Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026: Notification Out for 775 Forest Watcher (Aranya Veekshaka) Posts

The Government of Karnataka, Office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force), has officially issued a directive for the direct recruitment of Forest Watchers (Aranya Veekshaka). This recruitment drive aims to fill vacant field positions across multiple forest circles in the state to strengthen forest conservation and wildlife protection forces.

Below are the complete details regarding the vacancy distribution, eligibility, and how to stay updated on this recruitment cycle.

Recruitment Overview

Vacancy Breakdown & Classification

The recruitment covers both the Residual Parent Cadre (Non-Kalyana Karnataka) and the Kalyana Karnataka (KK) regional reservations, distributed across major forest circles:

• Current Vacancies: 750 Posts

  • Rest of Karnataka (Non-HK): 700 Posts

  • Kalyana Karnataka (HK): 50 Posts

• Backlog Vacancies: 25 Posts

• Total Posts to be Filled: 775 Posts

Circle-Wise Allotment Highlights (Partial List from Document)

• Bengaluru Circle Total: 70 Posts (including Bengaluru City, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, and Bannerghatta National Park divisions).

• Belagavi Circle Total: 42 Posts (including Belagavi, Gokak, Bagalkot, Vijayapura, and research/social forestry wings).

• Ballari Circle Total: 63 Posts (17 Non-HK + 46 HK divisions like Ballari, Koppal, Davanagere, Chitradurga, etc.).

• Chamarajanagar Circle Total: 169 Posts (Highly prioritized due to core tiger reserves and wildlife divisions like Bandipur, Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife, and BRT Tiger Reserve).

• Chikkamagaluru Circle Total: 56 Posts (including Chikkamagaluru, Koppa, and Bhadra Wildlife divisions).

Eligibility Criteria (Expected Framework)

While the detailed operational guidelines will be published in the upcoming main portal brochure, the standard framework for KFD Forest Watcher positions includes:

1. Educational Qualification

• Candidates must have passed SSLC / Class 10 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board in India.

2. Age Limit

• Minimum Age: 18 Years

• Maximum Age limits usually vary by category:

  • General Merit (GM): 27–30 Years

  • OBC (2A/2B/3A/3B): 30–33 Years

  • SC / ST / Category-I: 32–35 Years

3. Physical Standards (Mandatory)

Since this is a field-oriented law enforcement and protection role, candidates must clear specified physical endurance and fitness benchmarks, including height, chest measurement, and physical efficiency tests (such as running or walking tests).

Selection Process

The selection pipeline for Forest Watchers typically involves three distinct stages:

[Stage 1: Registration & Screening] ➔ [Stage 2: Physical Standard & Fitness Test] ➔ [Stage 3: Merit List Verification]

1. Online Application: Registration via the official KFD portal.

2. Physical Endurance Test (PET) & Physical Standard Test (PST): Qualifying candidates must meet the physical requirements and clear endurance running/walking tests within specified times.

3. Medical Examination & Document Verification: Final confirmation of health fitness and legal certificate validation before direct induction.

apply Link

How to Apply

Once the application window officially opens on the recruitment portal, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website of the Karnataka Forest Department:

   Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026: Notification Out for 775 Forest Watcher (Aranya Veekshaka) Posts

   The Government of Karnataka, Office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force), has officially issued a directive for the direct recruitment of Forest Watchers (Aranya Veekshaka). This recruitment drive aims to fill vacant field positions across multiple forest circles in the state to strengthen forest conservation and wildlife protection forces.

   Below are the complete details regarding the vacancy distribution, eligibility, and how to stay updated on this recruitment cycle.

   Recruitment Overview

   Attribute	Details
   Recruitment Authority	Karnataka Forest Department (KFD), Government of Karnataka
   Post Name	Forest Watcher (Aranya Veekshaka)
   Total Vacancies	775 Posts (750 Current Vacancies + 25 Backlog Vacancies)
   Notification Date	June 30, 2026
   Official Website	aranya.gov.in

   Vacancy Breakdown & Classification

   The recruitment covers both the Residual Parent Cadre (Non-Kalyana Karnataka) and the Kalyana Karnataka (KK) regional reservations, distributed across major forest circles:

   • Current Vacancies: 750 Posts

     • Rest of Karnataka (Non-HK): 700 Posts

     • Kalyana Karnataka (HK): 50 Posts

   • Backlog Vacancies: 25 Posts

   • Total Posts to be Filled: 775 Posts

   Circle-Wise Allotment Highlights (Partial List from Document)

   • Bengaluru Circle Total: 70 Posts (including Bengaluru City, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, and Bannerghatta National Park divisions).

   • Belagavi Circle Total: 42 Posts (including Belagavi, Gokak, Bagalkot, Vijayapura, and research/social forestry wings).

   • Ballari Circle Total: 63 Posts (17 Non-HK + 46 HK divisions like Ballari, Koppal, Davanagere, Chitradurga, etc.).

   • Chamarajanagar Circle Total: 169 Posts (Highly prioritized due to core tiger reserves and wildlife divisions like Bandipur, Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife, and BRT Tiger Reserve).

   • Chikkamagaluru Circle Total: 56 Posts (including Chikkamagaluru, Koppa, and Bhadra Wildlife divisions).

   Eligibility Criteria (Expected Framework)

   While the detailed operational guidelines will be published in the upcoming main portal brochure, the standard framework for KFD Forest Watcher positions includes:

   1. Educational Qualification

   • Candidates must have passed SSLC / Class 10 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board in India.

   2. Age Limit

   • Minimum Age: 18 Years

   • Maximum Age limits usually vary by category:

     • General Merit (GM): 27–30 Years

     • OBC (2A/2B/3A/3B): 30–33 Years

     • SC / ST / Category-I: 32–35 Years

   3. Physical Standards (Mandatory)

   Since this is a field-oriented law enforcement and protection role, candidates must clear specified physical endurance and fitness benchmarks, including height, chest measurement, and physical efficiency tests (such as running or walking tests).

   Selection Process

   The selection pipeline for Forest Watchers typically involves three distinct stages:

   [Stage 1: Registration & Screening] ➔ [Stage 2: Physical Standard & Fitness Test] ➔ [Stage 3: Merit List Verification]
   

   1. Online Application: Registration via the official KFD portal.

   2. Physical Endurance Test (PET) & Physical Standard Test (PST): Qualifying candidates must meet the physical requirements and clear endurance running/walking tests within specified times.

   3. Medical Examination & Document Verification: Final confirmation of health fitness and legal certificate validation before direct induction.

   How to Apply

   Once the application window officially opens on the recruitment portal, follow these steps:

   1. Visit the official website of the Karnataka Forest Department: aranya.gov.in.

   2. Navigate to the “Recruitment” or “Careers” tab on the homepage.

   3. Look for the link titled “Direct Recruitment of Forest Watchers (Aranya Veekshaka) – 2026”.

   4. Register your profile using an active mobile number and email ID.

   5. Fill in the online form with your personal details, educational scores, and circle preferences.

   6. Upload scanned copies of your Class 10 Mark Sheet, Caste/Reservation certificates, and a recent passport-size photograph.

   7. Pay the applicable application fee securely via online banking/debit card and submit your form. Keep a printed copy of the confirmation page for your records.

2. Navigate to the “Recruitment” or “Careers” tab on the homepage.

3. Look for the link titled “Direct Recruitment of Forest Watchers (Aranya Veekshaka) – 2026”.

4. Register your profile using an active mobile number and email ID.

5. Fill in the online form with your personal details, educational scores, and circle preferences.

6. Upload scanned copies of your Class 10 Mark Sheet, Caste/Reservation certificates, and a recent passport-size photograph.

7. Pay the applicable application fee securely via online banking/debit card and submit your form. Keep a printed copy of the confirmation page for your records.