Karnataka Forest Department Forest Observer Recruitment 2026: 675 Vacancies
Karnataka Forest Department — Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests
Age Eligibility & DOB Range for Forest Observer (Group D)
Cut-off Date: 31 Aug 2026 — Candidates must be between 18 to 30 years (General category). Category-wise relaxation and exact DOB boundaries are shown below.
| Category | Min Age | Max Age | Relaxation | DOB Must Be Between |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 18 yrs | 30 yrs | — | 01 Sep 1996 to 31 Aug 2008 |
| EWS | 18 yrs | 30 yrs | — | 01 Sep 1996 to 31 Aug 2008 |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 18 yrs | 33 yrs | +3 yrs | 01 Sep 1993 to 31 Aug 2008 |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 18 yrs | 35 yrs | +5 yrs | 01 Sep 1991 to 31 Aug 2008 |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 18 yrs | 35 yrs | +5 yrs | 01 Sep 1991 to 31 Aug 2008 |
| PwD (General) | 18 yrs | 40 yrs | +10 yrs | 01 Sep 1986 to 31 Aug 2008 |
Check Your Age Eligibility — Interactive Calculator
Prescribed Age: 18–30 Years (As on 31 Aug 2026)
Executive Summary & Key Facts
The Karnataka Forest Department has issued an official recruitment notification for Forest Observer (Group D), announcing a total of 675 vacancies located in Karnataka. The online application window opens on 01 August 2026 and closes on 31 August 2026. To be eligible, applicants must hold SSLC (Class 10) or equivalent from a recognized board and be within the prescribed age limit of 18-30 years (General), relaxable up to 33 years for SC/ST/Cat-I; additional 5-year relaxation as a one-time measure, with category relaxation applicable as per government guidelines. Selected candidates will receive an approved pay scale of Rs. 29,600 to Rs. 52,800 (Karnataka Civil Services Pay Scale). The selection procedure comprises Merit-based selection using SSLC marks followed by Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance/Efficiency Test.. For complete guidelines, syllabus breakdown, and official notification PDF, refer to the verified information below on ApplySarkariJob.
📅 Forest Observer (Group D) - Important Dates & Schedule
| Application Start | 01 Aug 2026 |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply |
31 Aug 2026
|
📋 Forest Observer (Group D) - Eligibility Criteria & Vacancy Overview
| Post Name | Forest Observer (Group D) |
|---|---|
| Total Vacancies | 675 |
| Qualification | SSLC (Class 10) or equivalent from a recognized board |
| Age Limit | 18-30 years (General), relaxable up to 33 years for SC/ST/Cat-I; additional 5-year relaxation as a one-time measure |
| Salary | Rs. 29,600 to Rs. 52,800 (Karnataka Civil Services Pay Scale) |
| Application Fee | General/Backward Classes: Rs. 200 (Male), Rs. 100 (Female/Third Gender). SC/ST/Cat-I: Rs. 100 (Male), Rs. 50 (Female/Third Gender). PwBD exempted. |
| Selection Process | Merit-based selection using SSLC marks followed by Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance/Efficiency Test. |
📝 Forest Observer (Group D) - Detailed Notification Guide
Overview of Karnataka Forest Department Forest Observer Recruitment 2026
The Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests and Selection Authority, Karnataka, has released the official notification for the direct recruitment of 675 Forest Observer (Group 'D') posts for the 2026-27 session. This recruitment is conducted on a regional circle basis, and candidates must apply online through the official portal.
Vacancy Distribution by Circle
| Circle | Posts |
|---|---|
| Chamarajanagar | 159 |
| Mysore | 121 |
| Bangalore | 82 |
| Bellary | 64 |
| Chikkamagaluru | 60 |
| Mangalore | 54 |
| Shimoga | 44 |
| Belgaum | 42 |
| Hassan | 31 |
| Dharwad | 12 |
| Kalaburgi | 06 |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must have passed the SSLC (Class 10) examination or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board. The age limits, as of the notification date, are as follows:
- General: 18 to 30 years
- Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B: 18 to 32 years
- SC, ST, Category-I: 18 to 33 years
Note: A one-time age relaxation of 5 years is applicable for all categories under Government Order No. CiAsuI 262 SoNeNi 2025.
Selection Process
There is no written examination for this recruitment. Selection is strictly merit-based, followed by physical assessment:
- Merit List: Shortlisting based on SSLC marks (ratio 1:20).
- Physical Standard Test (PST): Assessment of height, weight, and chest measurements.
- Physical Endurance and Efficiency Test: Performance-based tests.
- Final List: Candidates clearing physical tests are selected in a 1:1 ratio.
Application Guidelines
Candidates must submit applications exclusively via the official website, aranya.gov.in. Ensure the provided mobile number and email ID remain active throughout the recruitment lifecycle. Applicants are advised to use their own Aadhaar number; discrepancies or the use of another individual's credentials will result in a 10-year debarment from Forest Department recruitments.