Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026 Out For 675 KFD Posts, Last Date Extended at aranya.gov.in

Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026 last date is today, September 7, 2026. The Karnataka Forest Department has extended the deadline for the online application for Forest Watcher (Group D) posts. The recruitment covers 675 vacancies in the circle-wise notifications listed below, and eligible candidates who have passed SSLC/Class 10 can apply through the official recruitment portal. Candidates should complete their application before the deadline and check the latest vacancy, eligibility, physical standards, application fee, selection process and salary details below.

Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026 Notification Out

The Karnataka Forest Department released circle-wise notifications for the recruitment of Forest Watchers (Group D) for 2026-27. The notifications contain details about vacancies, eligibility, age limit, physical standards, application fee, selection process and other conditions. The department has also issued notices confirming the extension of the application deadline to 7 September 2026 for the participating forest circles.

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 Watcher vacancies are available across 11 forest circles. The circle-wise vacancy details are given below.

Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026 Apply Online – Last Date Today

The Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026 apply online link is active on the official portal. The last date to apply is today, September 7, 2026. Eligible candidates should complete registration, provide the required details, and upload the necessary documents. Please submit your application before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.

Forest Department Recruitment 2026 – Apply Link

Steps to Apply Online for KFD Recruitment 2026

Eligible candidates can follow the steps below to complete the KFD Recruitment 2026 online application process:

1. Visit the official Karnataka Forest Department recruitment portal at aranya.gov.in.
2. Open the recruitment section and select the Forest Observer/Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026 application link.
3. Complete the registration process by entering the required details.
4. Log in using the registration ID and other required credentials.
5. Fill in the application form with personal, educational and other details.
6. Upload the required photograph, signature and supporting documents in the prescribed format.
7. Pay the applicable application fee through the available online payment mode.
8. Carefully verify all the details entered in the application form before submission.
9. Submit the application form within the prescribed deadline.
10. Download and save the submitted application/acknowledgement for future reference.

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

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 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.

Karnataka Forest Watcher Selection Process

There is no written examination for the Forest Watcher recruitment. Candidates are shortlisted based on their SSLC marks and then required to qualify the prescribed physical tests and document verification.

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?

Selected candidates for the Forest Watcher Group D post will receive a pay scale of ₹29,600–₹52,800 as prescribed under the Karnataka Government pay structure. Allowances and deductions will depend on government rules and the place of posting.

DA, HRA, gross salary and in-hand salary can vary based on the applicable rates, posting location and deductions.