Karnataka Forest Department Group D Recruitment 2026 Notification Out For 675 Posts

Karnataka Forest Department has released the Forest Department Group D Recruitment 2026 notification for 675 Forest Observer posts across various forest circles in the state, targeting Class 10-passed candidates looking for entry-level government jobs in the forest sector. Interested applicants can submit their application through the department’s official website.

Karnataka Forest Department Group D 2026 Notification

This Recruitment drive has been announced by the Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests to strengthen the state’s forest protection workforce. Selected candidates will be appointed as Forest Observers (Group D) in different forest circles across Karnataka. The notification contains complete information regarding eligibility, reservation, age criteria, application process, and selection procedure.

Forest Department Group D PDF – Download Now

Karnataka Forest Observer recruitment 2026: Overview

The Karnataka Group D recruitment includes important details regarding the exam such as vacancy details, eligibility, age limit, important dates, 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.

Karnataka Forest Observer Vacancy 2026

The Karnataka Forest Department has announced a total of 675 vacancies for the post of Forest Observer (Group D). These vacancies are distributed across multiple forest circles, including:

What is the Last Date To Apply Online 2026?

The online application window for Karnataka Forest Department Group D Recruitment 2026 will remain open until 31 August 2026. Candidates can submit their applications from 1 August 2026, while the last date to pay the application fee is 2 September 2026. To get more important event dates, candidates can refer to the table below.

What are the Application Fee?

For the Karnataka Forest Department Group D 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:

What are the Eligibility Criteria?

For the Karnataka Forest Observer (Group D) Recruitment 2026, the main eligibility criteria cover education, age, physical standards, and other basic conditions.

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.

Step to Apply Online for Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026

Candidates can follow these steps to apply:

1. Visit the official Karnataka Forest Department website.
2. Open the Group D Recruitment 2026 application link.
3. Complete the registration process.
4. Fill in the online application form carefully.
5. Upload the required documents, photograph, and signature.
6. Pay the application fee online.
7. Submit the application form.
8. Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

Document Required while filling the Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026

Applicants should keep the following documents ready:

• 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 Observer Selection Process

The Karnataka Forest Department will conduct the recruitment through multiple stages, which may include:

• Preparation of provisional merit list based on SSLC (Class 10) marks only, circle‑wise.
• Shortlisting of candidates from this list (for example, in around 1:20 ratio) for physical tests.
• Physical Standard Test (PST) to check height, chest (for males), weight and other prescribed physical norms.
• Physical Endurance / Physical Efficiency Test (PET) such as running or walking over a fixed distance within a given time.
• Medical examination to ensure fitness for strenuous forest duties, including eyesight and general health.
• Document verification of age, education, caste/category and other required certificates before final appointment.
• Final selection list prepared using SSLC marks of candidates who qualify in all physical and medical stages; no written exam is held for these Group D Forest Observer/Watcher posts.

Important Instruction for Karnataka Group D Recruitment 2026

• Read the official notification before applying.
• Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
• Fill in accurate details in the application form.
• Upload the required documents in the prescribed format.
• Submit the application before the last date.
• Pay the application fee (if applicable) on time.
• Keep a printout of the submitted application for future reference.
• Visit the official website regularly for the latest updates.