Karnataka Forest Department (KFD), Elephant Kavadiga (Ane Kavadiga) (Group 'D') Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online

Karnataka Forest Department Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 :
The Karnataka Forest Department, KFD, has released the KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 notification for the recruitment of 57 Elephant Kavadiga, Ane Kavadiga, Group D posts across five forest circles of Karnataka. The recruitment drive covers Kanara, Shirsi, Kodagu, Madikeri, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, and Shivamoga forest circles and divisions.
The vacancies include 51 fresh posts and 6 backlog vacancies. Candidates with practical experience in elephant handling and management, who satisfy the prescribed residence, language, age, physical and other eligibility requirements, can apply for these posts.

The application process is completely offline. Candidates are required to download the prescribed application form from the official Karnataka Forest Department website, fill it correctly, affix a recent passport-size photograph, and submit it by post or in person to the concerned Forest Circle office.
The application process will begin on 05 August 2026 at 10:00 AM, and applications will be accepted until 03 September 2026 up to 5:30 PM. There is no application fee for the KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026.

Karnataka Forest Department Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 Overview :
Recruiting Organisation: Karnataka Forest Department, KFD.
Recruitment Year: 2026-27.
Post Name: Elephant Kavadiga, Ane Kavadiga.
Post Category: Group D.
Total Vacancies: 57.
Fresh Vacancies: 51.
Backlog Vacancies: 6.
Forest Circles Covered: Kanara, Kodagu, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, and Shivamoga.
Application Mode: Offline.
Application Start Date: 05 August 2026.
Last Date: 03 September 2026, up to 5:30 PM.
Application Fee: Nil.
Pay Scale: ₹29,600 to ₹52,800 as per the notified Group D pay structure.
Official Website: aranya.gov.in.

Karnataka Forest Department Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 Notification :
The Karnataka Forest Department has issued five separate notifications for direct recruitment to the post of Elephant Kavadiga for the recruitment year 2026-27. The notifications cover five different forest circles and are dated 27 July 2026.
The recruitment is being conducted under the Karnataka Forest Department Services, Recruitment, Amendment Rules, 2009. Although separate notifications have been issued for the individual circles, the notifications follow common provisions relating to eligibility, age limit, application dates, selection process, salary and other recruitment conditions.
Candidates should carefully identify the forest circle and vacancy for which they are eligible before submitting their application. The application must be submitted to the appropriate Forest Circle office mentioned in the respective notification.

Karnataka Forest Department Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 Circle-Wise Details :
A total of 57 Elephant Kavadiga vacancies are available across five forest circles. These include 51 fresh vacancies and 6 backlog vacancies.

Kanara Circle, Shirsi :
Division: Kali Hulu Sanrakshit Pradesha, Dandeli Wildlife Division.
Total Vacancy: 1.
Backlog Vacancy: 1.
Category: SC, Others.

Kodagu Circle, Madikeri :
Division: Madikeri Regional Division.
Total Vacancy: 11.
Fresh Vacancies: 10.
Backlog Vacancy: 1.
Fresh category distribution: General, SC, Category-I, Category-IIA and Category-IIB.
Backlog: Category-IIIB, Others.

Mysuru Circle :
Division: Rajiv Gandhi National Park Division, Hunsur.
Total Vacancy: 27.
Fresh Vacancies: 26.
Backlog Vacancy: 1.
Fresh vacancies include: General, SC, Category-I, Category-IIA, Category-IIB, Category-IIIA and Category-IIIB.
Backlog: Category-I, Others.

Chamarajanagar Circle :
Division: Bandipur Tiger Reserve Division, Bandipur.
Total Vacancy: 9.
Fresh Vacancies: 6.
Backlog Vacancies: 3.
Vacancies are distributed among General, SC, Category-I and Category-IIA, along with the specified backlog categories.

Shivamoga Circle :
Division: Shivamoga Wildlife Division.
Total Vacancy: 9.
Vacancies include General, SC, Category-I, Category-IIA and Category-IIB categories.

The combined total across all five circles is 57 posts.
Candidates should also note that horizontal reservation provisions apply within the notified vacancies for categories such as Ex-Servicemen, Women, Persons with Disability, Project Displaced Persons, Kannada-medium candidates, Rural candidates and Third Gender candidates, as applicable under the individual circle notification.

Karnataka Forest Department Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 Important Dates :
Candidates should keep the following dates in mind while applying.
Notification Date: 27 July 2026.
Application Start Date: 05 August 2026.
Application Start Time: 10:00 AM.
Last Date to Apply: 03 September 2026.
Last Time for Submission: 5:30 PM.

Applications received after the prescribed closing date and time will not be considered. In the case of applications sent by post, the date of dispatch will not be considered sufficient if the application reaches the concerned office after the closing deadline.
If the last date is declared a public holiday, the next working day will be treated as the closing date, subject to the conditions mentioned in the respective notification.

Karnataka Forest Department Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria :
Candidates applying for the Elephant Kavadiga post must satisfy the eligibility conditions prescribed by the Karnataka Forest Department.

Nationality and Residence :
Candidates must be Indian citizens or fall under the eligible categories specified in the recruitment notification.
The candidate must be residing within a notified forest area under the jurisdiction of the Karnataka Forest Department in Karnataka.
Proof of residence within the concerned forest area will be required during the document verification stage.

Kannada Language Requirement ;
Candidates must be able to speak and understand Kannada.
Working knowledge of Kannada is important because the duties associated with the Elephant Kavadiga post require communication and coordination within the forest and wildlife management environment.

Experience in Elephant Handling :
Practical experience in elephant management and handling is mandatory for this recruitment.
The notification does not prescribe a separate minimum educational qualification for the post. Instead, candidates are required to provide details regarding their experience in handling elephants.
Experience must subsequently be supported by appropriate documentation issued by the concerned Range Forest Officer or an officer of equivalent or higher rank.

Karnataka Forest Department Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 Age Limit :
Candidates must have completed 18 years of age by the last date of application.
The upper age limit varies according to the candidate's category.
General candidates: Maximum 35 years.
Category-IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB and other eligible Backward Classes: Maximum 38 years.
SC, ST and Category-I candidates: Maximum 40 years.
The age will be calculated as on 03 September 2026, which is the last date for submission of applications.
A one-time additional relaxation of 5 years in the maximum age limit has been extended to candidates of all categories participating in backlog recruitment notified up to 31 December 2027, as stated in the notification.
Ex-Servicemen are eligible for age relaxation equivalent to the period of actual armed forces service rendered, plus three years, subject to the applicable conditions.

Karnataka Forest Department Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 Reservation :
The vacancies are distributed according to the applicable vertical and horizontal reservation policies of the Government of Karnataka.

Vertical Reservation :
The notified vacancies include categories such as :
General.
Scheduled Caste.
Scheduled Tribe, wherever applicable.
Category-I.
Category-IIA.
Category-IIB.
Category-IIIA.
Category-IIIB.

Horizontal Reservation :
Horizontal reservation provisions apply to eligible categories such as :
Ex-Servicemen.
Women.
Persons with Disability.
Project Displaced Persons.
Kannada-medium candidates.
Rural candidates.
Third Gender candidates.

The notification states that the Elephant Kavadiga post has not been identified as suitable for Persons with Disability under the specified Government notification. The PwD reservation point is therefore adjusted in the manner prescribed under the applicable horizontal reservation provisions.
Candidates claiming reservation must possess the required certificates in the prescribed format.

Karnataka Forest Department Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 Salary :
Selected candidates will be appointed to the Group D Elephant Kavadiga post under the notified Karnataka Forest Department pay structure.
The prescribed pay scale is :
₹29,600 - 725 - ₹32,500 - 800 - ₹35,700 - 900 - ₹39,300 - 1,000 - ₹43,300 - 1,125 - ₹47,800 - 1,250 - ₹52,800.
The salary structure includes periodic increments according to the applicable pay scale and service conditions.
Candidates should refer to the official notification for the applicable service benefits, allowances and other conditions after appointment.

Karnataka Forest Department Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 Application Fee :
There is no application fee for the KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026.
Candidates do not have to pay any examination fee or recruitment fee while submitting the prescribed application form.
The initial application also does not require candidates to attach supporting documents unless specifically instructed by the concerned notification. However, candidates must preserve all original certificates and documents for the subsequent interview and document verification stage.

Karnataka Forest Department Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 Selection Process :
The selection process for Elephant Kavadiga posts does not include a written examination.
Selection is primarily based on an Interview and Performance Assessment.

Interview and Performance Assessment :
Candidates will be assessed on :
Ability to speak and understand Kannada.
Practical knowledge of elephant handling.
Experience in elephant management.
Ability to perform the duties associated with the Elephant Kavadiga post.
Physical and practical performance during the assessment.
The interview and performance assessment together carry a maximum of 100 marks.
A provisional select list will be prepared based on the marks obtained by candidates and the applicable category-wise vacancy position.
The provisional list will be published on the official website, after which objections, if any, will be considered according to the prescribed procedure. A final select list will subsequently be prepared.
Candidates who fail to attend the interview or performance assessment at the prescribed date and time will not be permitted to appear at a later date.
The assessment process may also be video recorded or covered through CCTV arrangements to maintain transparency.

Documents Required for Karnataka Forest Department Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 :
Candidates are not required to attach documents with the initial application unless specifically required under the concerned notification.
However, candidates called for interview and document verification must carry the original documents along with self-attested photocopies.
Important documents include :
Proof of experience in elephant handling or management.
Experience certificate issued by the concerned Range Forest Officer or an officer senior to that rank.
Residence certificate proving residence within the notified forest area.
Residence proof issued by the concerned Tehsildar, wherever applicable.
Date of birth proof.
Birth Certificate, School Leaving Certificate or Aadhaar Card.
Caste Certificate for candidates claiming reservation.
Valid Non-Creamy Layer Certificate for eligible Backward Class candidates.
Valid photo identity proof.
Aadhaar Card.
Passport.
Driving Licence.
PAN Card.
Government or PSU photo identity card.
Bank passbook with photograph.
Other acceptable identity documents mentioned in the notification.
Domicile or nativity certificate, wherever applicable.
Candidates should ensure that all certificates are valid and issued by the competent authority.

How to Apply for Karnataka Forest Department Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 :
The application process is completely offline. Candidates must download the prescribed application form and submit it to the concerned Forest Circle office.
Step-by-Step Application Process :
Visit the official Karnataka Forest Department website, aranya.gov.in.
Open the Nemakati, Recruitment section of the website.
Locate the notification for Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026.
Download the prescribed application form applicable to the concerned Forest Circle.
Read the instructions carefully before filling out the form.
Enter all required personal, residential and experience details correctly.
Fill the application form in Kannada or English capital letters, as specified.
Affix a recent passport-size photograph in the prescribed space.
Check all entries carefully before submitting the application.
Superscribe the envelope with “Application for Elephant Kavadiga Post” or “ಆನೆ ಕವಾಡಿಗ ಹುದ್ದೆಗೆ ಅರ್ಜಿ”.
Send the completed application by post or submit it personally to the concerned Forest Circle office.
Ensure that the application reaches the office before 03 September 2026, 5:30 PM.
Candidates should not submit the application through any method other than the method specified in the official notification.
Once the application has been submitted, changes, corrections or additions will not be permitted.

Karnataka Forest Department Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 Application Submission Addresses :
Candidates must submit the application to the Forest Circle office for which they are applying.

Kanara Circle, Shirsi :
Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests, Kanara Circle, Shirsi, Karnataka, 581402.

Kodagu Circle, Madikeri :
Office of the Conservator of Forests, Kodagu Circle, Madikeri.

Mysuru Circle :
Office of the Conservator of Forests, Mysuru Circle, Aranya Bhavan, Ashokapuram, Mysuru, Karnataka, 570008.

Chamarajanagar Circle :
Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests, Chamarajanagar Circle, Chamarajanagar.

Shivamoga Circle :
Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests, Shivamoga Circle, Shivamoga.

Candidates should verify the address mentioned in the respective official notification before dispatching the application.

Karnataka Forest Department Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 Important Instructions :
Candidates should carefully follow the conditions mentioned in the recruitment notification.
Candidates must attend the interview and performance assessment at their own expense.
No travelling allowance will be provided for attending the selection process.
Candidates must produce original documents and self-attested photocopies when called for verification.
Incorrect, incomplete or illegible information may result in rejection of the application.
The candidate is solely responsible for the accuracy of all information provided.
Candidates submitting forged documents or false information may have their candidature cancelled.
Candidates involved in impersonation or other fraudulent practices may be debarred from Karnataka Forest Department recruitment for up to 10 years.
The physical and performance assessment will be conducted according to the prescribed standards.
Female and Third Gender candidates will also be assessed according to the standards specified in the notification.
Government employees and persons already drawing salary from Central Government, State Government or PSU service are not eligible to apply, as specified.
Candidates who are members of, or maintain close contact with, an organisation declared unlawful are not eligible for appointment.
Selected candidates must complete the prescribed two-year probation period from the date of joining.
The competent authority reserves the right to modify vacancy numbers, reservation arrangements or other recruitment conditions.
Any changes or updates will be published on the official Karnataka Forest Department website.
Candidates should regularly check the official website for recruitment updates.
Disputes arising from the recruitment process will be subject to the jurisdiction of the Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal.

Karnataka Forest Department Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 Key Points to Remember :
The KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 is a specialised recruitment opportunity for candidates who have practical experience in elephant handling and management.
The most important points candidates should remember are :
57 Elephant Kavadiga vacancies are available.
The vacancies are distributed across five Karnataka Forest Department circles.
The recruitment includes 51 fresh and 6 backlog vacancies.
The post is classified as Group D.
Practical experience in elephant handling is mandatory.
Candidates must be able to speak and understand Kannada.
Candidates must reside within the notified forest area under the Karnataka Forest Department.
The minimum age is 18 years.
The maximum age varies from 35 to 40 years, depending on category.
The application process is offline.
Applications can be submitted by post or personally.
The application window is from 05 August 2026 to 03 September 2026.
The final application deadline is 5:30 PM on 03 September 2026.
There is no application fee.
There is no written examination.
Selection will be based on an interview and practical performance assessment.
The maximum marks for the interview and performance assessment are 100.
Selected candidates will receive the notified Group D pay scale up to ₹52,800.
Candidates must retain their original documents for verification.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.