Karnataka Forest Department Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026 — 2,403+ Posts, Apply by 31 Aug (Karnataka)

Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026 (Karnataka Sarkari Naukri 2026) has released a growing series of circle-wise notifications for Forest Watcher (Group D) posts, with the confirmed running total now at 2,403+ vacancies across 13 forest circles statewide. This is a rolling recruitment — each circle publishes its own separate notification and vacancy count, so the total has climbed steadily since notifications began on 20 July 2026 and may rise further before applications close. Selected Forest Watchers will carry out ground-level forest protection, patrolling and wildlife monitoring duties across their assigned circle and division. There is no written examination for this Karnataka government job 2026 opening — selection runs on SSLC merit (shortlisted at roughly 1:20), followed by a Physical Standard Test and Physical Endurance & Efficiency Tests, with final merit at 1:1. The salary is ₹29,600 to ₹52,800 per month under the Karnataka Government Pay Matrix, plus DA, HRA and other allowances. The Karnataka Forest Watcher 2026 online application is available at aranya.gov.in. The last date to apply is 31 August 2026, with fee payment accepted until 2 September 2026. Application fee is ₹200 for General (Male) candidates, ₹100 for General (Female)/Transgender and SC/ST (Male), and ₹50 for SC/ST (Female)/Transgender; PwBD candidates are exempt. Candidates must select the correct circle notification for their preferred posting and read that circle's official notification PDF before applying.

• SSLC (10th standard) or equivalent examination passed from a recognised Board
• Physical Standards: Height 163 cm (men) / 150 cm (women); Chest 79–84 cm (men) / 74–79 cm (Forest Dwelling ST candidates)

• 18 to 40 years as per the notification date
• Age relaxation up to 42/43 years for reserved categories as per Karnataka Government norms
• Ex-servicemen and other special categories receive relaxation as per Karnataka state government rules

• SSLC (10th standard) pass or equivalent from a recognised Board
• Age 18 to 40 years as per notification date, with relaxation up to 42/43 for reserved categories
• Height: 163 cm (men), 150 cm (women)
• Chest: 79–84 cm (men), 74–79 cm (Forest Dwelling ST candidates)
• Preference given to candidates with Kannada medium education and rural background certificates
• 50% seats in Wildlife divisions reserved for local Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes
• Ex-servicemen and other special categories receive relaxation as per Karnataka Government rules

• General (Male): ₹200
• General (Female) / Transgender & SC/ST (Male): ₹100
• SC/ST (Female) / Transgender: ₹50
• PwBD: Exempt

₹29,600 – ₹52,800 per month (Karnataka Government Pay Matrix) plus DA, HRA and other admissible allowances

1. Visit aranya.gov.in — the official website of the Karnataka Forest Department
2. Go to the "Recruitment" section on the homepage
3. Locate and select the notification for your preferred forest circle (13 circles currently active)
4. Download and read that circle's official notification PDF carefully before applying
5. Register using a valid mobile number and Aadhaar-linked details
6. Fill the online application form with personal, educational and category details accurately
7. Upload the required certificates and documents as prompted in the online form
8. Pay the applicable application fee online (UPI, card, net banking) or via cash challan at SBI / Canara Bank / Union Bank / Central Bank of India
9. Review all entered details carefully — corrections are not allowed once submitted
10. Submit the form and take a printout of the confirmation for future reference