KFD Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026: The Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) has officially released the recruitment advertisement notice for Forest Watcher (Group 'D') positions. The department is inviting online applications to fill a total of 750 vacancy seats across 13 forest circles of the state, as detailed in the advertisement. The KFD Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026 notification has been released on 30 June 2026, and online applications are invited from 1 August to 31 August 2026.
This KFD Forest Watcher recruitment drive is aimed at strengthening the department's field workforce by onboarding candidates for frontline forest protection duties across circles including Bengaluru, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Belagavi, Ballari, Chikkamagaluru, Dharwad, Hassan, Kenara, Kodagu, Kalaburagi, Mangaluru, and Shivamogga. Candidates are strongly advised to thoroughly review the eligibility criteria, including educational qualification, age limit, and physical standards, before filling out the online application form to ensure their candidature is valid.
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KFD Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Recruitment Organization | Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Forest Watcher (Group 'D') |
| Notification No. | KFD/HOFF/B9(RCT)/5/2026-PnR |
| Total Vacancy | 750 |
| Apply Start Date | 1 August 2026 |
| Category | KFD Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026 Notification |
| Official Website | aranya.gov.in |
KFD Forest Watcher Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 30.06.2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 01.08.2026 (12:00 AM onwards) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 31.08.2026 (till 11:59 PM) |
| Last Date to Pay Application Fee | 02.09.2026 |
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Application Fees
| Category | Fee (Male) | Fee (Female / Third Gender) |
|---|---|---|
| General / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B | Rs. 200/- | Rs. 100/- |
| SC / ST / Category-1 | Rs. 100/- | Rs. 50/- |
| Persons with Disabilities | Exempted | Exempted |
| Mode of Payment | Online (UPI/NEFT/Card/Net Banking) or Bank Challan |
KFD Forest Watcher Age Limit, Vacancy Details, and Qualification
Age Limit: The minimum age for KFD Recruitment 2026 is 18 years, and the maximum age varies by category, ranging generally between 30-33 years, inclusive of a one-time 5-year relaxation. The cutoff date for calculation of the age limit is the date of the respective circle notification. Age relaxation for ex-servicemen and existing Forest Volunteers will be given as per the rules.
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General/Unreserved | 30 Years |
| Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | 32 Years |
| SC/ST/Category-1 | 33 Years |
| Post Name | Vacancy | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Watcher | 750 | SSLC (10th Standard) or equivalent from a recognized board |
Circle-wise Vacancy Breakup
| Circle | Vacancy |
|---|---|
| Bengaluru | 70 |
| Belagavi | 42 |
| Ballari | 63 |
| Chamarajanagar | 169 |
| Chikkamagaluru | 56 |
| Dharwad | 12 |
| Hassan | 30 |
| Kenara | 60 |
| Kodagu | 32 |
| Kalaburagi | 4 |
| Mangaluru | 54 |
| Mysuru | 120 |
| Shivamogga | 38 |
| Total | 750 |
KFD Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
The selection process for KFD Recruitment 2026 includes the following stages:
- Provisional Merit List (based on SSLC/equivalent marks)
- Physical Standard Test (height, chest/weight, vision, hearing)
- Physical Endurance Test (running)
- Physical Efficiency Test (race, jumps, shot put)
- Document Verification
- Final Merit/Select List
There is no written competitive examination for this recruitment.
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How to Apply for KFD Recruitment 2026
Follow these steps to apply for KFD Recruitment 2026:
- Visit the official website of the Karnataka Forest Department at aranya.gov.in.
- Navigate to the "ನೇಮಕಾತಿ" (Recruitment) section.
- Read the detailed notification carefully.
- Click on the "Apply Online" link for the respective post.
- Register using your Aadhaar (UID) number and fill in the required details accurately.
- Upload the necessary documents, including photograph, signature, and SSLC marks card.
- Pay the application fee online or via bank challan.
- Submit the application and print a copy for future reference.
Important Links
| KFD Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF | Notification |
|---|---|
| KFD Recruitment 2026 Online Form Link | Apply Online |
| KFD Official Website | Aranya (KFD) |