Karnataka Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026: 750 Aranya Veekshaka Posts, Last Date Extended to 30 October
The Karnataka Forest Department is filling 750 Forest Watcher (Aranya Veekshaka) posts by direct recruitment – 700 in the residual (non-HK) cadre and 50 in Kalyana Karnataka – through circle-wise notifications across 13 forest circles. By letter dated 29.09.2026, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) has again extended online applications up to 30.10.2026. Apply online at aranya.gov.in (Recruitment section).
Official Notification PDF: KFD Forest Watcher Last Date Extension Letter (29.09.2026) – Official PDF
Important Dates – KFD Forest Watcher 2026 |
|
| Circle notifications issued: | 20/07/2026 |
| Online application started: | 01/08/2026 |
| Original last date: | 31/08/2026 (extended to 07/09/2026, then 30/09/2026) |
| Last date to apply (latest extension): | 30/10/2026 |
| Extension letter date: | 29/09/2026 |
Application Fee |
|
| General Merit / Cat 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B – Male: | ₹200 |
| General Merit / Cat 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B – Female / Third gender: | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / Category-I – Male: | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / Category-I – Female / Third gender: | ₹50 |
| Persons with disability: | Exempt |
| Pay the examination fee online via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI, or as per options available on the official portal. | |
📺 KFD Forest Watcher 2026 – Form Filling & Exam Guide
Watch our video guide covering eligibility, important dates, fee, vacancy details, and how to apply online.
Important Links |
|
| Apply Online: | Apply Online – KFD Recruitment Portal |
| Download Official Notification PDF: | KFD Forest Watcher Last Date Extension Letter (29.09.2026) – Official PDF |
| Official Website: | Karnataka Forest Department (aranya.gov.in) |
| Watch Updates on YouTube: | Sarkari Job Selection YouTube |
| Join Our Channels for Live Updates: | |
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
Vacancy Details
| Cadre | Posts |
|---|---|
| Residual parent cadre (non-Kalyana Karnataka) | 700 |
| Kalyana Karnataka (Article 371J) | 50 |
| Total | 750 |
Vacancies are notified circle-wise (Bengaluru, Ballari, Belagavi, Chamarajanagar, Chikkamagaluru, Dharwad, Hassan, Canara, Kodagu, Kalaburagi, Mangaluru, Mysuru and Shivamogga). For example, the Bengaluru Circle notification has 80 posts plus 2 backlog posts across seven divisions. Check your circle's notification on aranya.gov.in for division-wise and category-wise reservation (including the Local Forest Dwelling Tribes quota).
Educational Qualification
- SSLC pass conducted by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board, or an equivalent qualification (CBSE/ICSE Class 10, other state boards, NIOS secondary, or Karnataka open school course) by the last date.
- Must be an Indian citizen, physically and mentally fit for forest duties.
Age Limit
- Minimum 18 years on the notification date.
- Maximum: 30 years (General Merit), 32 years (Cat 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B), 33 years (SC, ST, Category-I) on the opening date of applications.
- One-time extra 5 years relaxation for all categories under Government Order dated 29.01.2026 (for notifications issued up to 31.12.2027).
- Ex-servicemen: service period + 3 years. Forest Preraks with 5 years' service: 40 / 42 / 43 years.
Physical Standards and Tests
| Standard | Men (others / forest-dwelling ST) | Women (others / forest-dwelling ST) |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 163 cm / 152 cm | 150 cm / 145 cm |
| Chest (unexpanded) | 79 cm / 74 cm; expansion 5 cm | — |
| Weight | — | 40 kg / 38 kg |
Endurance test: Men – 1,600 m run in 7 minutes; Women and ex-servicemen – 1,000 m run in 6 minutes.
| Efficiency test event | Men | Women / Ex-servicemen |
|---|---|---|
| 100 m run | 15 seconds | 18.5 seconds |
| High jump | 1.20 m | 0.90 m |
| Long jump | 3.80 m | 2.50 m |
| Shot put (16 lb men / 8 lb women) | 5.60 m | 3.76 m |
| 800 m run (men) / 200 m run (women) | 2 min 50 sec | 40 seconds |
Candidates must qualify in at least three of the five efficiency events. Eye-sight (6/6 or 6/9 distant vision), colour vision and hearing tests apply; knock-knees, flat feet, varicose veins and similar defects disqualify.
Salary
Pay scale ₹29,600-725-32,500-800-35,700-900-39,300-1,000-43,300-1,125-47,800-1,250-52,800 (as given in the circle notification), plus Karnataka state allowances.
Selection Process
- Shortlisting of applicants in the ratio 1:20 (post : candidates) on the basis of SSLC / equivalent marks, category-wise.
- Physical Standard Test, Physical Endurance Test and Physical Efficiency Test – dates published on aranya.gov.in.
- Document verification and medical examination before the final select list.
How to Apply
- Open aranya.gov.in → Recruitment, read your circle's Forest Watcher notification and go to the candidate login portal.
- Register with your own Aadhaar number (duplicate Aadhaar use leads to rejection and a 10-year debar).
- Fill in details, choose circle/division, upload SSLC marks card, caste/rural/Kannada-medium/other certificates as applicable.
- Pay the fee online and submit by 30/10/2026. Keep a printout.
KFD Forest Watcher 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
KFD Forest Watcher 2026 – Important Candidate Instructions (Prevent Rejection!)
Ensure strict compliance with the following directives:
- Official notice first: Read the full official advertisement before you apply. This page is a summary.
- One application: Submit only one application per post unless the notice allows more. Duplicate forms can be rejected.
- Documents: Keep certificates, category proof and photo ID ready. Originals are checked at document verification.
- Last date: Do not wait for the last day. Portals slow down near the closing date.