Karnataka Forest Department Group D Recruitment 2026 Notification Out - Apply Online for 675 Forest Observer Posts

The Karnataka Forest Department, under the Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests and Selection Authority, has released Notification, inviting online applications for direct recruitment to 675 Forest Observer (Group 'D') posts across Karnataka for the year 2026-27. Candidates who have passed SSLC (Class 10) or an equivalent examination can apply online at aranya.gov.in from 01.08.2026 to 31.08.2026. Selection is based on SSLC marks followed by Physical Standard, Endurance, and Efficiency Tests - there is no written examination for this post.

SSLC (Class 10) or equivalent

Category Maximum Age Limit General/unreserved category 30 years Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B (backward classes) 32 years SC, ST and Category-I 33 years Minimum age: candidates must have completed 18 years as on the date of the notification. As a one-time measure, a 5-year relaxation in the above maximum age limits has been granted vide Government Order No. CiAsuI 262 SoNeNi 2025 dated 29.01.2026, applicable to all category candidates participating in the selection process for notifications issued up to 31.12.2027. Age relaxation for ex-servicemen: the maximum age limit applicable to their category, plus the number of years of service rendered in the armed forces plus 3 years. Age limit for existing Forest Observers: Forest Observers who have completed a minimum of 5 years of continuous service in the Forest Department and are currently serving on honorarium are eligible under a separate, higher age limit - General: 40 years; Category 2A/2B/3A/3B: 42 years; SC/ST/Category-I: 43 years.

Selected candidates will be placed in the following pay scale (Karnataka Civil Services pay scale): Rs. 29,600-725-32,500-800-35,700-900-39,300-1,000-43,300-1,125-47,800-1,250-52,800 The take-home in-hand salary, grade pay/level, and probation period are not specified in the notification. Also Read: Northeast Frontier Railway NFR Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 6777 Posts

1. Merit List: Prepared category-wise based on the marks obtained by candidates in SSLC or an equivalent qualifying examination, in the ratio of 1:20 (posts to candidates).
2. Physical Standard Test (PST): Candidates shortlisted in the merit list are checked against the prescribed height, chest measurement/expansion (for men), and height/weight (for women) standards.
3. Physical Endurance Test (PET) and Physical Efficiency Test: Candidates who clear the Physical Standard Test undergo endurance and efficiency tests as notified by the Department from time to time.
4. Final Selection List: Prepared category-wise in the ratio of 1:1 (post to candidate) based on performance in the above stages.