The Karnataka Forest Department is accepting online applications for Forest Watcher (Aranya Vikshaka), Group D recruitment across 13 forest circles. The circle-wise notifications advertise 774 vacancies in total: 750 newly sanctioned posts plus 24 backlog vacancies carried in individual circle notices. The department's latest extension order continues to refer to the 750 sanctioned posts, while the circle-wise advertised total reaches 774 after the backlog positions are included.
The official Karnataka Forest Department recruitment portal currently shows the application deadline as 30 October 2026. Candidates who have already submitted an application should not create another registration. Applicants must choose one forest circle and one region only—Kalyana Karnataka or Non-Kalyana Karnataka—during the online process.
Karnataka Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting department | Karnataka Forest Department, Government of Karnataka |
| Post | Forest Watcher / Aranya Vikshaka, Group D |
| Umbrella recruitment order | KFD/HOFF/B9(RCT)/5/2026-PnR |
| Circle-wise notification dates | Mainly 20 July 2026; Kanara and Kodagu notices were published on 21 July 2026 |
| Sanctioned posts referenced in latest extension order | 750: 700 RPC / Non-Kalyana Karnataka + 50 Kalyana Karnataka |
| Backlog vacancies in circle notices | 24 |
| Total circle-wise advertised vacancies | 774 |
| Qualification | SSLC / Class 10 or equivalent |
| Experience | Not required |
| Pay scale | ₹29,600–₹52,800 |
| Application mode | Online |
| Original application opening | 1 August 2026 |
| Current last date | 30 October 2026 |
| Selection | SSLC merit shortlisting → physical standards → endurance → efficiency tests → medical examination |
| Job location | Karnataka |
Why the Vacancy Count Is 774, Not Just 750
The state-level recruitment approval covers 750 Forest Watcher posts, divided into 700 posts in the remaining original cadre and 50 posts for the Kalyana Karnataka region. When the separate circle notifications were issued, some circles also included backlog vacancies. Adding those backlog posts produces the live circle-wise advertised total of 774.
Candidates should therefore use the vacancy table for the circle in which they intend to apply rather than relying only on the statewide sanctioned figure.
Circle-wise Karnataka Forest Watcher Vacancies
| Forest circle | Vacancies | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chamarajanagar | 159 | Circle-wise advertised vacancies |
| Mysuru | 121 | 120 current + 1 backlog |
| Bengaluru | 82 | 80 current + 2 backlog |
| Kanara (Sirsi) | 67 | 60 current + 7 backlog |
| Ballari | 64 | Circle-wise advertised vacancies |
| Chikkamagaluru | 60 | 56 current + 4 backlog |
| Mangaluru | 54 | Circle-wise advertised vacancies |
| Shivamogga | 44 | 38 current + 6 backlog |
| Belagavi | 42 | Circle-wise advertised vacancies |
| Kodagu | 32 | Circle-wise advertised vacancies |
| Hassan | 31 | 30 current + 1 backlog |
| Dharwad | 12 | Circle-wise advertised vacancies |
| Kalaburagi | 6 | 4 current + 2 backlog |
| Total | 774 | 750 sanctioned + 24 backlog |
Reservation and division-wise breakup differs by circle. Candidates must read the notification applicable to their chosen circle before selecting category claims.
Important Dates
| Event | Date / Status |
|---|---|
| Umbrella recruitment order | 30 June 2026 |
| Main circle-wise notifications | 20–21 July 2026 |
| Original online application start | 1 August 2026 |
| Original closing date | 31 August 2026 |
| Earlier revised closing date | 30 September 2026 |
| Latest extension order | 29 September 2026 |
| Current last date to apply | 30 October 2026 |
| Latest fee-payment deadline after the October extension | Check the live KFD portal; the extension order does not state a new fee deadline |
| Physical test schedule | To be announced by the department / concerned circle |
The latest order changes the application closing date. It does not separately state a new fee-payment or correction deadline, so candidates should rely on the live portal for those dates instead of assuming that every earlier deadline shifted automatically.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must have passed SSLC / Class 10 or an equivalent examination by the prescribed eligibility date in the applicable notification. Recognised equivalent routes may include CBSE, ICSE, other recognised state boards and NIOS where accepted under the recruitment rules.
Because shortlisting is based on marks in the qualifying examination, candidates should enter SSLC/equivalent marks exactly as shown on the accepted marks card and upload the supporting record requested by the portal.
Age Limit
The circle notifications apply the notified one-time relaxation available to eligible direct-recruitment cycles. The commonly stated maximum age bands for this recruitment are:
| Category | Age limit |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 years |
| General Merit | Up to 30 years |
| Category 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B | Up to 32 years |
| SC / ST / Category-1 | Up to 33 years |
| Serving Forest Motivators / Aranya Prerakas | Higher limits apply according to category and the service condition in the notification |
| Ex-servicemen | Relaxation as prescribed in the applicable recruitment rules |
The exact reckoning date follows the candidate's circle notification, so applicants should compare their date of birth with that notice rather than using today's age. The Regal Naukri Age Calculator can help calculate completed age on the required cut-off date.
Application Fee
The circle notifications prescribe category- and gender-based fees. The notified fee structure is:
| Category | Male | Female / Third Gender |
|---|---|---|
| General Merit / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B | ₹200 | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / Category-1 | ₹100 | ₹50 |
| Persons with Benchmark Disability | Exempt | Exempt |
Payment methods shown for the online process include electronic options such as UPI, NEFT, card and internet banking. Candidates should confirm the currently active payment deadline on the KFD portal because the 29 September extension order does not provide a revised fee-payment date.
Karnataka Forest Watcher Salary
The notified time scale for Forest Watcher is ₹29,600–₹52,800 per month, with allowances admissible under Karnataka State Government rules.
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Starting basic pay | ₹29,600 per month |
| Maximum of notified scale | ₹52,800 per month |
| Post classification | Group D |
| Allowances | As admissible under applicable Karnataka Government rules |
Selection Process
There is no written competitive examination notified for this Forest Watcher cycle. Selection begins with qualifying-examination marks and then moves through physical and medical stages.
- SSLC / equivalent merit shortlisting: candidates are shortlisted on qualifying-exam marks, generally in a 1:20 vacancy-to-candidate ratio.
- Physical Standard Test: height, chest and weight standards are checked where applicable.
- Physical Endurance Test: candidates must complete the prescribed endurance run within the notified time.
- Physical Efficiency Test: qualifying running, jumping and shot-put events are conducted.
- Medical Examination: candidates who clear the physical stages must satisfy the medical standards prescribed for the post.
- Document scrutiny: reservation, education and other claimed benefits depend on valid supporting certificates uploaded/submitted as required.
Physical Standards
| Standard | Other categories | Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes |
|---|---|---|
| Men — minimum height | 163 cm | 152 cm |
| Men — minimum chest | 79 cm | 74 cm |
| Men — minimum chest expansion | 5 cm | 5 cm |
| Women — minimum height | 150 cm | 145 cm |
| Women — minimum weight | 40 kg | 38 kg |
Candidates claiming the relaxed Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe standards must possess the certificate required by the notification.
Physical Endurance Test
| Candidate group | Endurance requirement |
|---|---|
| Men | 1600 metres within 7 minutes |
| Women and ex-servicemen | 1000 metres within 6 minutes |
These are qualifying standards. Clearing the endurance stage does not itself guarantee selection.
Physical Efficiency Test
| Event | Men | Women / Ex-servicemen |
|---|---|---|
| 100 metre run | 15 seconds | 18.5 seconds |
| High jump | 1.20 m | 0.90 m |
| Long jump | 3.80 m | 2.50 m |
| Shot put | 5.60 m with 16 lb shot | 3.76 m with 8 lb shot |
| Additional run | 800 m in 2 min 50 sec | 200 m in 40 sec |
Applicants should train for the standards in the notification applicable to their circle and monitor KFD updates for test dates and venue instructions.
Medical Standards
The medical stage checks whether shortlisted candidates are fit for Forest Watcher duties. The notification material refers to conditions such as knock-knees, bow legs, flat feet, varicose veins, speech/hearing impediments, specified vision defects and colour blindness, along with hearing and balance-related checks. Candidates should rely on the official medical instructions when called for examination.
One Circle and One Region Only
The online portal specifically requires candidates to choose either Kalyana Karnataka or Non-Kalyana Karnataka and does not permit applying to both regions. The circle-wise recruitment rules also require one application/registration route for the selected circle.
Do not create duplicate registrations simply because the closing date has been extended. Candidates who already submitted a valid application should log in using the existing Registration ID and date of birth.
Documents to Keep Ready
| Document | Why it may be required |
|---|---|
| SSLC / equivalent marks card | Qualification, date of birth and merit |
| Photograph and signature | Online application upload |
| Caste/category certificate | Reservation claim |
| Rural candidate certificate | If claiming applicable reservation |
| Kannada-medium certificate | If claiming applicable reservation |
| Kalyana Karnataka eligibility document | Where the regional reservation is claimed |
| Ex-servicemen documents | Where applicable |
| Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe certificate | Relaxed physical standards where claimed |
| Disability certificate | Fee exemption / applicable claim |
| Other reservation certificates | As required by the selected circle notification |
Use the Regal Naukri Photo & Signature Resizer only to meet the portal's stated image dimensions and file-size limits; verify the output before uploading.
How to Apply Online
- Open the Karnataka Forest Department Forest Watcher application portal.
- Use Register Here if you have not already created a registration for this recruitment.
- Enter personal details exactly as they appear on the accepted SSLC record.
- Verify the mobile number and complete registration.
- Log in using the Registration ID and date of birth.
- Choose the correct region—Kalyana Karnataka or Non-Kalyana Karnataka—and the single forest circle for which you intend to compete.
- Enter SSLC/equivalent marks and reservation details carefully.
- Upload the photograph, signature and all certificates supporting the claims made in the application.
- Pay the applicable fee through the options currently enabled on the portal.
- Complete the final submission/e-Sign step and save or print the acknowledgement.
Do not assume that payment alone completes the application. Follow the portal until the final submission/e-Sign status is confirmed.
Important Links
| Link | Purpose |
|---|---|
| KFD Forest Watcher Application Portal | Registration, login and online application |
| Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment Page | Circle-wise notifications and recruitment updates |
| Karnataka Forest Department Official Website | Department website |
| Regal Naukri Age Calculator | Calculate age on the notified cut-off date |
| Regal Naukri Eligibility Pre-check | Compare your details with the notification requirements |
Candidate Cautions
The recruitment has already received multiple deadline extensions. The portal currently shows 30 October 2026 as the application deadline, but candidates should not wait until the last day because heavy traffic or technical issues can affect submission.
Also distinguish between 750 sanctioned posts and 774 circle-wise advertised vacancies. The additional 24 are backlog vacancies contained in certain circle notices; the latest statewide extension order itself continues to refer to 750 sanctioned posts.
Before final submission, verify your selected circle's vacancy table, category, age reckoning, physical standards and uploaded certificates. A claim that is not backed by the required certificate can be rejected during scrutiny.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Karnataka Forest Watcher vacancies are there in 2026?
The circle-wise notifications total 774 vacancies. This consists of 750 sanctioned posts plus 24 backlog vacancies included by individual circles.
What is the current last date to apply?
The Karnataka Forest Department recruitment portal currently displays 30 October 2026 as the extended last date for online application submission.
What qualification is required?
Candidates need SSLC / Class 10 or an accepted equivalent qualification.
Is there a written examination?
No written competitive test is notified for this cycle. Candidates are shortlisted using SSLC/equivalent marks and then face the prescribed physical and medical stages.
Can I apply to two forest circles?
No. Candidates should use one registration and select only the permitted single circle/region route stated in the recruitment instructions.
What is the salary?
The notified Forest Watcher pay scale is ₹29,600–₹52,800 per month, plus admissible allowances.
Is previous work experience required?
No common prior work-experience requirement is prescribed for the Forest Watcher post.
Has the fee-payment deadline also been extended to 30 October?
The latest extension order changes the online application closing date but does not separately state a revised fee-payment deadline. Check the live recruitment portal for the current payment timeline before paying.
Candidates should read their circle-specific official notification and every later KFD order or portal update before submitting the application.