 |
| Karnataka Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 675 Forest Watcher Posts |
Karnataka Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 675 Forest Watcher Posts
Current Status: Open
Karnataka Forest Department Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026 is a major opportunity for candidates who have passed SSLC or Class 10 and are interested in outdoor government service. The recruitment is being conducted through circle-wise notifications, with the provided vacancy figure standing at 675 Forest Watcher / Forest Observer posts.
The selection process does not include a written competitive examination. Candidates are shortlisted on the basis of SSLC marks and then required to qualify the prescribed physical standards, endurance and efficiency tests. Eligible candidates should check the notification applicable to their recruitment circle before submitting the application.
Karnataka Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Karnataka Forest Department |
| Post Name | Forest Watcher / Forest Observer |
| Post Group | Group D |
| Total Vacancies | 675 as per the supplied circle-wise vacancy data |
| Job Type | Regular Government Service |
| Qualification | SSLC / Class 10 or equivalent |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start | 01 August 2026 |
| Last Date | 31 August 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 02 September 2026 |
| Salary | ₹29,600 – ₹52,800 |
| Selection | SSLC Merit + PST + PET / Physical Efficiency Tests |
| Job Location | Various Forest Circles, Karnataka |
| Official Website | aranya.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification / Circle Notifications | 20 July 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 01 August 2026 |
| Online Application Ends | 31 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 02 September 2026 |
| Admit Card / Physical Test Schedule | To be announced |
Candidates should not wait until the closing day to complete the application. The relevant circle notification should also be checked for any circle-specific instructions.
Karnataka Forest Watcher Vacancy & Eligibility 2026
The supplied recruitment information covers 675 Forest Watcher / Forest Observer vacancies. The vacancies are distributed among different forest circles in Karnataka.
| Forest Circle | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Chamarajanagar Circle | 159 |
| Mysore Circle | 121 |
| Bangalore Circle | 82 |
| Bellary Circle | 64 |
| Chikkamagaluru Circle | 60 |
| Mangalore Circle | 54 |
| Shimoga Circle | 44 |
| Belgaum Circle | 42 |
| Hassan Circle | 31 |
| Dharwad Circle | 12 |
| Kalaburgi Circle | 6 |
| Total | 675 |
Educational Qualification
Candidates should have passed SSLC / Class 10 or an equivalent examination from a recognised board. The supplied information includes Karnataka SSLC, CBSE, ICSE, NIOS and other recognised equivalent qualifications.
The required qualification should be possessed by the last date prescribed for submitting the application. Candidates awaiting their qualifying result should not rely on the recruitment unless the applicable official notification specifically permits them.
Who Should Apply?
- Candidates who have passed SSLC / Class 10 or an accepted equivalent qualification.
- Applicants interested in field-based forest and outdoor government work.
- Candidates who can meet the prescribed physical standards and physical tests.
- Eligible candidates belonging to reserved or special categories should check the applicable circle notification for reservation and relaxation provisions.
Who Should Not Apply?
- Candidates who have not passed the required SSLC or equivalent qualification.
- Applicants holding an unrecognised educational qualification.
- Candidates who do not satisfy the prescribed age requirements.
- Applicants unable to meet the applicable physical standards or physical tests.
Karnataka Forest Watcher Age Limit 2026
The supplied information gives the following maximum age limits, with a one-time five-year relaxation mentioned in the recruitment details. Candidates must verify their exact eligibility from the relevant official circle notification.
| Category | Maximum Age | With One-Time 5-Year Relaxation |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 30 years | 35 years |
| Category 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B | 32 years | 37 years |
| SC / ST / Category-I | 33 years | 38 years |
| Existing Forest Observers with qualifying service | As prescribed | As per applicable rules |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per applicable rules | Service-related relaxation may apply |
Minimum age: 18 years, subject to the applicable recruitment conditions.
Karnataka Forest Watcher Salary 2026
| Salary / Pay Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale | ₹29,600 – ₹52,800 |
| Service Type | Regular Government Service |
| Pay Structure | ₹29,600 – 725 – ₹32,500 – 800 – ₹35,700 – 900 – ₹39,300 – 1,000 – ₹43,300 – 1,125 – ₹47,800 – 1,250 – ₹52,800 |
The stated pay scale is ₹29,600 to ₹52,800. The actual monthly salary received by a selected candidate will depend on applicable government allowances, deductions, posting location and other service conditions.
Any unofficial in-hand salary estimate should therefore be treated only as an estimate and not as a guaranteed salary figure.
Application Fee
| Category | Male | Female / Third Gender |
|---|---|---|
| General / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B | ₹200 | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / Category-I | ₹100 | ₹50 |
| PwBD | Exempt | Exempt |
The supplied information states that the fee may be paid through the prescribed online or challan payment process. The fee is non-refundable according to the provided recruitment details.
Karnataka Forest Watcher Selection Process 2026
There is no written competitive examination mentioned for this recruitment. Selection is based on merit and physical assessment.
- SSLC Merit: Candidates are shortlisted on the basis of marks obtained in SSLC or the accepted equivalent qualification.
- Physical Standard Test (PST): Shortlisted candidates undergo the prescribed physical measurements.
- Physical Endurance / Efficiency Tests: Candidates must qualify in the prescribed physical tests.
- Document Verification: Original certificates and eligibility documents are checked.
- Final Selection: Eligible candidates are considered according to the applicable recruitment rules and merit.
Physical Standards
The supplied recruitment information gives the following standards for the Forest Watcher selection process:
| Standard | General / Other Categories | Forest Dwelling ST |
|---|---|---|
| Male Height | Minimum 163 cm | Minimum 152 cm |
| Male Chest | Minimum 79 cm | Minimum 74 cm |
| Chest Expansion | Minimum 5 cm | Minimum 5 cm |
| Female Height | Minimum 150 cm | Minimum 145 cm |
| Female Weight | Minimum 40 kg | Minimum 38 kg |
Special physical standards and reservations for eligible forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribe candidates should be checked directly in the applicable official notification.
Physical Endurance & Efficiency Tests
| Test | Male | Female / Ex-Servicemen |
|---|---|---|
| Endurance Run | 1600 metres in 7 minutes | 1000 metres in 6 minutes |
| 100 Metre Race | 15 seconds | 18.5 seconds |
| High Jump | 1.20 metres | 0.90 metres |
| Long Jump | 3.80 metres | 2.50 metres |
| Shot Put | 5.60 metres | 3.76 metres |
Because the recruitment is issued through circle-wise notifications, candidates should verify the exact physical-test requirements in the notification applicable to their application.
Exam Pattern
No written examination is prescribed in the supplied recruitment information. Candidates should therefore focus on SSLC merit, physical standards and physical endurance/efficiency requirements.
| Stage | Nature |
|---|---|
| SSLC Merit | Shortlisting on qualifying examination marks |
| PST | Physical Standard Test |
| PET / Physical Efficiency | Qualifying physical tests |
| Document Verification | Verification of original certificates |
How to Apply for Karnataka Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official Karnataka Forest Department website at aranya.gov.in.
- Open the Recruitment section and locate the Forest Watcher / Forest Observer notification applicable to your circle.
- Read the complete notification and verify your qualification, age, category and physical eligibility.
- Complete the online registration using your own valid details.
- Enter personal, educational and category information carefully.
- Upload the photograph, signature and certificates in the prescribed format.
- Pay the applicable application fee through the permitted payment method.
- Review all information before final submission.
- Submit the application before 31 August 2026.
- Save or print the submitted application and fee-payment confirmation for future use.
Documents Required
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| SSLC / 10th Marksheet & Certificate | Educational qualification and age proof |
| Aadhaar / Valid ID Proof | Identity verification |
| Caste / Category Certificate | If claiming reservation or relaxation |
| Forest Dwelling Tribe Certificate | If applicable |
| Ex-Servicemen Documents | If applicable |
| Photograph | As required by the application portal |
| Signature | As required by the application portal |
| Other Certificates | Any additional document required by the relevant circle notification |
Keep the original documents safely available because they may be required during document verification and subsequent recruitment stages.
Important Links – Karnataka Forest Watcher 2026
| Description | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Official Karnataka Forest Department Website | Visit aranya.gov.in |
| Online Recruitment Portal | Open Official Recruitment Page |
| Dharwad Circle Notification | View Official PDF |
| Mangalore Circle Notification | View Official PDF |
| Hassan Circle Notification | View Official PDF |
Also Read
FAQs – Karnataka Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026
1. How many Forest Watcher vacancies are available?
The supplied recruitment information lists 675 Forest Watcher / Forest Observer vacancies. Because Karnataka Forest Department recruitment is being issued circle-wise, candidates should verify the latest official circle notifications before applying.
2. What is the qualification for Karnataka Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026?
Candidates should have passed SSLC / Class 10 or an accepted equivalent qualification from a recognised board.
3. What is the last date to apply?
The stated last date for online application is 31 August 2026. The supplied information gives 02 September 2026 as the last date for fee payment.
4. Is there a written exam for Forest Watcher recruitment?
No written competitive examination is mentioned in the supplied recruitment details. Selection is based on SSLC merit followed by physical tests and document verification.
5. What is the salary of a Karnataka Forest Watcher?
The stated pay scale is ₹29,600 – ₹52,800. Actual take-home salary depends on applicable allowances and deductions.
6. What is the application fee?
The supplied fee structure ranges from ₹50 to ₹200, depending on category and gender. PwBD candidates are stated to be exempt.
7. What is the age limit?
The supplied information lists a maximum age of 30 years for General candidates, 32 years for Category 2A/2B/3A/3B and 33 years for SC/ST/Category-I, with the stated one-time relaxation subject to applicable rules.
8. Where can candidates apply?
Applications should be submitted through the official Karnataka Forest Department portal at aranya.gov.in.
9. Are physical tests required?
Yes. The recruitment information includes a Physical Standard Test followed by physical endurance and efficiency tests for shortlisted candidates.
10. Is the 675 vacancy figure final for the whole of Karnataka?
The supplied article data gives 675 posts across 11 circles. However, current reporting shows that Forest Watcher notifications are being issued circle-wise and different statewide totals are appearing in recruitment summaries. Candidates should rely on the latest official notification for their specific circle when determining the applicable vacancy.
Final Words
Karnataka Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026 offers an important government-job opportunity for SSLC-qualified candidates who are comfortable with outdoor and physically demanding work. The supplied recruitment details include 675 posts, an application window ending on 31 August 2026 and a pay scale of ₹29,600–₹52,800.
Before applying, candidates should carefully check the official notification for their selected Forest Circle, especially the vacancy count, reservation, age relaxation, physical standards, fee instructions and application conditions. Submit the application well before the deadline and keep the confirmation and original documents safely for future stages.
.jpg)
