Karnataka Forest Department Group D Forest Observer Online Form 2026

Karnataka Forest Department Group D Forest Observer Online Form 2026

The Karnataka Forest Department, under the Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests and Selection Authority, has released a notification for direct recruitment to 675 Forest Observer (Group 'D') posts across Karnataka for the year 2026-27. Eligible candidates who have passed SSLC (Class 10) or equivalent can apply online from 01 August 2026 to 31 August 2026.

Short Information

The Karnataka Forest Department (Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests & Selection Authority) has announced 675 vacancies for Forest Observer (Group 'D') posts. The online application window opens on 01 August 2026 and closes on 31 August 2026. The last date for fee payment is 02 September 2026.

Application Fee

Payment Modes: Online (UPI, NEFT, Credit Card, Debit Card, Internet Banking) or Cash Challan (payable at SBI, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India, Central Bank of India branches). No other payment modes accepted.

Eligibility Criteria & Vacancies

Post-wise Vacancy Details

Minimum Age: 18 years as on notification date (20-07-2026).
One-time Relaxation: 5-year relaxation in maximum age limits for all categories vide Govt Order dated 29.01.2026 (applicable up to 31.12.2027).
Ex-Servicemen: Category max age + years of service + 3 years.
Existing Forest Observers (5+ yrs service): General 40 yrs, Cat 2A/2B/3A/3B 42 yrs, SC/ST/Cat-I 43 yrs.

Circle-wise Vacancy Breakdown

Educational Qualification Details

Candidates must have passed SSLC examination conducted by Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board or equivalent Class 10 qualification as on the last date of application (31.08.2026). Recognised equivalents include:

• Class 10 by CBSE/ICSE boards
• Class 10 by other State Government education boards
• Secondary-level course by National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
• Secondary-level course (KOS) by Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board

Candidates awaiting results are not eligible. No other qualifications accepted.

Selection Process & Exam Pattern

There is no written examination for this post. Selection follows a multi-stage process:

Selection Stages

Physical Standards (Male Candidates)

Physical Standards (Female Candidates)

Note: Male standards apply to third-gender candidates identifying as male; female standards apply to those identifying as female.

Disqualifying Physical Defects

• Knock-knees, bow legs, flat feet
• Varicose veins
• Impediment in speech and hearing
• Hydrocele (male candidates)
• Defective vision / colour blindness / night blindness

How to Apply Online

1. Visit the official Karnataka Forest Department website (link in Important Links table).
2. Navigate to the "Recruitment" section on the homepage.
3. Read the Karnataka Forest Department Services (Recruitment) (Amendment) Rules, 2019 carefully.
4. Register and fill the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and category details.
5. Upload required certificates/documents as prompted in the online form.
6. Pay the applicable application fee online or generate a cash challan for payment at specified banks.
7. Review all entered details carefully — corrections are not allowed after submission.
8. Submit the application and save/print a copy for your records.

Important: Applications must be submitted online only. Postal, courier, email, or in-person applications will not be considered. Use only your own Aadhaar (UID) number; using another's leads to rejection and 10-year debarment.

Required Documents Checklist

Based on notification clauses, candidates should keep ready for upload:

• SSLC/equivalent marks card
• Caste/category certificate (if applicable)
• Community certificate with photograph (for Local Forest Dwelling ST reservation claims)
• Any other certificate specified in the online application form
• Refer to the online application portal for the exact mandatory upload list

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How many vacancies are there in Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026?
There are 675 Forest Observer (Group 'D') vacancies distributed across 11 circles in Karnataka.

Q2. What is the qualification required for Karnataka Forest Observer recruitment?
Candidates must have passed SSLC (Class 10) or an equivalent examination recognised by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board as on 31.08.2026.

Q3. What is the age limit for Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026?
Maximum age limits (with one-time 5-year relaxation): General 30 years, Category 2A/2B/3A/3B 32 years, SC/ST/Category-I 33 years. Minimum age is 18 years as on notification date (20-07-2026).

Q4. Is there a written exam for Karnataka Forest Observer recruitment?
No. Selection is based on a merit list prepared from SSLC (or equivalent) marks in 1:20 ratio, followed by Physical Standard Test, Physical Endurance Test, and Physical Efficiency Test. There is no written examination.

Q5. What is the last date to apply for Karnataka Forest Observer Recruitment 2026?
The online application window closes on 31.08.2026 (23:59:59), and the application fee must be paid by 02.09.2026.

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Important Links