Karnataka Forest Department Group-D (Forest Watcher) Recruitment 2026 — 750 Posts (Disputed) | Apply Opens 1 August

The Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) has released notifications for direct recruitment to Group 'D' posts (commonly called Forest Watcher, also referred to as Forest Observer in some notifications) for 2026-27, under the Karnataka Civil Services (Direct Recruitment) (General) Rules, 2021 and the Karnataka Forest Department Services (Recruitment) (Amendment) Rules, 2019. IMPORTANT -- THREE UNRESOLVED DISCREPANCIES flagged rather than silently picked: 1. VACANCY COUNT: Most detailed sources cite 750 posts (700 General + 50 Kalyana-Karnataka), matching this record's title. However, two other sources cite 675 posts, and one dedicated KFD-tracking site states 2,403 posts confirmed cumulatively across 13 Forest Circles as of notifications published 20-21 July 2026 -- explicitly describing this as a 'rolling, circle-by-circle release' where more circles may publish notifications later, meaning the true state-wide total could be higher than any single figure quoted. Different Forest Circles (e.g. Kodagu/Madikeri) release separate notifications with their own vacancy counts, which likely explains the variance. Treat 750 as the most commonly cited figure for reference, but verify your specific circle's notification for its exact local vacancy count. 2. APPLICATION WINDOW: Most sources state 1 August to 31 August 2026. However, one source states a much shorter window of 1 August to 7 August 2026 for the same recruitment. This is a significant, decision-relevant discrepancy -- confirm the exact closing date for YOUR specific circle's notification directly on aranya.gov.in before assuming you have until 31 August. 3. AGE LIMIT: Sources vary meaningfully -- one states 18-40 years (42/43 for reserved categories), another states 18-30 years, and a third states an unusually-worded '30 to 33 years.' None of these precisely matches a simple '18-35' figure. Verify the exact age limit from your specific circle's official notification PDF rather than relying on any single secondary source, including this one. Eligibility: SSLC (10th standard) pass or equivalent from a recognised Board. There is NO written examination for this specific 2026 Forest Watcher cycle -- selection is based on a provisional merit list from SSLC marks, followed by Physical Standard Test, Physical Endurance Test, Physical Efficiency Test, and Document Verification. (Note: other KFD posts or other recruitment years may use a written exam -- this applies specifically to the 2026 Forest Watcher/Group-D cycle.) Application fee: General and Categories 2A/2B/3A/3B: Rs 200 (men) / Rs 100 (women); SC/ST/Category-1: Rs 100 (men) / Rs 50 (women); Persons with Disabilities are exempt. Fee payment is typically allowed a couple of days beyond the main application deadline. Salary: Pay scale approximately Rs 27,500 - Rs 46,675/month plus DA, HRA, and other allowances under Karnataka Government pay rules -- this is a permanent Group 'D' post. Physical standards reported (verify against your circle's notification): height approximately 163cm (male), 150cm (female). Apply exclusively online via aranya.gov.in -- no offline applications accepted.