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Government of Karnataka, Forest Department
Jul. 21, 2026

Forest Watcher

Required Qualification

Vacancies
31 Vacancies
Pay Scale
₹29.6K - ₹52.8K / mo
Age Limit
18–30 years as on 2026-08-01
Job Location

Important Dates

Published

Jul. 20, 2026

2

Starts

Aug. 1, 2026

3

Deadline

Aug. 31, 2026

4

Exam Date

TBA

Job Analysis

AI-generated insights

Best-Fit Profile

This role is most suitable for individuals with a minimum 10th-pass qualification, who meet the specified physical and age criteria, and are genuinely interested in a career in forest protection. Ideal candidates are those seeking stable state government employment (Group D) within Karnataka and are willing to undertake rigorous physical tests and field duties in areas like Hassan or Tumakuru divisions. Candidates from reserved categories can benefit from age relaxations.

Important Considerations

Candidates who do not meet the mandatory 10th-pass educational qualification or fail to satisfy the strict physical standards (height, chest, vision, hearing, physical endurance, and efficiency tests) should not apply. Those exceeding the maximum age limits without valid category relaxations, or individuals unwilling to commit to the physically demanding nature of a Forest Watcher's role, will find this unsuitable. Any inaccuracies or missing documents in the application will lead to immediate rejection.

Career Impact

As a Group D position in a state government department, this job offers significant job security, a respectable pay scale (Rs. 29,600-52,800), and direct involvement in environmental conservation. While career advancement might be slower than Group A or B roles, it provides a foundational entry into public service with a clear career path. The role is critical for forest protection and offers a chance to contribute meaningfully to Karnataka's natural heritage.

Note: This is a helpful, AI-generated overview designed to save you time. Always refer to the official PDF notification for complete and final details.

About Government of Karnataka, Forest Department

The Karnataka Forest Department is a government body under the Government of Karnataka, primarily responsible for the management, protection, and conservation of forests, wildlife, and related natural resources within the state of Karnataka, India. Its mission involves safeguarding biodiversity and promoting sustainable forest practices.

Job Posts

Forest Watcher

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess an S.S.L.C. (10th Standard) pass certificate or an equivalent qualification as recognized by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board by the last date of application. Qualifications like CBSE Class 10, ICSE Class 10, Class 10 from other state boards, or NIOS secondary level courses are considered equivalent.

Age Limit Details

  • General Merit: Maximum 30 years
  • Backward Classes (Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B): Maximum 32 years
  • Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Category-1: Maximum 33 years
  • Ex-Servicemen: Age relaxation equal to the number of years served in the armed forces plus an additional 3 years.
  • Forest Motivators (with minimum 5 years of continuous service):
    • General Merit: Maximum 40 years
    • Backward Classes: Maximum 42 years
    • Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Category-1: Maximum 43 years

Note: A one-time age relaxation of 5 years has been applied to the maximum age limits mentioned above.

Check Your Age Eligibility

Salary & Pay Scale

The pay scale for Forest Watcher (Group D) is in the range of Rs. 29,600 - 52,800, which includes annual increments as per the following progression: 29,600-725-32,500-800-35,700-900-39,300-1000-43,300-1125-47,800-1250-52,800.

Vacancy Breakdown (Category-wise)

  • General Merit (Hassan Division)11
  • Scheduled Caste (Category A, Hassan Division)2
  • Scheduled Caste (Category B, Hassan Division)2
  • Scheduled Caste (Category C, Hassan Division)1
  • Category 2A (Hassan Division)4
  • Category 2B (Hassan Division)1
  • Category 3A (Hassan Division)1
  • Category 3B (Hassan Division)1
  • General Merit (Tumakuru Division)4
  • Scheduled Caste (Tumakuru Division)1
  • Category 1A (Tumakuru Division)1
  • Category 3A (Tumakuru Division)1
  • Category 3B (Tumakuru Division)1
  • Backlog (General Physically Disabled, Tumakuru Division)1
Total Vacancies31 Vacancies

How to Apply

Candidates must apply online through the official website https://aranya.gov.in/ under the "Recruitment" section. No other mode of application will be accepted.

  • Before applying, thoroughly read the notification, instructions, and Karnataka Forest Department Services (Recruitment) (Amendment) Rules, 2019.
  • Fill in the online application form accurately. Print a copy of the filled application for future reference. There is no need to submit a hard copy of the application via post or in person.
  • Ensure to use your own Aadhaar (UID) number for application. Using someone else's Aadhaar will lead to rejection of the application at any stage.
  • Scan and upload required documents such as date of birth certificate, educational qualification certificates, caste/category certificates, rural/Kannada medium certificates, ex-servicemen certificates, third gender certificates, disability certificates, and local forest dwelling scheduled tribe certificates during the online application process.
  • Applications with incomplete, inaccurate, or false information, or those missing required documents, will be rejected. No changes or additions can be made to the application after submission.

Application Fee

  • General, Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B:
    • Male candidates: Rs. 200/-
    • Female/Third Gender candidates: Rs. 100/-
  • Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Category-1:
    • Male candidates: Rs. 100/-
    • Female/Third Gender candidates: Rs. 50/-
  • Physically Disabled candidates: Exempted from application fee.

Payment can be made online via UPI/NEFT/Credit Card/Debit Card/Internet Banking, or offline via cash payment at specified bank branches (State Bank of India, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India, Central Bank of India) using a downloaded challan.

Official Links

Visit Official Website

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