Karnataka Forest Department Group D Recruitment 2026 – Overview
The Karnataka Forest Department Group D Recruitment 2026 notification has been released for the recruitment of 675 Forest Observer (Group 'D') posts across Karnataka. The recruitment is being conducted by the Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests and Selection Authority.
Candidates who have passed SSLC (Class 10) or an equivalent examination can apply for this recruitment. The application process will be conducted online through the official Karnataka Forest Department website. The online application process will start on 01 August 2026 and the last date to apply is 31 August 2026.
There is no written examination for the Forest Observer post. Candidates will be shortlisted through a merit list based on SSLC or equivalent examination marks. Shortlisted candidates will then have to appear for the Physical Standard Test, Physical Endurance Test and Physical Efficiency Test.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Karnataka Forest Department (Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests & Selection Authority) |
| Post Name | Forest Observer, Group 'D' |
| Total Vacancies | 675 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | aranya.gov.in |
Karnataka Forest Observer Important Dates 2026
Candidates should check all Karnataka Forest Observer Important Dates 2026 before applying. The online application window will open on 01 August 2026 and candidates can submit their applications until 31 August 2026.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 20 July 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 01 August 2026 at 00:00:01 |
| Online Application Last Date | 31 August 2026 at 23:59:59 |
| Last Date to Pay Application Fee | 02 September 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | Not specified in the notification |
| Exam/Test Date | Not specified in the notification; will be announced on the official website |
Karnataka Forest Observer Application Fee 2026
The Karnataka Forest Observer Application Fee 2026 depends on the category and gender of the candidate. Candidates belonging to the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category are exempted from paying the application fee.
The application fee can be paid online through UPI, NEFT, Credit Card, Debit Card or Internet Banking. Candidates who want to pay the fee in cash can select the cash payment option during the online application process and download the generated challan.
Cash payment can be made at any branch of State Bank of India, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India or Central Bank of India. No other payment method such as DD, cheque or postal order will be accepted.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B – Male | Rs. 200/- |
| General / Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B – Female / Third Gender | Rs. 100/- |
| SC / ST / Category-I – Male | Rs. 100/- |
| SC / ST / Category-I – Female / Third Gender | Rs. 50/- |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | Exempted from Application Fee |
Karnataka Forest Observer Age Limit and Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates should check the Karnataka Forest Observer Age Limit and Eligibility Criteria 2026 before filling out the application form.
- The candidate must be an Indian citizen.
- The minimum age is 18 years as on the date of notification.
- The maximum age limit for General/Unreserved category candidates is 30 years.
- The maximum age limit for Category 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B candidates is 32 years.
- The maximum age limit for SC, ST and Category-I candidates is 33 years.
- A one-time 5-year relaxation in the maximum age limit has been granted to all category candidates under the Government Order dated 29 January 2026. This relaxation applies to recruitment notifications issued up to 31 December 2027.
- For ex-servicemen, the maximum age limit applicable to their category will be increased by the number of years of service rendered in the armed forces plus 3 years.
- Existing Forest Observers who have completed at least 5 years of continuous service in the Forest Department and are currently serving on honorarium are eligible under separate higher age limits.
- The candidate must be mentally and physically fit.
- The candidate should not have any physical defect that may affect the efficient performance of duties.
- The Selection Authority can reject a candidate who is found medically unfit based on the Medical Board's report.
- A male candidate having more than one living wife, or a woman who has married a man who already has a wife, is not eligible without prior permission of the Government.
Age Limit for Existing Forest Observers:
- General: 40 years
- Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B: 42 years
- SC/ST/Category-I: 43 years
Karnataka Forest Observer Total Vacancies 2026 – Post Details
The Karnataka Forest Observer Total Vacancies 2026 include a total of 675 Forest Observer (Group 'D') posts across different forest circles in Karnataka.
| Vacancy Details | Total Posts |
|---|---|
| Forest Observer (Group 'D') | 675 |
Karnataka Forest Observer Educational Qualification 2026
The Karnataka Forest Observer Educational Qualification 2026 requires candidates to have passed the SSLC examination conducted by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board or an equivalent Class 10 qualification.
| Post Name | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Forest Observer, Group 'D' | Passed SSLC (Class 10) or an equivalent examination |
The following qualifications are recognised as equivalent to SSLC:
- Class 10 examination conducted by CBSE or ICSE boards.
- Class 10 examination conducted by the education boards of other State Governments.
- Secondary-level course conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
- Secondary-level course (KOS) conducted by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board.
Candidates who do not have the required qualification by the last date fixed for submission of the application are not eligible. Candidates who apply and appear in the recruitment process while waiting for their SSLC or equivalent examination result are also not eligible.
Karnataka Forest Observer Salary and Pay Scale 2026
The Karnataka Forest Observer Salary and Pay Scale 2026 will be provided as per the Karnataka Civil Services pay scale.
| Salary Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Forest Observer, Group 'D' |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 29,600-725-32,500-800-35,700-900-39,300-1,000-43,300-1,125-47,800-1,250-52,800 |
| In-Hand Salary | Not specified in the notification |
| Grade Pay / Level | Not specified in the notification |
| Probation Period | Not specified in the notification |
Karnataka Forest Observer Selection Process 2026
The Karnataka Forest Observer Selection Process 2026 does not include any written examination. Candidates will be selected through merit and physical tests.
- Merit List: A category-wise merit list will be prepared based on the marks obtained in SSLC or an equivalent qualifying examination.
- Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted in the ratio of 1:20 against the number of available posts.
- Physical Standard Test (PST): Shortlisted candidates will be checked against the required physical standards.
- Physical Endurance Test: Candidates who clear the Physical Standard Test will appear for the endurance test.
- Physical Efficiency Test: Eligible candidates will also have to clear the physical efficiency test.
- Final Selection List: The final category-wise selection list will be prepared in the ratio of 1:1 based on performance in the required selection stages.
Physical Standards for Male Candidates
| Physical Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height – All Other Category Candidates | Minimum 163 cm |
| Chest – All Other Category Candidates | Minimum 79 cm normal chest with 5 cm expansion |
| Height – Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe Candidates | Minimum 152 cm |
| Chest – Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe Candidates | Minimum 74 cm normal chest with 5 cm expansion |
Physical Standards for Female Candidates
| Physical Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height – All Other Category Candidates | Minimum 150 cm |
| Weight – All Other Category Candidates | Minimum 40 kg |
| Height – Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe Candidates | Minimum 145 cm |
| Weight – Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe Candidates | Minimum 38 kg |
The male physical standards apply to third-gender candidates who identify as male, while the female physical standards apply to third-gender candidates who identify as female.
Candidates with physical defects such as knock-knees, bow legs, flat feet, varicose veins, impediment in speech and hearing, hydrocele for male candidates, defective vision, colour blindness or night blindness may be disqualified from selection.
Karnataka Forest Observer Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026
The Karnataka Forest Observer Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026 is different from regular written examination recruitments because there is no written examination for this post.
- There is no CBT or written examination.
- No written exam question paper is prescribed in the notification.
- No separate written exam syllabus is mentioned in the notification.
- The merit list will be prepared using SSLC or equivalent examination marks.
- Shortlisted candidates will appear for the Physical Standard Test (PST).
- Candidates who qualify the PST will undergo Physical Endurance and Efficiency Tests.
- The final selection will be made based on the prescribed selection process.
How to Apply for Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 Online
Candidates can follow the steps below to complete the Karnataka Forest Observer Apply Online 2026 process:
- Visit the official Karnataka Forest Department website at aranya.gov.in.
- Go to the Recruitment section available at the bottom of the homepage.
- Read the Karnataka Forest Department Services (Recruitment) (Amendment) Rules, 2019 carefully before applying.
- Register and open the online application form.
- Enter your personal, educational and category details correctly.
- Upload the required certificates and documents as asked in the online application form.
- Pay the applicable application fee through the available payment options.
- If you want to pay the fee in cash, select the cash option and generate the required challan.
- Review all details carefully before submitting the application.
- Submit the application form online.
- Save or print a copy of the completed application form for future reference.
Important: Once the application is submitted, corrections or additions will not be allowed. Applications sent by post, courier, speed post, ordinary mail, email or submitted in person will not be considered.
Karnataka Forest Observer Important Instructions 2026
Candidates should carefully follow these Karnataka Forest Observer Important Instructions 2026 before applying:
- Candidates must use only their own Aadhaar (UID) number while submitting the application. Using another person's Aadhaar number can lead to rejection of the application and a 10-year debarment from Karnataka Forest Department recruitments.
- The certificates and documents uploaded during the application process will be considered at every stage of the selection process and cannot be changed later.
- Candidates claiming Local Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe reservation must fill in the relevant reservation details carefully.
- Candidates dismissed from any Central or State Government department or government/quasi-government body are not eligible for this recruitment.
- Candidates involved in anti-social activities or found guilty of an offence are not eligible.
- Candidates temporarily or permanently debarred from appearing in any government examination or selection are not eligible for Forest Department recruitment.
- Submission of fake documents, impersonation or furnishing false information can result in cancellation of candidature, criminal proceedings and a 10-year debarment from Karnataka Forest Department recruitment.
- Candidates must keep the mobile number and email ID provided in the application active until the recruitment process is completed.
- The number of vacancies and reservation categories may be changed. Any changes will be published on the official website.
- Selected candidates will be governed by the Contributory Pension Scheme as per the applicable Government Order.
- The decision of the Selection Authority regarding the selection process will be final.
- Legal disputes related to the recruitment will fall under the jurisdiction of the Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal.
Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 Important Links
Candidates can use the following Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 Important Links to apply online, check the official notification and get the latest recruitment updates.
| Link Description | URL |
|---|---|
| Apply Online for Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 | Apply Online |
| Download Official Karnataka Forest Observer Notification PDF | Download Notification PDF |
| Visit Karnataka Forest Department Official Website | Visit Official Website |
| Join Telegram Channel for Instant Government Job Updates | Join Telegram Channel |
| Join WhatsApp Channel for Latest Government Job Alerts | Join WhatsApp Channel |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are available in Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026?
A total of 675 Forest Observer (Group 'D') vacancies are available under the Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026.
What is the qualification for Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must have passed SSLC (Class 10) or an equivalent examination recognised under the recruitment notification.
What is the last date to apply for Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 31 August 2026, while the last date to pay the application fee is 02 September 2026.
Is there a written exam for Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026?
No, there is no written examination. Candidates will be shortlisted based on SSLC or equivalent marks and will then appear for physical tests.
What is the salary of a Karnataka Forest Observer?
The Karnataka Forest Observer salary is based on a pay scale of Rs. 29,600 to Rs. 52,800 as mentioned in the recruitment notification.