Karnataka Forest Department Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026
Karnataka Forest Department (KFD)
The Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) has invited offline applications for 57 Group 'D' Elephant Kavadiga (Ane Kavadiga) posts across five forest circles in Karnataka. Candidates having experience in elephant management/handling and fulfilling the prescribed eligibility conditions can submit the offline application from 05 August 2026 to 03 September 2026.
Vacancy Details
| Organization Name | Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) |
| Examination Name | Elephant Kavadiga (Ane Kavadiga) Recruitment 2026-27 |
| Post Name | Elephant Kavadiga (Ane Kavadiga), Group 'D' |
| Total Vacancies | 57 Posts |
| Job Type | Karnataka Government Jobs |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Location | Karnataka |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 27 July 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 05 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 03 September 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
Qualification: Experience in Elephant Management/Handling (No separate minimum educational qualification specified)
Nationality Candidate must be an Indian citizen or belong to the categories specified in the notification. Domicile Candidate must be residing within a notified forest area under the jurisdiction of the Karnataka Forest Department in Karnataka. Language Candidate must be able to speak and understand Kannada. Experience Experience in elephant management/handling is mandatory. Educational Qualification No separate minimum educational qualification has been prescribed in the notification. Medical & Character Candidate must be physically and mentally fit. Candidate should satisfy the prescribed character and conduct requirements. Candidates with pending criminal inquiries or convictions are not eligible.
Age Limit & Relaxation
Minimum: 18 Years | Maximum: 35 Years (General), 38 Years (OBC Categories), 40 Years (SC/ST/Category-I)
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Category-IIA | Maximum Age 38 Years |
| Category-IIB | Maximum Age 38 Years |
| Category-IIIA | Maximum Age 38 Years |
| Category-IIIB | Maximum Age 38 Years |
| Other Backward Classes | Maximum Age 38 Years |
| SC | Maximum Age 40 Years |
| ST | Maximum Age 40 Years |
| Category-I | Maximum Age 40 Years |
| Backlog Recruitment | One-time additional 5 years relaxation in maximum age limit |
| Ex-servicemen | Military service rendered + 3 years (subject to eligibility) |
Salary Structure
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Categories | Nil |
Documents Required
- No documents are required to be enclosed with the initial application.
- Proof of experience in elephant management issued by the competent Forest Officer.
- Residence certificate issued by the concerned Tahsildar.
- Proof of Date of Birth.
- Caste Certificate (if applicable).
- Non-Creamy Layer Certificate (where applicable).
- Valid Photo Identity Proof.
- Domicile/Nativity Certificate (where applicable).
- Original documents along with self-attested photocopies at the time of interview/document verification.
Selection Process
- 1Interview
- 2Performance Assessment
- 3Preparation of Provisional Select List
- 4Final Select List
- 5Document Verification
Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interview & Performance Assessment | Not Mentioned | 100 | Not Mentioned |
There is no written examination for this recruitment. Selection is based entirely on an Interview and Performance Assessment, carrying a maximum of 100 marks. The official notification does not specify the duration of the assessment process.
Syllabus
The notification does not prescribe any written syllabus. Candidates will be assessed during the interview based on their Kannada language ability and practical experience in elephant management/handling.
How To Apply
Visit the official Karnataka Forest Department website and open the "Nemakati" (Recruitment) section. Download the prescribed Elephant Kavadiga (Ane Kavadiga) application form. Fill the application form clearly in English (Capital Letters) or Kannada. Affix a recent passport-size photograph in the prescribed space. Superscribe the envelope with "Application for Elephant Kavadiga Post" (ಆನೆ ಕವಾಡಿಗ ಹುದ್ದೆಗೆ ಅರ್ಜಿ). Submit the completed application by post or in person to the office of the concerned Conservator of Forests of the selected forest circle. Ensure that the application reaches the respective office between 05 August 2026 and 03 September 2026 (up to 5:30 PM). Keep a copy of the submitted application for future reference.
Important Instructions
Applications will be accepted only in the prescribed offline mode. No documents are required to be enclosed with the initial application form. Candidates must possess experience in elephant management/handling. Applicants must be residents of a notified forest area within Karnataka and should be able to speak and understand Kannada. Applications received after 03 September 2026 (5:30 PM) or submitted through any other mode will not be accepted. Once submitted, no correction, modification or addition to the application will be permitted. Candidates called for interview must produce all original documents along with self-attested photocopies. Any false information, forged documents or impersonation may result in cancellation of candidature and debarment from future recruitment. Candidates have to attend the Interview/Performance Assessment at their own expense, and no travel allowance will be paid. The final decision regarding vacancies, reservation and recruitment process rests with the Karnataka Forest Department.
Job Description
Introduction The Karnataka Forest Department Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 notification has been released by the Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) for the direct recruitment of Group 'D' Elephant Kavadiga (Ane Kavadiga) posts. The recruitment covers five forest circles in Karnataka, namely Kanara (Shirsi), Kodagu (Madikeri), Mysuru, Chamarajanagar and Shivamoga. Eligible candidates possessing the required experience in elephant management and handling can submit their applications through the prescribed offline mode within the notified application period. Vacancy Overview The recruitment is being conducted for the following post: Post Name Vacancies Elephant Kavadiga (Ane Kavadiga), Group 'D' 57 Total 57 The 57 vacancies include 51 fresh vacancies and 6 backlog vacancies distributed across the five forest circles of Karnataka. Reservation and vacancy distribution are governed by the provisions mentioned in the respective circle notifications. Eligibility Candidates must satisfy all eligibility conditions prescribed in the notification. Nationality Candidate must be an Indian citizen or belong to the categories permitted under the notification. Residence Candidate must be residing within a notified forest area under the Karnataka Forest Department in Karnataka. Language Requirement Candidates must be able to speak and understand Kannada. Experience Experience in elephant management/handling is mandatory. Educational Qualification No separate minimum educational qualification has been prescribed in the notification. Medical & Character Requirements Candidate must be physically and mentally fit. Candidates must satisfy the prescribed character and conduct requirements. Candidates against whom criminal proceedings are pending or who have been convicted are not eligible for appointment. Age Limit Category Maximum Age General 35 Years Category-IIA / IIB / IIIA / IIIB & Other Backward Classes 38 Years SC / ST / Category-I 40 Years Minimum Age: 18 Years Age will be reckoned as on 03 September 2026. A one-time additional relaxation of 5 years in the maximum age limit is available for backlog recruitment as specified in the notification. Ex-servicemen are eligible for age relaxation as per the prescribed rules. Salary Selected candidates will receive the following pay scale: Component Amount Group 'D' 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 The pay scale is common for all notified forest circles covered under this recruitment. Selection Process Selection will be carried out through the following stages: Interview. Performance Assessment. Preparation of Provisional Select List. Publication of Final Select List. Document Verification. There is no written examination for this recruitment. The interview and performance assessment together carry 100 marks and evaluate the candidate's practical experience in elephant handling along with Kannada language ability. Application Process Candidates can apply by following these steps: Visit the official Karnataka Forest Department website. Open the Nemakati (Recruitment) section. Download the prescribed Elephant Kavadiga (Ane Kavadiga) application form. Fill the application form in English (Capital Letters) or Kannada. Affix a recent passport-size photograph. Superscribe the envelope with "Application for Elephant Kavadiga Post" (ಆನೆ ಕವಾಡಿಗ ಹುದ್ದೆಗೆ ಅರ್ಜಿ). Submit the completed application by post or in person to the office of the concerned Conservator of Forests for the selected circle. Ensure that the application reaches the concerned office between 05 August 2026 and 03 September 2026 (up to 5:30 PM). Applications submitted through any mode other than the prescribed offline process or received after the closing date will not be accepted. Important Dates Event Date Notification Date 27 July 2026 Application Start Date 05 August 2026 Last Date to Apply 03 September 2026 (5:30 PM) Conclusion The Karnataka Forest Department Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 offers 57 Group 'D' Elephant Kavadiga (Ane Kavadiga) vacancies across five forest circles in Karnataka. Candidates with experience in elephant management/handling, residence in a notified forest area within Karnataka, and working knowledge of Kannada can apply through the offline application process. The recruitment does not prescribe any separate minimum educational qualification, and no written examination will be conducted. Selection will be based on an Interview and Performance Assessment, followed by preparation of the select list and document verification. Eligible candidates should submit their applications within the prescribed dates and carefully follow all instructions mentioned in the official notification.