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Government of Karnataka, Forest Department
PermanentJul. 21, 2026

Forest Watcher

Required Qualification

Vacancies
44 Vacancies
Pay Scale
₹29.6K - ₹52.8K / mo
Age Limit
18–30 years as on 20-07-2026
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 opportunity is ideal for individuals with an SSLC (10th pass) qualification who aspire to a stable career in the Karnataka State Government. Candidates should be physically fit, meet specified height and chest measurements, and be prepared for rigorous physical endurance and efficiency tests. Those belonging to reserved categories, ex-servicemen, or local forest dwelling tribes, who meet the specific eligibility criteria, will find this recruitment particularly favorable due to age relaxations and reservations. A strong commitment to public service and the environment, coupled with the ability to serve anywhere in Karnataka, is essential.

Important Considerations

Individuals who do not meet the minimum SSLC qualification or the strict physical standards (height, chest, vision, hearing, physical defects) should not apply. Those unwilling to undergo physical tests or who cannot meet the age limits (without applicable relaxations) will find this role unsuitable. Applicants who submit incomplete or false information, or those who have been debarred from previous government recruitments, will be disqualified. This role is not suitable for those seeking a desk job, as it involves fieldwork and physical demands.

Career Impact

Joining the Karnataka Forest Department as a Forest Watcher (Group 'D') offers a respectable entry into state government service, providing job security and a defined pay scale. While it is an entry-level position, it serves as a foundation for a career within the forest department, potentially leading to growth opportunities based on performance and further qualifications. The department plays a crucial role in environmental conservation, offering a sense of purpose to those passionate about nature. It’s a foundational role in a vital state government institution.

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.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess SSLC (10th standard) or an equivalent qualification as recognized by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board by the application deadline. Equivalent qualifications include:

  • Class 10 examination conducted by CBSE and ICSE boards.
  • Class 10 examination conducted by other State Government Examination Boards.
  • Secondary education level course from the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
  • Secondary education level course from Karnataka Open School (KOS).

Candidates awaiting results or not possessing the marks card by the deadline are not eligible.

Age Limit Details

Age limits are calculated as on 20-07-2026.

  • General Candidates: Not exceeding 30 years.
  • Backward Classes (Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B): Not exceeding 32 years.
  • Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Category 1: Not exceeding 33 years.

Age Relaxation: A one-time relaxation of 5 years is applicable for all categories in direct recruitment notifications issued between 29-01-2026 and 31-12-2027.

  • Ex-Servicemen: Relaxation based on years of service in the armed forces plus 3 years.
  • Forest Motivators (with 5 years continuous service):
    • General: Not exceeding 40 years.
    • Backward Classes (Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B): Not exceeding 42 years.
    • Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Category 1: Not exceeding 43 years.
Check Your Age Eligibility

Salary & Pay Scale

The pay scale for Forest Watcher (Group 'D') is set as Rs. 29,600 – 52,800. This includes a detailed progression with annual increments:

  • Starting at Rs. 29,600, increasing by Rs. 725 up to Rs. 32,500.
  • Further increasing by Rs. 800 up to Rs. 35,700.
  • Then by Rs. 900 up to Rs. 39,300.
  • Followed by increments of Rs. 1,000 up to Rs. 43,300.
  • Further increments of Rs. 1,125 up to Rs. 47,800.
  • Finally, increments of Rs. 1,250 up to the maximum of Rs. 52,800.
Karnataka Govt Salary Calculator

Vacancy Breakdown (Category-wise)

  • General18
  • Scheduled Caste (SC)6
  • Scheduled Tribe (ST) & Local Forest Dwelling Tribes7
  • Category 2A6
  • Category 2B3
  • Category 3A2
  • Category 3B2
Total Vacancies44 Vacancies

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted exclusively online through the official Karnataka Forest Department website: https://aranya.gov.in/. Navigate to the 'Recruitment' section on the homepage.

  • Before applying, candidates must thoroughly read and understand the detailed notification and the relevant Karnataka Forest Department Service (Recruitment) (Amendment) Rules, 2019.
  • Fill out the online application form with accurate details.
  • Candidates must use their own Aadhaar (UID) number. Submission of multiple applications using different Aadhaar numbers will lead to immediate rejection and debarment for 10 years.
  • Scan and upload all required documents, including proof of birth date (10th marks card), educational qualifications, caste/category certificates, rural candidate certificate, Kannada medium study certificate, ex-serviceman certificate, PwD certificate (for eligible categories only), and Local Forest Dwelling Tribe certificate, as applicable. All documents must be valid and uploaded by the application deadline.
  • No changes or modifications to the application or uploaded documents are permitted after submission.
  • After successful online submission, candidates should print a copy of their application for future reference. Physical submission of the application form is not required.
  • Pay the application fee online or by generating a challan and paying at designated bank branches before the specified deadline (September 02, 2026, for fee payment).

Application Fee

Application fees are non-refundable and must be paid online via UPI/NEFT/Credit Card/Debit Card/Internet Banking, or offline by generating a challan and paying at specified bank branches (State Bank of India, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India, or Central Bank of India). The last date for fee payment is September 02, 2026.

CategoryFee (Male)Fee (Female/Transgender)
General, Cat-2A, 2B, 3A, 3BRs. 200/-Rs. 100/-
SC, ST, Cat-1Rs. 100/-Rs. 50/-
Persons with Disabilities (PwD)ExemptedExempted

Official Links

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