The Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) is inviting applications for the position of Forest Observer. There are a total of 750 vacancies available, and the last date to apply online is 30.10.2026.
KFD Forest Observer Recruitment 2026: 750 Posts, Apply Online: Overview
| Organization | Karnataka Forest Department (KFD), Government of Karnataka |
| Post Name | Forest Observer (Forest Watcher – Group D / Aranya Veekshaka) |
| Advt No | Not specified |
| Total Vacancies | 750 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Karnataka (vacancies are notified across 13 forest circles) |
| Official Website | https://aranya.gov.in/ |

Important Dates
The application period for KFD Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 has been extended multiple times. Below are the important dates for this recruitment process.
| Recruitment letter issued | 30.06.2026 |
| Circle-level notifications issued | 20.07.2026 |
| Online application start date | 01.08.2026 |
| Original last date to apply online | 31.08.2026 |
| First extension | 01.09.2026 to 07.09.2026 |
| Second extension | Up to 30.09.2026 |
| Latest last date to apply online | 30.10.2026 |
Application Fee
The application fee for KFD Forest Observer Recruitment varies by category and gender. The fee is non-refundable and cannot be adjusted against any other examination or recruitment.
| Category | Male Candidates | Women and Third Gender Candidates |
| General, Category IIA, IIB, IIIA and IIIB | Rs. 200/- | Rs. 100/- |
| Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Category-I | Rs. 100/- | Rs. 50/- |
Age Limit
The minimum age for applicants is 18 years. The maximum age limits are specified below. Age relaxation is applicable for servicemen based on the years served.
| Category | Maximum Age |
| General candidates | 30 years |
| Category IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB (backward classes) | 32 years |
| Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Category-I | 33 years |
Vacancy Details
The vacancies for the Forest Observer posts are distributed across various divisions and circles in Karnataka. Below is the breakdown of posts.
| Circle and Division | No. of Posts |
| Bengaluru – Bengaluru Urban Division | 12 (Non-HK) |
| Bengaluru – Bengaluru Rural Division | 8 (Non-HK) |
| Bengaluru – Ramanagara Division | 15 (Non-HK) |
| Bengaluru – Kolar Division | 13 (Non-HK) |
| Bengaluru – Chikkaballapura Division | 4 (Non-HK) |
| Bengaluru – Bannerughatta National Park | 18 (Non-HK) |
| Belagavi – Belagavi Division | 22 (Non-HK) |
| Belagavi – Gokak Division | 5 (Non-HK) |
| Belagavi – Bagalkot Division | 5 (Non-HK) |
| Belagavi – Vijayapura Division | 1 (Non-HK) |
| Belagavi – Social Forestry Division, Bagalkot | 3 (Non-HK) |
| Belagavi – Working Plan, Belagavi | 2 (Non-HK) |
| Belagavi – Research Circle, Belagavi | 2 (Non-HK) |
| Belagavi – Research Circle, Badami | 2 (Non-HK) |
| Ballari – Ballari Division | 20 (HK) |
| Ballari – Vijayanagara Division | 22 (HK) |
| Ballari – Chitradurga Division | 9 (Non-HK) |
| Ballari – Davanagere Division | 5 (Non-HK) |
| Ballari – Koppal Division | 1 (HK) |
| Ballari – Research Circle, Ballari | 1 (HK) |
| Ballari – Working Plan, Ballari | 1 (HK) |
| Ballari – Atal Bihari Vajpayee Zoological Park, Kamalapura | 1 (HK) |
| Ballari – Research Circle, Chalakere | 2 (Non-HK) |
| Ballari – Adumalleshwara Mini Zoo, Chitradurga | 1 (Non-HK) |
| Chamarajanagar – BRT Tiger Reserve, Chamarajanagar | 26 (Non-HK) |
| Chamarajanagar – Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Division (MM Hills), Kollegal | 24 (Non-HK) |
| Chamarajanagar – Cauvery Wildlife Division, Kollegal | Not specified |
Eligibility and Educational Qualification
To be eligible for the KFD Forest Observer Recruitment 2026, candidates must be Indian citizens and meet the specified age limits. Candidates must also be mentally and physically healthy. The following conditions apply:
– Male candidates with more than one living wife or female candidates married to a man who already has a wife require prior permission from the Government for eligibility.
– Candidates must meet the physical standards and pass the physical endurance and efficiency tests.
| Criteria | Details |
| Citizenship | Indian |
| Health | Mental and physical fitness required |
Salary and Pay Scale
The salary for the KFD Forest Observer is structured within the following pay scale.
| Post | Pay Scale |
| Forest Observer (Forest Watcher – Group D) | Rs. 27,500 – 46,675 |
Selection Process
The selection process for the KFD Forest Observer includes several stages based on physical tests and SSLC marks. The process does not involve a written examination.
- Screening of online applications.
- Provisional list for physical tests based on SSLC marks.
- Physical Standard Test (PST).
- Physical Endurance Test (PET).
- Physical Efficiency Test (PEfT).
- Merit list based on SSLC marks.
- Provisional selection list published.
- Document verification and medical tests.
How to Apply
Candidates can apply online through the official Karnataka Forest Department website by following these steps:
- Visit the official website: https://aranya.gov.in/.
- Open the “Nemakati” (Recruitment) section at the bottom of the home page.
- Read the notification and confirm eligibility conditions.
- Fill in the online application using your Aadhaar number.
- Upload required certificates such as SSLC marks card and caste certificate.
- Submit the application and pay the application fee online or by cash challan.
- Print the submitted application and fee receipt for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are freshers eligible?
Yes, freshers are eligible to apply for the Forest Observer posts as there is no prior experience required.
What is the mode of examination?
The selection process does not include a written examination; it is based on physical tests and SSLC marks.
What documents are needed at verification?
Candidates need to provide original documents such as SSLC marks card, caste certificate, and any applicable reservation certificates during verification.
What is the age relaxation for servicemen?
The upper age limit for servicemen is relaxed by the number of years served in the armed forces.
Documents Required
- SSLC marks card
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Reservation certificates (if applicable)
- Aadhaar (UID) number
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying under the wrong category.
- Missing the required certificate dates during upload.
- Not paying the application fee on time.
- Using an incorrect photo size for the application.
- Not checking the final submission of the application form.
ಮುಖ್ಯ ಮಾಹಿತಿ ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ
- ಸಂಸ್ಥೆ: ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಅರಣ್ಯ ಇಲಾಖೆ
- ಪದ: ಅರಣ್ಯ ವೀಕ್ಷಕ
- ಕೋಷ್ಟಕ: 750
- ಯೋಗ्यता: ಭಾರತೀಯ ನಾಗರಿಕರು
- ಆಯುಷ್ಯ ಮಿತಿಯು: 18 ವರ್ಷ
- ಅಂತಿಮ ದಿನಾಂಕ: 30.10.2026
- ಅರ್ಜಿ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಲು ಹೇಗೆ: ಅಧಿಕೃತ ವೆಬ್ಸೈಟ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಅರ್ಜಿ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿ
मुख्य जानकारी हिंदी में
- संस्था: कर्नाटक वन विभाग
- पद: वन पर्यवेक्षक
- कुल पद: 750
- योग्यता: भारतीय नागरिक
- आयु सीमा: 18 वर्ष
- अंतिम तिथि: 30.10.2026
- आवेदन कैसे करें: आधिकारिक वेबसाइट पर आवेदन करें