Karnataka Forest Department Forest Observer (Group D) Recruitment 2026
Karnataka Forest Department (Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests & Selection Authority)
Karnataka Forest Department has invited online applications for 675 Forest Observer (Group D) posts. Candidates who have passed SSLC (Class 10) or an equivalent qualification can apply online. Selection will be based on SSLC merit followed by Physical Standard, Endurance and Efficiency Tests.
Vacancy Details
| Organization Name | Karnataka Forest Department (Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests & Selection Authority) |
| Examination Name | Forest Observer (Group D) Recruitment 2026 |
| Post Name | Forest Observer (Group D) |
| Total Vacancies | 675 Posts |
| Job Type | Government Jobs |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Location | Karnataka |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 20 July 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 01 August 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 31 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 02 September 2026 |
| Admit Card | — |
| Exam / Physical Test | — |
Eligibility Criteria
Qualification: SSLC (Class 10) or equivalent examination recognized by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board.
Nationality Candidate must be an Indian Citizen. Educational Qualification Must have passed SSLC (Class 10) conducted by Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board or an equivalent examination. Equivalent qualifications accepted include: CBSE Class 10 ICSE Class 10 Other State Board Class 10 NIOS Secondary Course Karnataka Open School (KOS) Medical Fitness Candidate should be mentally and physically fit. Candidates declared medically unfit by the Medical Board are not eligible. Other Conditions Candidates awaiting SSLC/equivalent results are not eligible. Only prescribed qualifications will be accepted.
Age Limit & Relaxation
Minimum Age: 18 Years Maximum Age: General: 30 Years Category 2A/2B/3A/3B: 32 Years SC/ST/Category-I: 33 Years (Additional relaxations applicable as per Government Rules.)
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| General One-Time Government Relaxation | 5 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Maximum age of applicable category + Years of military service + 3 Years |
| Existing Forest Observers (General) | Up to 40 Years |
| Existing Forest Observers (Category 2A/2B/3A/3B) | Up to 42 Years |
| Existing Forest Observers (SC/ST/Category-I) | Up to 43 Years |
Salary Structure
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale | Rs. 29,600 – Rs. 52,800 |
| Basic Pay | Not Mentioned |
| Grade Pay | Not Mentioned |
| In-Hand Salary | Not Mentioned |
| Allowances | Not Mentioned |
| Probation Period | Not Mentioned |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / Category 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B (Male) | Rs. 200 |
| General / Category 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B (Female / Third Gender) | Rs. 100 |
| SC / ST / Category-I (Male) | Rs. 100 |
| SC / ST / Category-I (Female / Third Gender) | Rs. 50 |
| PwBD | Exempted |
Documents Required
- SSLC / Class 10 Marks Card or Equivalent Certificate
- Recent Passport Size Photograph
- Scanned Signature
- Aadhaar Card
- Valid Identity Proof
- Caste / Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Community Certificate with Photograph (for Local Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribe reservation, if applicable)
- PwBD Certificate (if applicable)
- Ex-Serviceman Certificate (if applicable)
- Any other certificate as specified in the online application form
Selection Process
- 1Merit List based on SSLC / Equivalent Marks
- 2Physical Standard Test (PST)
- 3Physical Endurance Test (PET)
- 4Physical Efficiency Test
- 5Medical Fitness Verification
- 6Final Merit List
- 7Document Verification
Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| SSLC Merit Evaluation | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Physical Standard Test (PST) | Qualifying | Qualifying | As Scheduled |
| Physical Endurance Test (PET) | Qualifying | Qualifying | As Scheduled |
| Physical Efficiency Test | Qualifying | Qualifying | As Scheduled |
There is no written examination for this recruitment. Candidates are shortlisted based on SSLC or equivalent examination marks. Only shortlisted candidates are called for Physical Standard Test. Candidates qualifying PST will appear for Physical Endurance and Physical Efficiency Tests. Final selection is prepared according to the recruitment rules and reservation policy. Candidates must satisfy all physical standards prescribed by the Karnataka Forest Department.
Syllabus
Since there is no written examination, candidates should focus on maintaining the required physical standards and ensuring that all educational and reservation-related documents are valid. Performance in the physical tests and verification of certificates are important stages of the recruitment process.
How To Apply
Visit the official Karnataka Forest Department website. Open the Recruitment section. Read the official recruitment notification carefully before applying. Register using the required personal details. Fill the online application form with accurate information. Upload the required photograph, signature and supporting certificates. Pay the prescribed application fee through the available online payment methods or generate a challan for cash payment at the specified bank. Verify all entered information before final submission. Submit the application form. Download and print the submitted application form for future reference.
Important Instructions
Applications will be accepted only through online mode. Use only your own Aadhaar number while registering. Ensure that all uploaded documents are genuine and valid. Incorrect or false information may lead to cancellation of candidature. Applications submitted after the last date will not be accepted. Candidates must satisfy all prescribed educational and physical eligibility conditions. Candidates dismissed from any Government service are not eligible as per recruitment rules. The number of vacancies and reservation details may change if notified by the department. Keep your registered mobile number and email ID active throughout the recruitment process. Preserve the application printout and fee receipt until the recruitment process is completed.
Job Description
Introduction The Karnataka Forest Department Forest Observer (Group D) Recruitment 2026 has been released by the Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests & Selection Authority to recruit eligible candidates for 675 Forest Observer (Group D) vacancies across various forest circles in Karnataka. Candidates who have successfully passed SSLC (Class 10) or an equivalent examination can submit their applications through online mode. The online application process starts on 01 August 2026 and will remain open until 31 August 2026. Vacancy Overview The recruitment notification announces a total of 675 vacancies for the post of Forest Observer (Group D). These vacancies are distributed among various forest circles including Bangalore, Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Bellary, Shimoga, Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, Belgaum, Kalaburgi, Dharwad and Mangalore. Candidates will be appointed according to the reservation policy and recruitment rules prescribed by the Karnataka Forest Department. Post Name: Forest Observer (Group D) Total Vacancies: 675 Application Mode: Online Job Location: Karnataka Eligibility Candidates applying for Karnataka Forest Department Forest Observer Recruitment 2026 must fulfill the educational and general eligibility requirements prescribed in the official notification. Educational Qualification Passed SSLC (Class 10) conducted by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board or an equivalent examination. Equivalent qualifications recognized by the department are also accepted. Candidates awaiting examination results are not eligible to apply. Nationality Applicant must be an Indian Citizen. Physical Fitness Candidates should be physically and medically fit as per the standards prescribed by the Karnataka Forest Department. Age Limit The age of the applicant will be calculated according to the recruitment notification. Category Maximum Age General 30 Years Category 2A / 2B / 3A / 3B 32 Years SC / ST / Category-I 33 Years Minimum Age: 18 Years Age relaxation is applicable for eligible categories according to Government of Karnataka rules. Salary Selected candidates will receive the Karnataka Civil Services pay scale. Pay Scale Rs. 29,600 – Rs. 52,800 The notification does not separately mention grade pay, in-hand salary or probation period. Selection Process The Karnataka Forest Department has not prescribed any written examination for this recruitment. Selection will be completed through the following stages: Merit List based on SSLC Marks Physical Standard Test (PST) Physical Endurance Test (PET) Physical Efficiency Test Medical Fitness Verification Document Verification Final Merit List Only candidates qualifying each stage will be considered for final appointment. Application Process Eligible candidates should complete the application process through the official Karnataka Forest Department recruitment portal. Visit the official website. Open the Recruitment section. Read the official notification carefully. Register with the required details. Fill the online application form. Upload the necessary documents. Pay the prescribed application fee. Verify all entered information. Submit the application. Download and keep a copy of the submitted application for future reference. Applications submitted through offline mode will not be accepted. Important Dates Event Date Notification Released 20-07-2026 Online Application Starts 01-08-2026 Last Date to Apply 31-08-2026 Last Date for Fee Payment 02-09-2026 Admit Card Not Mentioned Physical Test Schedule Not Mentioned Conclusion The Karnataka Forest Department Forest Observer (Group D) Recruitment 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for 10th pass candidates seeking a government career in the forest department. With 675 vacancies, an attractive pay scale of Rs. 29,600–52,800, and no written examination, this recruitment is suitable for candidates who meet the educational and physical eligibility requirements. Interested applicants should carefully read the official notification, complete the online application before the closing date, and prepare for the physical selection stages to improve their chances of final selection.
