KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 Notification Out - Apply Offline for 57 Posts

The Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) has released separate notifications for KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026, inviting applications for Group 'D' Elephant Kavadiga (Ane Kavadiga) posts across five forest circles: Kanara (Shirsi), Kodagu (Madikeri), Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, and Shivamoga. All five notifications share the same application window and pay scale, and are being treated here as one combined recruitment drive. Below is a quick summary, followed by full details on vacancies, eligibility, salary, and how to apply.

Nationality and Domicile Candidates must hold Indian citizenship (or fall under specific categories of persons of Indian origin who migrated with the intention of permanently settling in India, as defined in the notification). Candidates must be residing within a notified forest area under the jurisdiction of the Karnataka Forest Department, within Karnataka state. Language Candidates must be able to speak and understand Kannada. Experience (Qualification) Experience in elephant management/handling is mandatory for this post. The notifications do not specify a separate minimum educational qualification; the application form itself only asks candidates to declare their number of years of experience in handling elephants - it does not require submission of educational certificates. Marital Status A male candidate who has a living spouse and marries again without obtaining prior permission from the Government is not eligible for appointment. Medical and Character Standards Candidates must be mentally and physically healthy, and their physical condition must not come in the way of efficiently discharging the duties of the post. Candidates against whom a complete inquiry into a criminal case is pending, or who have been convicted, are not eligible for appointment, per the process outlined in the notification.

Category Maximum Age Limit General Candidates 35 years Category-IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB, and other Backward Classes 38 years Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Category-I 40 years Candidates must have completed a minimum of 18 years of age as on the last date for submission of applications. Age is reckoned as on the last date of application, i.e., 03 September 2026. A one-time additional relaxation of 5 years in the maximum age limit has been extended to candidates of all categories participating in backlog recruitment notified up to 31 December 2027, per Government Order No. CiaSau 262 Senani 2025, dated 29 January 2026. Ex-servicemen are entitled to age relaxation equal to the number of years of armed forces service actually rendered, plus 3 years, subject to their overall eligibility for the post under their category.

₹29,600-725-32,500-800-35,700-900-39,300-1,000-43,300-1,125-47,800-1,250-52,800

1. Candidates are assessed on their ability to speak and comprehend Kannada, and on their practical experience and performance capability in elephant handling.
2. The interview and performance assessment together carry a maximum of 100 marks.
3. Based on the marks obtained and the category-wise vacancy position, a provisional select list is prepared and published on the official website, followed by a final select list after considering any objections.
4. Candidates not present on the specified date and time for the interview/performance test will not be permitted to appear later, and the scheduled date will not be changed for any candidate.
5. The interview/performance assessment process may be video-recorded or covered by CCTV, with the footage retained as backup for transparency.