Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 675 Posts, Last Date 31 Aug

The Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026 notification has been released for 675 Forest Observer (Group D) posts. The recruitment drive offers an opportunity for candidates who have passed the SSLC/Class 10 examination to join the Karnataka Forest Department.
The online application process started on 1 August 2026, and The last date to apply online is 31 August 2026, while the application fee can be paid up to 2 September 2026. Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official Karnataka Forest Department recruitment portal. Candidates can check the vacancy details, eligibility, physical standards, application process, selection process, and other important details below.

Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026 Notification Out

The Forest Department Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF was released on 20 July 2026. The notification contains details regarding vacancies, educational qualification, age limit, physical standards, application fee, selection process, reservation and other conditions.

Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026 Overview

The Forest Department recruitment 2026 includes important details about the exam, such as vacancies, eligibility, age limits, key dates, the selection process, application fees, and more. These posts fall under the Group D category and are primarily field-level positions responsible for ground-level forest protection and support activities.

Forest Department Recruitment 2026 Important Dates

Candidates should keep track of the following dates to avoid missing any stage of the recruitment process.

Karnataka Forest Observer Vacancy 2026

A total of 675 Forest Observer vacancies have been announced across different forest circles of Karnataka. Candidates should select the applicable forest circle while applying and check the corresponding notification for vacancy and eligibility details.

Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must fulfil the prescribed educational, age and physical requirements to apply for the Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026.

Educational qualification

• Candidates must have passed SSLC (Class 10) or an equivalent examination from a recognized board such as the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board, CBSE, ICSE, or NIOS.
• Candidates awaiting their Class 10/SSLC results as on the last date of application are not eligible to apply.

Age limit

• Maximum age for General (GM) category candidates is 30 years as per the Forest Observer notification.
• Relaxations apply: up to 32 years for Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B and up to 33 years for SC/ST/Category‑I, with additional relaxation as per the latest Government Order (including a one‑time 5‑year relaxation mentioned in 2026).
• Exact age will be calculated with reference to the date specified in the notification (usually the notification date).

Physical standards

• Male candidates: For all other candidates, minimum height 163 cm; chest 79 cm with at least 5 cm expansion and for Scheduled Tribe candidates minimum height 152 cm; chest 74 cm at least 5 cm expansion.
• Female candidates:  For all other Candidates minimum height 150 cm with minimum weight 40 kg and for Scheduled Tribe candidates minimum height 145 cm with minimum weight 38 kg.
• Candidates must also satisfy medical norms (eyesight, hearing, absence of disabling conditions) suitable for field duties in forest areas.

Other essential conditions

• Candidates must be physically fit to undergo Physical Standard Test (PST), Physical Endurance Test (PET) and efficiency tests, which are mandatory stages of selection.
• Selection is based on SSLC/10th marks merit list followed by PST, PET and medical/document verification; there is no written examination for these Group D Forest Observer/Watcher posts.

What is the Application Fee?

For the Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026, the application fee structure is category-wise and also differs by gender categories. As per the latest recruitment details for Forest Observer posts in 2026, the fee is as follows:

Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026 Apply Online

The Forest Department Recruitment 2026 Apply Online process is active for 675 Forest Observer posts. Eligible candidates can submit the application form from 1 August to 31 August 2026. The last date to pay the application fee is 2 September 2026.

Forest Department Recruitment 2026 – Apply Link

Steps to Apply Online for KFD Recruitment 2026

Candidates can follow these steps to complete the online application:

1. Visit the official Karnataka Forest Department website.
2. Open the Recruitment/Group D Recruitment 2026 section.
3. Click on the Forest Observer recruitment application link.
4. Complete the registration process using the required details.
5. Fill in the application form carefully.
6. Upload the photograph, signature and required documents.
7. Pay the application fee according to the category.
8. Submit the application form.
9. Download and save the confirmation page.
10. Take a printout of the application form for future reference.
11. Documents Required To Upload

Documents Required for KFD Recruitment 2026

• SSLC/Class 10 Mark Sheet
• Aadhaar Card or other ID proof
• Passport-size Photograph
• Signature
• Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• Income Certificate (if applicable)
• Other supporting documents mentioned in the notification

Karnataka Forest Watcher Selection Process

The Karnataka Forest Department Selection Process 2026 does not include a written examination for these Forest Observer/Group D posts. Candidates are shortlisted on the basis of their SSLC marks and must qualify the prescribed physical and verification stages.

The selection process includes:

1. SSLC Merit List: Candidates are shortlisted based on their Class 10/SSLC marks.
2. Physical Standard Test (PST): Candidates’ prescribed physical standards are checked.
3. Physical Endurance/Efficiency Test: Shortlisted candidates have to qualify in the required physical activities.
4. Document Verification: Original educational, age, category and other required documents are verified.
5. Final Merit List: Candidates who qualify all the required stages are considered for final selection.

Why Apply for Forest Department Recruitment 2026?

The Karnataka Forest Department offers secure government employment with competitive pay, regular promotions, retirement benefits, and the opportunity to contribute to forest conservation and environmental protection. With 675 vacancies, this recruitment provides a significant opportunity for eligible candidates across the state.

KFD Recruitment 2026 PET Details

Candidates shortlisted for the physical tests must meet the prescribed endurance and efficiency standards.

Physical Standered Test

Physical Endurance Test (Running)

• Male Candidates:1600 metres run in 7 minutes.
• Female & Ex-Servicemen:1000 metres run in 6 minutes.

Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

Candidates are required to qualify in the prescribed physical efficiency activities. The key standards include:

What Is The Salary Package?

The selected candidates for the Karnataka Forest Department Forest Observer (Group D) post will receive a salary as per the prescribed Karnataka Government pay scale. The basic pay ranges from ₹29,600 to ₹52,800. Candidates can check the salary details below.