Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026 for Forest Watcher Jobs @aranya.gov.in starting Rs. 27,500 per month for 10th Pass
The Karnataka Forest Department has announced a major direct recruitment drive for the position of Forest Watcher (Group 'D'). This initiative seeks to fill numerous vacancies across various forest circles in Karnataka, providing a stable career path for eligible candidates who meet the specified educational and physical fitness criteria.
Important Points
Organization: Karnataka Forest Department (KFD)
Position: Forest Watcher (Aranya Veekshaka) Group 'D'
Total Vacancies: 775 Posts
Job Category: State Government Jobs
Location: Karnataka
Eligibility: SSLC / 10th Standard Pass
Vacancy Details for Recruitment 2026
The recruitment includes both fresh vacancies and backlog positions across multiple forest divisions including Bengaluru, Belagavi, Ballari, Chamarajanagar, and others.
Category | Number of Vacancies |
Fresh Vacancies (Non-HK & HK) | 750 |
Backlog Vacancies | 25 |
Total Positions | 775 |
Salary for Forest Watcher Career
Selected candidates will be entitled to a monthly pay scale as per state government norms.
Pay Scale: Rs. 27,500 - 650 - 29,600 - 725 - 32,500 - 800 - 35,700 - 900 - 39,300 - 1000 - 43,300 - 1125 - 46,675 per month.
Age Limit for Recruitment 2026
The minimum age for application is 18 years. Maximum age limits are categorized as follows:
General Merit (GM): 30 Years
Cat-2A, 2B, 3A, 3B: 32 Years
SC, ST, Cat-I: 33 Years
One-time Relaxation: A general 5-year age relaxation is applicable as per government orders.
Application Fee for Vacancy
Category | Male Candidates | Female/Transgender Candidates |
General, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B | Rs. 200 | Rs. 100 |
SC, ST, Cat-I | Rs. 100 | Rs. 50 |
PH Candidates | Exempted | Exempted |
Selection Process for Jobs
The selection involves a rigorous evaluation of merit and physical endurance:
Shortlisting: Candidates are initially shortlisted based on SSLC/10th marks in a 1:20 ratio.
Physical Standard Test (PST): Verification of height, weight, and chest measurements.
Physical Endurance Test (PET): A timed run (1600m for males, 1000m for females).
Physical Efficiency Test: Includes activities like High Jump, Long Jump, and Shotput.
Final Merit List: Prepared based on academic scores and successful completion of physical tests.
Important Dates for Recruitment 2026
Starting Date for Online Application: 01.08.2026
Closing Date for Online Application: 31.08.2026
Last Date for Fee Payment: 02.09.2026
How to Apply for Vacancy
Interested candidates must visit the official portal at https://aranya.gov.in/ and navigate to the recruitment section. Applications must be submitted strictly through the online mode, ensuring all required documents and certificates are uploaded before the deadline. It is mandatory to pay the application fee through the provided online payment gateway or designated bank branches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the minimum qualification required for a Forest Watcher? Applicants must have successfully completed SSLC or 10th standard from a recognized education board.
What is the starting monthly salary for this post? The starting basic pay for a Forest Watcher is Rs. 27,500 per month.
How many total vacancies are being filled? There are a total of 775 vacancies, including 750 fresh openings and 25 backlog posts.
Is there an age relaxation for reserved category candidates? Yes, candidates from SC/ST/Cat-I have an upper age limit of 33 years, plus a general 5-year extension.
How can I pay the recruitment application fee? Fees can be paid online via Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or through offline bank challan.
What is the height requirement for male candidates? Male candidates must have a minimum height of 163 cm (152 cm for certain tribal categories).
What is the height requirement for female candidates? Female candidates must have a minimum height of 150 cm (145 cm for certain tribal categories).
What is the Physical Endurance Test for males? Male candidates are required to complete a 1600-meter run within 7 minutes.
What is the Physical Endurance Test for females? Female candidates must complete a 1000-meter run within 6 minutes.
When is the last date to submit the online application? The last date for submitting the online application is August 31, 2026.