Karnataka Forest Department, Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online

Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 Notification :
Karnataka Forest Department has officially released the Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 Notification to fill 675 Forest Observer (Group 'D') vacancies across various forest circles in Karnataka.
The recruitment is being conducted by the Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests & Selection Authority for the recruitment year 2026-27.
This recruitment offers an excellent opportunity for candidates who have passed SSLC (Class 10) or an equivalent qualification and wish to secure a Government job in the Karnataka Forest Department.
Eligible candidates can submit their online applications through the official Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment Portal from 01 August 2026 to 31 August 2026.

The last date for payment of the application fee is 02 September 2026.
Unlike many Government recruitments, there is no written examination for the Forest Observer post. Selection will be based on SSLC marks, followed by Physical Standard Test (PST), Physical Endurance Test (PET), Physical Efficiency Test, medical fitness, and document verification.
Selected candidates will receive an attractive pay scale under the Karnataka Civil Services Pay Matrix along with other Government benefits as applicable.
Interested candidates are advised to read the official notification carefully before applying to understand the eligibility criteria, reservation rules, salary, application fee, selection process, physical standards, and important instructions.

Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 Overview :
Organization Name: Karnataka Forest Department.
Recruiting Authority: Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests & Selection Authority.
Post Name: Forest Observer.
Group: Group 'D'.
Total Vacancies: 675 Posts.
Recruitment Year: 2026–27.
Application Mode: Online Only.
Notification Release Date: 20 July 2026.
Online Application Start Date: 01 August 2026.
Last Date to Apply Online: 31 August 2026.
Fee Payment Last Date: 02 September 2026.
Educational Qualification: SSLC (Class 10) or Equivalent.
Selection Method: Merit List + Physical Tests.
Official Website: Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment Portal.
Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 Notification
Karnataka Forest Department has invited online applications for direct recruitment of 675 Forest Observer (Group 'D') posts.
Vacancies are available across several forest circles throughout Karnataka.
Candidates possessing the prescribed educational qualification can apply online within the specified dates.
The official notification provides complete details regarding :
Vacancy distribution.
Eligibility criteria.
Educational qualification.
Age limit.
Reservation policy.
Physical standards.
Salary.
Application fee.
Selection procedure.
Important instructions.
Applicants should thoroughly read the official notification before submitting the online application.

Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 Important Dates :
Candidates should remember the following important dates.
Notification Release Date: 20 July 2026.
Online Application Begins: 01 August 2026.
Last Date to Apply Online: 31 August 2026.
Last Date to Pay Application Fee: 02 September 2026.
Admit Card: To be announced.
Physical Test Schedule: Will be announced later on the official website.
Candidates are advised not to wait until the last date to submit the application.

Karnataka Forest Observer Vacancy Details 2026 :
The Karnataka Forest Department has announced 675 vacancies distributed among various forest circles.
Circle-wise Vacancy Distribution :
Shimoga Circle – 44 Posts.
Bangalore Circle – 82 Posts.
Chamarajanagar Circle – 159 Posts.
Bellary Circle – 64 Posts.
Mysore Circle – 121 Posts.
Belgaum Circle – 42 Posts.
Kalaburgi Circle – 6 Posts.
Chikkamagaluru Circle – 60 Posts.
Hassan Circle – 31 Posts.
Mangalore Circle – 54 Posts.
Dharwad Circle – 12 Posts.
Total Vacancies: 675 Posts.
The number of vacancies may be revised by the department if required.

Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria :
Candidates must satisfy all eligibility conditions before submitting the application.

Nationality :
Applicants must :
Be citizens of India.
Fulfil all eligibility requirements prescribed under Karnataka Government recruitment rules.

Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 Educational Qualification :
Candidates should have passed :
SSLC (Class 10) conducted by Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board.
OR
Equivalent qualifications including :
CBSE Class 10.
ICSE Class 10.
State Board Class 10.
NIOS Secondary Course.
Karnataka Open School (KOS).
Only candidates possessing the qualification on the last date of application are eligible.

Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 Medical Fitness :
Candidates must :
Be physically fit.
Be mentally fit.
Be free from physical defects affecting forest duties.
Qualify the medical examination conducted by the department.

Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 Marital Eligibility :
Male candidates having more than one living wife are not eligible without Government permission.
Female candidates married to a person having another living spouse are also not eligible without prior Government approval.

Karnataka Forest Observer Age Limit :
Applicants must satisfy the prescribed age criteria.
Minimum Age :
18 Years.
Maximum Age :
General Category – 30 Years.
Category 2A, 2B, 3A & 3B – 32 Years.
SC/ST & Category-I – 33 Years.
Additional Age Relaxation :
Government has granted a one-time additional relaxation of 5 years for recruitments notified up to 31 December 2027.

Additional relaxations include :
Ex-servicemen – Service period plus 3 years.
Existing Forest Observers :
General – 40 Years.
Backward Classes – 42 Years.
SC/ST/Category-I – 43 Years.

Karnataka Forest Observer Salary :
Selected candidates will receive salary under Karnataka Civil Services Pay Scale.
Pay Scale :
₹29,600 – ₹52,800 per month.
The pay progression includes annual increments according to Karnataka Government pay rules.
Additional Government benefits will be admissible as per applicable service regulations.

Karnataka Forest Observer Application Fee :
Applicants should pay the prescribed fee while submitting the online application.
Male Candidates :
General / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B – ₹200.
SC / ST / Category-I – ₹100.
Female & Third Gender Candidates
General / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B – ₹100.
SC / ST / Category-I – ₹50.
PwBD Candidates
Fully Exempted.
Payment Mode:
Application fees can be paid through :
UPI.
Credit Card.
Debit Card.
Internet Banking.
NEFT.
Cash Challan at SBI, Canara Bank, Union Bank, or Central Bank of India.

Karnataka Forest Observer Selection Process :
The recruitment process consists of multiple stages.
Stage 1 – Merit List :
Merit will be prepared on the basis of SSLC marks.
No written examination will be conducted.
Stage 2 – Physical Standard Test (PST) :
Candidates shortlisted through merit will undergo physical measurements.
Male Physical Standards :
General Candidates.
Height – 163 cm.
Chest – 79 cm.
Chest Expansion – 5 cm.
Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe :
Height – 152 cm.
Chest – 74 cm.
Expansion – 5 cm.
Female Physical Standards :
General Candidates :
Height – 150 cm.
Weight – 40 kg.
Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe :
Height – 145 cm.
Weight – 38 kg.
Stage 3 – Physical Endurance Test (PET) :
Candidates qualifying PST will appear for the endurance test as prescribed by the department.
Stage 4 – Physical Efficiency Test :
Eligible candidates will undergo physical efficiency assessment.
Stage 5 – Medical Examination :
Candidates will be examined for medical fitness.
Stage 6 – Document Verification :
Original certificates will be verified before final appointment.

Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 Required Documents :
Candidates should keep the following documents ready.
Educational Documents :
SSLC Marks Card.
Equivalent Qualification Certificate (if applicable).
Identity Proof
Aadhaar Card.
PAN Card.
Voter ID.
Driving Licence.
Passport.
Reservation Documents
Caste Certificate.
Income Certificate.
Category Certificate.
Community Certificate with Photograph (Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe).

Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 Other Documents :
Recent Passport-size Photograph.
Signature.
Ex-servicemen Certificate (if applicable).
PwBD Certificate (if applicable).
Any additional certificates required during online application.

How to Apply for Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 :
Candidates should follow these steps.
Visit the official Karnataka Forest Department website.
Open the Recruitment section.
Read the official notification carefully.
Register using valid personal details.
Fill in the online application form correctly.
Enter educational and category details accurately.
Upload photograph, signature, and required certificates.
Pay the prescribed application fee.
Verify all entered information carefully.
Submit the application before 31 August 2026.
Download and print the final application form for future reference.

Why Apply for Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 :
This recruitment offers excellent career opportunities.
Large recruitment with 675 vacancies.
No written examination.
Selection based mainly on SSLC merit and physical fitness.
Permanent Government job opportunity.
Attractive Karnataka Government salary.
Job security with Government benefits.
Opportunity to work in wildlife and forest conservation.
Career growth through departmental promotions.
Posting across different forest circles of Karnataka.
Suitable opportunity for SSLC-qualified candidates seeking Government employment.

Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 Important Instructions :
Candidates should strictly follow all recruitment guidelines.
Applications will be accepted only through online mode.
Offline applications will not be considered.
Use only your own Aadhaar number while applying.
Upload genuine certificates and documents.
False information may lead to cancellation of candidature.
Fake documents may result in criminal action and debarment.
Keep your mobile number and email ID active throughout the recruitment process.
Preserve the application number and payment receipt for future reference.
The department reserves the right to increase or decrease vacancies.
Final selection will depend upon merit, physical tests, medical fitness, reservation rules, and document verification.
The decision of the Karnataka Forest Department regarding recruitment and selection shall be final and binding on all candidates.