Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026: Apply for 675 Group D Posts

The Karnataka Forest Department, under the Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests and Selection Authority, has released a significant recruitment notification for 675 Forest Observer (Group 'D') posts across various circles in Karnataka for the year 2026-27. This is a golden opportunity for SSLC (Class 10) pass candidates looking for government jobs in the forest sector. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official website aranya.gov.in.

Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026: Quick Overview

Important Dates

Vacancy Details (Circle-wise)

A total of 675 Forest Observer (Group 'D') vacancies are notified across various circles:

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidate must be an Indian citizen.
• Specific marital status rules apply (male with more than one living wife, or woman married to a man with an existing wife, require prior government permission).
• Candidates must be mentally and physically fit, free from any physical defect hindering duties.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have passed the SSLC (Class 10) examination conducted by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board, or an equivalent qualification, as on the last date for application submission. Recognized equivalent qualifications include:

• Class 10 examination by CBSE or ICSE boards.
• Class 10 examination by education boards of other State Governments.
• Secondary-level course by National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
• Secondary-level course (KOS) by Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board.

Candidates awaiting results or holding other qualifications are not eligible.

Age Limit (as on notification date)

• Minimum Age: 18 years
• Maximum Age: General/Unreserved Category: 30 years
• Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B (Backward Classes): 32 years
• SC, ST and Category-I: 33 years

Age Relaxation:

• A one-time 5-year relaxation in the above maximum age limits is granted for all categories for notifications issued up to 31.12.2027.
• Ex-servicemen: Maximum age limit applicable to their category + number of years of service rendered in armed forces + 3 years.
• Existing Forest Observers (minimum 5 years continuous service): General: 40 years; Category 2A/2B/3A/3B: 42 years; SC/ST/Category-I: 43 years.

Salary Details

Selected candidates will receive salary in the Karnataka Civil Services pay scale:

Rs. 29,600-725-32,500-800-35,700-900-39,300-1,000-43,300-1,125-47,800-1,250-52,800

The take-home in-hand salary, grade pay/level, and probation period are not specified in the official notification.

Application Fee

PwBD candidates are exempted from the application fee.

Mode of Payment: Online (UPI, NEFT, Credit Card, Debit Card, Internet Banking) or Cash (via generated challan at specified banks).

Selection Process

There is no written examination for the Forest Observer post. The selection process includes:

1. Merit List: Prepared category-wise based on SSLC/equivalent marks (ratio 1:20 posts to candidates).
2. Physical Standard Test (PST): Shortlisted candidates undergo checks for height, chest (men), and height/weight (women).
3. Physical Endurance Test (PET) and Physical Efficiency Test: For candidates clearing PST.
4. Final Selection List: Prepared category-wise (ratio 1:1 post to candidate) based on performance in all stages.

Physical Standards (Male Candidates)

Physical Standards (Female Candidates)

Note: Third-gender candidates identifying as male/female will follow respective standards. Disqualifying defects include knock-knees, bow legs, flat feet, varicose veins, speech/hearing impediment, hydrocele (males), and defective vision/color blindness/night blindness.

Required Documents

While a consolidated list is not explicitly provided, candidates should keep the following ready for upload during online application (subject to confirmation from the full notification/online portal):

• SSLC/equivalent marks card
• Caste/category certificate (if applicable)
• Community certificate with photograph (if claiming Local Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe reservation)
• Any other certificate specified in the online application form.

How to Apply for Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026

1. Visit the official Karnataka Forest Department website: https://aranya.gov.in.
2. Navigate to the "Recruitment" section (usually at the bottom of the homepage).
3. Carefully read the Karnataka Forest Department Services (Recruitment) (Amendment) Rules, 2019 (if available).
4. Register and fill the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and category details.
5. Upload all required certificates/documents as prompted.
6. Pay the applicable application fee online or generate a challan for cash payment at designated banks.
7. Review all entered details thoroughly before final submission, as corrections are generally not allowed afterwards.
8. Submit the application and save/print a copy for your records.

Applications must be submitted online only. No offline applications will be considered.

Important Instructions

• Use only your own Aadhaar (UID) number. Misuse leads to rejection and debarment.
• Documents uploaded during application are final; no changes allowed later.
• Carefully fill reservation claims, especially for Local Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe.
• Candidates dismissed from any government body or involved in anti-social activities are ineligible.
• Submission of fake documents or false information will result in cancellation of candidature and criminal proceedings.