The Karnataka Forest Department has officially released the Forest Observer (Group D) Recruitment 2026 Notification to fill 675 vacancies across different forest circles in Karnataka. Candidates who have passed SSLC (Class 10) or an equivalent qualification are eligible to apply online.
The online application process will begin on 1 August 2026 and continue until 31 August 2026 through the official website. Unlike many government recruitments, this selection does not include a written examination. Eligible candidates will be shortlisted based on their SSLC marks and will then undergo Physical Standard, Endurance, and Efficiency Tests.
If you are looking for a Karnataka Government job after Class 10, this recruitment offers an excellent opportunity to join the Forest Department with an attractive salary package and government benefits.
Karnataka Forest Department Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Karnataka Forest Department |
| Recruiting Authority | Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests & Selection Authority |
| Post Name | Forest Observer (Group D) |
| Total Vacancies | 675 |
| Job Location | Karnataka |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Educational Qualification | SSLC (10th Pass) |
| Selection Process | Merit + PST + PET |
| Online Application Starts | 01 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 02 September 2026 |
| Official Website | aranya.gov.in |
Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
Candidates should complete the application process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 20 July 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | 01 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 31 August 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 02 September 2026 |
| Admit Card | To be Announced |
| Physical Test Schedule | To be Announced |
Karnataka Forest Observer Vacancy 2026
The department has announced 675 Forest Observer (Group D) vacancies distributed among various forest circles across Karnataka.
| Forest Circle | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Shimoga | 44 |
| Bangalore | 82 |
| Chamarajanagar | 159 |
| Bellary | 64 |
| Mysore | 121 |
| Belgaum | 42 |
| Kalaburgi | 6 |
| Chikkamagaluru | 60 |
| Hassan | 31 |
| Mangalore | 54 |
| Dharwad | 12 |
| Total | 675 |
Karnataka Forest Observer Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy all eligibility conditions prescribed in the official notification before submitting the online application.
Nationality
Candidates must be Indian citizens.
General Conditions
Applicants should:
- Be mentally and physically fit.
- Be free from medical conditions that may affect official duties.
- Meet all physical standards prescribed by the department.
- Not be disqualified under Karnataka Government recruitment rules.
The department reserves the right to reject any candidate found medically unfit after examination by the Medical Board.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed:
- SSLC (Class 10) conducted by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board, or
- Any equivalent qualification recognized by the Government.
The following qualifications are accepted as equivalent:
- CBSE Class 10
- ICSE Class 10
- Class 10 from other State Boards
- NIOS Secondary Examination
- Karnataka Open School (KOS)
Candidates awaiting examination results or those who do not possess the required qualification by the last date of application are not eligible.
Karnataka Forest Observer Age Limit 2026
The minimum age requirement is 18 years.
The upper age limit varies according to the candidate’s category.
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General | 30 Years |
| Category 2A, 2B, 3A & 3B | 32 Years |
| SC/ST & Category-I | 33 Years |
Additional Age Relaxation
As a one-time relaxation approved by the Karnataka Government, candidates applying for notifications issued up to 31 December 2027 are eligible for an additional 5 years relaxation in the upper age limit.
Ex-servicemen and currently serving Forest Observers are also eligible for age relaxation as per government rules.
CareerAlert24 Insight
This recruitment is one of the best opportunities for 10th-pass candidates seeking Karnataka Government jobs in 2026. Since there is no written examination, candidates with strong SSLC marks and good physical fitness will have a better chance of selection. Those planning to apply should begin physical preparation early, as clearing the Physical Standard and Endurance Tests is equally important after merit-based shortlisting.
Karnataka Forest Observer Salary 2026
Candidates selected as Forest Observer (Group D) will be appointed under the Karnataka Civil Services pay structure.
Pay Scale
₹29,600 – 725 – 32,500 – 800 – 35,700 – 900 – 39,300 – 1,000 – 43,300 – 1,125 – 47,800 – 1,250 – 52,800
Apart from the basic pay, selected candidates will receive allowances and benefits as admissible under Karnataka Government rules. The notification does not specify the exact in-hand salary or probation period.
Karnataka Forest Observer Application Fee
The application fee varies according to the candidate’s category and gender.
| Category | Gender | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B | Male | ₹200 |
| General / 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B | Female / Third Gender | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / Category-I | Male | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / Category-I | Female / Third Gender | ₹50 |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | All Categories | Exempted |
Mode of Payment
Candidates can pay the fee through:
- UPI
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- NEFT
Candidates preferring cash payment can generate a challan during the application process and deposit the fee at designated branches of:
- State Bank of India
- Canara Bank
- Union Bank of India
- Central Bank of India
Applications submitted without successful fee payment (where applicable) will not be accepted.
Karnataka Forest Observer Selection Process
One of the biggest advantages of this recruitment is that there is no written examination.
Selection will be completed through the following stages:
Stage 1: Merit List
A merit list will be prepared based on the marks obtained in the SSLC (Class 10) or equivalent examination.
Candidates will be shortlisted in the ratio of 1:20 for the next stage.
Stage 2: Physical Standard Test (PST)
Shortlisted candidates must satisfy the prescribed physical measurements.
Stage 3: Physical Endurance Test (PET)
Candidates clearing the PST will undergo the Physical Endurance Test conducted by the department.
Stage 4: Physical Efficiency Test
Qualified candidates will participate in the Physical Efficiency Test as prescribed by the Karnataka Forest Department.
Stage 5: Final Merit List
The final selection list will be prepared category-wise in the ratio of 1:1, based on successful completion of all required stages.
Physical Standards for Male Candidates
| Physical Standard | General Category | Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 163 cm | 152 cm |
| Chest (Normal) | 79 cm | 74 cm |
| Chest Expansion | 5 cm | 5 cm |
Physical Standards for Female Candidates
| Physical Standard | General Category | Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 150 cm | 145 cm |
| Minimum Weight | 40 kg | 38 kg |
The same standards apply to third-gender candidates based on the gender declared during application.
Medical Disqualification
Candidates suffering from any of the following conditions may be declared medically unfit:
- Knock knees
- Bow legs
- Flat feet
- Varicose veins
- Speech defects
- Hearing impairment
- Hydrocele (for male candidates)
- Defective vision
- Colour blindness
- Night blindness
Karnataka Forest Department Forest Observer Official Notification PDF: Click here
CareerAlert24 Insight
Unlike many government recruitments where candidates compete in written examinations, this recruitment places significant emphasis on academic performance and physical fitness. Candidates with good SSLC marks should start preparing for the Physical Standard and Endurance Tests well in advance, as meeting the required fitness standards is essential for final selection. Maintaining overall physical health before the recruitment process can improve your chances of securing a place in the final merit list.
Required Documents
The official notification does not provide a separate checklist of mandatory documents. However, candidates should keep the following documents ready while filling out the online application form and during the verification process.
- SSLC (Class 10) Marks Card or equivalent qualification certificate
- Date of Birth proof
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Aadhaar Card or any valid Government-issued Photo ID
- Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Income Certificate (if applicable)
- Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) Certificate (if applicable)
- Ex-Serviceman Certificate (if applicable)
- Community Certificate with photograph (for candidates claiming Local Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe reservation)
- Any other certificates required during online application or document verification
Note: The exact list of upload documents will be available on the online application portal. Candidates should carefully read the instructions before submitting the application.
How to Apply for Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates must submit their applications online only through the Karnataka Forest Department’s official website.
Step 1
Visit the official Karnataka Forest Department website.
Step 2
Open the Recruitment section available on the homepage.
Step 3
Read the official notification carefully and ensure you meet all eligibility conditions.
Step 4
Complete the online registration using your valid mobile number and email ID.
Step 5
Fill in all personal, educational, and category details correctly.
Step 6
Upload the required photograph, signature, and supporting documents in the prescribed format.
Step 7
Pay the application fee through the available online payment options or generate a challan for cash payment at the authorized bank branches.
Step 8
Review the application carefully before final submission, as no corrections will be allowed afterward.
Step 9
Submit the application form and download or print the confirmation page for future reference.
Important: Applications submitted through post, courier, email, or in person will not be accepted.
Karnataka Forest Department Forest Observer Apply Online: Click here
Important Instructions
Applicants should carefully follow all instructions mentioned in the official notification.
- Use only your own Aadhaar number while registering online.
- Providing incorrect Aadhaar details may result in rejection of the application and debarment from future recruitments.
- Keep your registered mobile number and email ID active until the recruitment process is completed.
- Uploaded documents cannot be replaced or modified after final submission.
- Candidates dismissed from any Government service are not eligible.
- Submission of fake certificates or false information will lead to cancellation of candidature and legal action.
- Candidates involved in criminal or anti-social activities are not eligible.
- Reservation benefits will be granted only after verification of valid certificates.
- Selected candidates will be covered under the Karnataka Government’s Contributory Pension Scheme.
- The number of vacancies may increase or decrease depending on departmental requirements.
- The Selection Authority’s decision regarding recruitment will be final and binding.
Why You Should Apply
The Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking a government career after passing Class 10. With 675 vacancies, no written examination, and a transparent merit-based selection process, eligible candidates have a good chance of securing a government job if they possess strong SSLC marks and meet the prescribed physical standards.
Candidates are advised to complete the online application well before the last date to avoid technical issues and start preparing for the Physical Standard and Endurance Tests as early as possible.
Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: A total of 675 Forest Observer (Group D) vacancies have been announced.
Answer: Candidates must have passed SSLC (Class 10) or an equivalent examination from a recognized board.
Answer: No. Selection is based on SSLC merit, followed by Physical Standard, Endurance, and Efficiency Tests.
Answer: The last date for online application is 31 August 2026, while the fee can be paid until 2 September 2026.
Answer: Selected candidates will receive a pay scale of ₹29,600 – ₹52,800 along with applicable government allowances.
Answer: Candidates must be 18 years of age or above as per the notification.
Answer: Yes, candidates meeting the eligibility conditions can apply. However, reservation benefits will be applicable according to Karnataka Government rules.
Answer: Candidates can apply through the official Karnataka Forest Department website: https://aranya.gov.in
CareerAlert24 Insight
This recruitment is particularly attractive because it eliminates the pressure of a written examination. Candidates with higher SSLC scores and good physical fitness have a significant advantage in the selection process. If you’re aiming for a stable Karnataka Government job after Class 10, ensure your documents are ready, maintain your fitness, and submit your application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.