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Government of Karnataka, Forest Department
PermanentJul. 21, 2026

Forest Watcher

Required Qualification

Vacancies
42 Vacancies
Pay Scale
₹29.6K - ₹52.8K / mo
Age Limit
18-30 years as on 2026-08-31
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 ideal for physically fit individuals who have completed their SSLC (10th pass) and are seeking an entry-level government job within the Karnataka Forest Department. Candidates belonging to reserved categories, especially those with eligibility for horizontal reservations (Ex-servicemen, Rural, Kannada Medium), and domicile in the Belagavi Circle divisions (Belagavi, Gokak, Bagalkote, Vijayapura) are particularly encouraged to apply. The role offers a stable career path with a respectable pay scale for Group D government service.

Important Considerations

Individuals who do not meet the minimum educational qualification (SSLC) or the stringent physical standards (height, chest, vision, absence of specified physical defects like knock-knees, flat feet, etc.) should not apply. Those unwilling to undergo rigorous physical endurance and efficiency tests, or who have been debarred from government recruitment previously, are not suitable. Candidates exceeding the age limits without applicable relaxations, or those unable to apply online with the required scanned documents, will also find this opportunity unsuitable.

Career Impact

As a Group D position within a state government department, this role offers job security and a clear pay scale progression. While it's an entry-level position, it provides a gateway into public service and the Karnataka Forest Department, which is crucial for environmental conservation. Long-term growth may involve internal promotions based on performance and further qualifications. The prestige comes from contributing to forest protection and serving the state, though the scope for rapid career advancement might be limited compared to higher-tier roles.

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 (ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಅರಣ್ಯ ಇಲಾಖೆ) operates under the Government of Karnataka, responsible for the protection, conservation, and management of forests and wildlife resources across the state. This recruitment specifically pertains to the Belagavi Circle, inviting applications for direct recruitment to various posts within its jurisdiction, aiming to enhance the state's environmental stewardship.

Job Posts

Forest Watcher

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have passed the SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) examination or possess an equivalent qualification recognized by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board by the last date specified for application.

Age Limit Details

The minimum age for all candidates is 18 years. Maximum age limits as of August 31, 2026, are:

  • General Candidates: Not exceeding 30 years
  • Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B: Not exceeding 32 years
  • Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Category-1: Not exceeding 33 years

A one-time age relaxation of 5 years is applicable to all categories as per Government Order No: CIASUE 262 SENENI 2025, dated 29.01.2026.

Special age limits for Forest Motivators (candidates who have completed at least 5 years of continuous service as a Forest Motivator):

  • General: Not exceeding 40 years
  • Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B: Not exceeding 42 years
  • Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Category-1: Not exceeding 43 years
Check Your Age Eligibility

Salary & Pay Scale

The pay scale for Forest Watcher (Group 'D') posts is structured as follows:

  • Initial Pay: Rs. 29,600
  • Scale Progression: Rs. 29,600 - 725 - 32,500 - 800 - 35,700 - 900 - 39,300 - 1000 - 43,300 - 1125 - 47,800 - 1250 - 52,800
  • Maximum Pay: Rs. 52,800
Karnataka Govt Salary Calculator

Vacancy Breakdown (Category-wise)

  • Belagavi Division (Non-HK)29
  • Gokak Division (Non-HK)6
  • Bagalkote Division (Non-HK)6
  • Vijayapura Division (Non-HK)1
Total Vacancies42 Vacancies

How to Apply

Interested and eligible candidates must apply online through the official website of the Karnataka Forest Department. The application process is as follows:

  • Visit the official website: https://aranya.gov.in/
  • Click on the 'Recruitment' section available on the homepage.
  • Fill out the online application form accurately, providing all necessary details as instructed in the notification.
  • Upload scanned copies of all required documents, including birth certificate, educational qualification certificates, caste/category certificates, rural/Kannada medium study certificates, ex-serviceman certificates, and PwD certificates, as applicable.
  • Candidates are mandated to use their own Aadhaar (UID) number for the application. Submission using another person's Aadhaar will result in immediate rejection and debarment for 10 years from future recruitments.
  • It is essential to note that no hard copies of the application form or supporting documents need to be submitted by post or in person.
  • Once the application is submitted, no subsequent changes or additions to the details will be entertained.
  • Candidates are advised to print a copy of their submitted online application for their records.

Application Fee

Application fees are non-refundable and vary by candidate category:

  • General, Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B (Male): Rs. 200/-
  • Women and Transgender candidates (General, Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B): Rs. 100/-
  • Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Category-1 (Male): Rs. 100/-
  • Women and Transgender candidates (SC, ST, Category-1): Rs. 50/-
  • Persons with Disabilities (PwD): Exempted from application fee.

Fees must be paid online via UPI, NEFT, Credit Card, Debit Card, or Internet Banking. The deadline for fee payment is 2026-09-02.

Official Links

Visit Official Website

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