About the role

## About This Recruitment The Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) has released Forest Watcher (Group D) recruitment notifications on a rolling, circle-by-circle basis for 2026-27, covering 13 forest circles across the state. As of early August 2026, the confirmed running total has passed 2,400 posts and may continue to grow as more circles publish notifications — this is a live, evolving drive rather than a single fixed-number notification. **Important note on numbers:** Different circles have released their own notification PDFs at different times, so vacancy totals reported by various sources have ranged from roughly 700 to 2,400+ depending on how many circles had published by the time of reporting. Always check the specific circle's own notification PDF on the official portal for the exact, current count relevant to your application. ## Eligibility Criteria - Educational qualification: SSLC (Class 10 pass) or equivalent - Minimum age: 18 years as on the notification date - A one-time 5-year age relaxation applies to all category candidates for notifications issued up to 31 December 2027 (per Government Order No. CiAsuI 262 SoNeNi 2025, dated 29.01.2026) - Additional relaxation for ex-servicemen based on years of armed forces service - Preference/advantage noted for candidates with Kannada-medium education and rural background certificates ## Selection Process No written examination for this post. Selection is based on: - SSLC marks - Physical Standard Test (PST) - Endurance Test - Physical Efficiency Test - Document verification ## Salary Approximately ₹27,500 - ₹52,800 per month depending on circle and pay matrix revision, plus DA, HRA, and other allowances as per Karnataka Government Pay Matrix. ## Preparation Strategy Since there is no written exam, preparation should focus almost entirely on physical fitness: running endurance, general fitness standards typically tested (height/chest measurements, running time trials). Candidates should also gather SSLC marksheets and any rural/Kannada-medium certificates well in advance, since these affect eligibility and preference. ## Important Dates - Notifications released: rolling, from 20-21 July 2026 onward, circle by circle - Online applications: 1 August 2026 - 31 August 2026 (confirm exact window for your specific circle) ## Application Fee General/OBC/EWS: ₹100. SC/ST: ₹50. (Confirm exact fee for your circle in its official notification.) ## How to Apply 1. Visit the official Karnataka Forest Department portal: aranya.gov.in 2. Register using a valid mobile number and Aadhaar number 3. Select your preferred forest circle (posting depends on circle choice and merit rank) 4. Complete the application form and upload required documents 5. Pay the applicable fee online ## Official Links & Resources - Official Notification / Apply Online: https://aranya.gov.in - Organization: Karnataka Forest Department (Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests & Selection Authority) - This is a rolling multi-circle release — always verify your specific circle's exact vacancy count, fee, and dates on its own official notification PDF before applying.