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Government of Karnataka, Forest Department
PermanentJul. 21, 2026

Forest Watcher

Required Qualification

Vacancies
64 Vacancies
Pay Scale
₹29.6K - ₹52.8K / mo
Age Limit
18-33 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 ideal for Indian citizens who have completed their SSLC (10th standard) and meet the stringent physical standards required for a Forest Watcher position. Candidates aged 18-33, especially those from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes, will find specific age relaxations. Individuals with a strong commitment to public service, physical fitness, and a desire to work in forest conservation within Karnataka's geographical divisions (Ballari, Vijayanagara, Chitradurga, Davangere, Koppal) are highly suitable. The role is well-suited for freshers seeking a stable, permanent Group D government job.

Important Considerations

Candidates who do not meet the minimum SSLC qualification by the application deadline, fail to clear the comprehensive physical standards and efficiency tests, or cannot pass the mandatory Kannada language test (if applicable) should not apply. Those with specific physical defects (e.g., knock-knees, flat feet, certain vision impairments) are ineligible. Individuals with criminal records, a history of debarment from government recruitments, or those discharged from government service will be disqualified. This is not suitable for applicants seeking a high-ranking or highly paid position, as it is a Group D entry-level role.

Career Impact

As a Group D position within the Karnataka Government Forest Department, this role offers excellent job security and stability characteristic of state government employment. While it is an entry-level position, it provides a crucial entry point into public service and the environmental sector. Career progression typically involves departmental examinations and experience accumulation within the forest department. The prestige is primarily derived from serving a critical state government function related to environmental protection and resource management, offering a sense of purpose and local impact.

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 Government Forest Department is a key state government body responsible for the conservation, protection, and management of forests and wildlife resources across Karnataka. It plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring sustainable forest practices within the state.

Job Posts

Forest Watcher

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess an SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board. This qualification must be held as of the last date for application submission.

  • Recognized equivalents include: CBSE/ICSE Class 10 examination, Class 10 examination conducted by other State Examination Boards, Secondary level course from National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), Secondary level course from Karnataka Open Schooling (KOS).
  • Candidates awaiting results or who do not possess the required mark sheets by the application deadline are not eligible.

Age Limit Details

  • Minimum Age: 18 years.
  • Maximum Age (as on 2026-08-01):
    • General Merit: 30 years
    • Backward Classes (Categories IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB): 32 years
    • Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Category-I: 33 years
  • One-Time Relaxation: An additional 5-year age relaxation is provided as a one-time measure for all categories.
  • Ex-Servicemen: Age relaxation is calculated based on service years plus 3 years added to their respective category's maximum age.
  • Forest Workers (if 5 years continuous service):
    • General: 40 years
    • Backward Classes (IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB): 42 years
    • SC, ST, Category-I: 43 years
Check Your Age Eligibility

Salary & Pay Scale

The pay scale for Forest Watcher Group 'D' posts is detailed as follows:

  • Initial Pay: Rs. 29,600
  • Annual Increments (various stages): Rs. 725, Rs. 800, Rs. 900, Rs. 1000, Rs. 1125, Rs. 1250
  • Maximum Pay: Rs. 52,800
Karnataka Govt Salary Calculator

Vacancy Breakdown (Category-wise)

  • General Merit32
  • Scheduled Caste (SC)11
  • Scheduled Tribe (ST)0
  • Category-I0
  • Category-IIA12
  • Category-IIB3
  • Category-IIIA2
  • Category-IIIB3
  • General Backlog (Kalyan Karnataka)1
Total Vacancies64 Vacancies

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official website of the Karnataka Forest Department (https://aranya.gov.in/) under the 'Recruitment' section. Follow these steps:

  • Access the recruitment section on the official website.
  • Fill out the online application form with accurate details, ensuring to read all instructions and conditions specified in the notification.
  • Upload scanned copies of required documents/certificates (e.g., date of birth proof, educational qualification certificates, caste certificates, etc.) as specified.
  • Pay the application fee online or by generating a challan for cash payment at designated banks by the specified deadline.
  • Print a copy of the submitted online application for future reference.
  • No physical submission of the application form or documents is required.
  • Once an application is submitted, no amendments or additions to the details will be permitted.
  • Candidates must use their own Aadhaar (UID) number for application. Using another person's Aadhaar will lead to disqualification.

Application Fee

  • For General Merit, Categories IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB (Male): Rs. 200/-
  • For General Merit, Categories IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB (Female / Transgender): Rs. 100/-
  • For Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Category-I (Male): Rs. 100/-
  • For Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Category-I (Female / Transgender): Rs. 50/-
  • For Persons with Disabilities: Exempted from application fee.
  • Fees can be paid online via UPI/NEFT/Credit Card/Debit Card/Internet Banking, or offline in cash through a generated challan at specified banks (State Bank of India, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India, Central Bank of India). The deadline for fee payment is 2026-09-02.

Official Links

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