiency Test (PEfT)
Must qualify in at least 3 of the 5 events:
| Event | Male | Female/Ex-Servicemen |
|---|---|---|
| 100 m run | 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/8 lb) | 5.60 m | 3.76 m |
| 800 m run (M) / 200 m run (F) | 2 min 50 sec | 40 seconds |
Stage 6: Merit List
Prepared from SSLC marks of candidates who qualified in PET and PEfT. Older candidate ranks above younger on equal marks.
Stage 7: Document Verification, Medical Examination and Kannada Test
Candidates on provisional list called for document verification. Kannada language test for those who did not study Kannada in Class 10.
Stage 8: Final Selection List (1:1)
Published on aranya.gov.in. Based on SSLC marks and reservation rules.
KFD Forest Observer Recruitment 2026: ST-LFDT Reservation
50% of Forest Observer vacancies in 11 specified wildlife divisions/tiger reserves in 8 circles are reserved for Local Forest Dwelling Tribes (ST-LFDT). Applicable divisions: Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, BRT Tiger Reserve (Chamarajanagar), Cauvery Wildlife Division (Kanakapura), Bhadra Tiger Reserve (Chikkamagaluru), Kudremukh Wildlife Division (Karkala), Madikeri Wildlife Division, MM Hills Wildlife Division (Kollegal), Bannerughatta Wildlife Division (Bengaluru), Kali Tiger Reserve (Dandeli) and Shivamogga Wildlife Division.
Eligible tribes: Jenu Kuruba, Kadu Kuruba, Hakkipikki, Soliga, Soligaru, Yerava, Gowdlu, Irular, Iruliga, Koraga, Melakudi, Malaikudi, Maleru, Meda and Thoda.
Candidate must have studied for at least one year (Classes 1 to 12) in the taluks where the relevant division/reserve is located. Must upload Form-2 (from school headmaster, countersigned by BEO) and Tahsildar residence certificate.
KFD Forest Observer Recruitment 2026: PwBD Eligibility
Only the following disability categories are eligible for this Group D post (as per Government notification dated 19 August 2023):
- LC (Leprosy Cured)
- AAV (Acid Attack Victims)
- MI (Mental Illness)
Minimum 40% disability required. No other disability category is eligible.
Important Instructions
- Apply online only. No postal, email or hand applications.
- Own Aadhaar (UID) number mandatory. Using another person’s = 10-year debarment.
- All certificates must be uploaded at the time of application — they cannot be changed later.
- Candidates in government/PSU service must obtain NOC before appointment.
- Dismissed government employees are not eligible.
- No second chance if physical test is missed, failed or not completed for any reason.
- Physical test results are final. Appeal to medical board within 7 days of disqualification.
- Debarred candidates (from any Central/State recruitment) are not eligible.
- Legal disputes: Karnataka State judiciary jurisdiction.
How to Apply for KFD Forest Observer Recruitment 2026
- Visit aranya.gov.in and go to the Nemakati (Recruitment) section.
- Read the full notification and the KFD Recruitment Rules carefully.
- Fill in the online application form with your own Aadhaar number.
- Scan and upload all required certificates (SSLC marks card, caste certificate, reservation certificates etc.) in the prescribed format.
- Submit the application and pay the fee online (UPI/NEFT/card/net banking) or by cash challan at SBI/Canara Bank/Union Bank/Central Bank branches.
- Print and retain the online application and fee receipt.
- Apply before 30 October 2026.
KFD Forest Observer Recruitment 2026: Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Extension Letter PDF (29 Sep 2026) | Click Here |
| KFD Official Website | Click Here |
KFD Forest Observer Recruitment 2026: FAQs
Q1. How many posts are in KFD Forest Observer Recruitment 2026?
750 posts: 700 in the regular cadre (Non-HK) and 50 in the Kalyana Karnataka (HK) region, across 13 forest circles.
Q2. What is the last date to apply?
30 October 2026 (extended from the original 31 August 2026 via two further extensions). Check aranya.gov.in for the current fee payment deadline.
Q3. Is there a written examination?
No. Selection is based on Physical Standard Test, Physical Endurance Test, Physical Efficiency Test and a merit list based on SSLC marks.
Q4. What is the minimum qualification?
SSLC (Class 10) or equivalent from Karnataka Board, CBSE, ICSE, other State Boards, NIOS or KOS.
Q5. What is the pay?
Rs. 27,500 per month at the start, rising to Rs. 46,675 as per the pay scale increments.
Q6. What is the application fee?
General/Backward Class males: Rs. 200. General/Backward Class females and third gender: Rs. 100. SC/ST/Cat-I males: Rs. 100. SC/ST/Cat-I females and third gender: Rs. 50. PwBD: Nil.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is based on the official KFD Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 notification (No. KFD/HOFF/B9(RCT)/5/2026-PnR dated 30 June 2026) and the extension letter dated 29 September 2026 published on aranya.gov.in. The fee payment deadline for the extended period must be verified from aranya.gov.in. JobShouter is not associated with the Karnataka Forest Department or the Government of Karnataka. This article is for informational purposes only.
