The Karnataka Forest Department, Office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, has released a recruitment notification for 750 Forest Watcher posts under the Forest Department. The vacancies include posts under Non-HK and Hyderabad-Karnataka (HK) areas.
The notification is dated 30 June 2026. The online application process is scheduled from 01 August 2026 to 30 October 2026. Candidates must also satisfy the prescribed physical standards, physical endurance and physical efficiency requirements for the post.
Official Notification PDF: Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026
Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026 - Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Karnataka Forest Department |
| Post | Forest Watcher |
| Total Vacancies | 750 |
| Non-HK Vacancies | 700 |
| HK Vacancies | 50 |
| Notification Date | 30 June 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 01 August 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 30 October 2026 |
| Application Fee Last Date | 02 September 2026 |
| Selection Process | Application Screening, Physical Standard Test, Physical Endurance Test and Physical Efficiency Test, as applicable |
Karnataka Forest Department Forest Watcher Vacancy 2026
The notification provides a total of 750 Forest Watcher vacancies, comprising 700 Non-HK vacancies and 50 HK vacancies. The district/division-wise vacancy details are provided in the tables on pages 2 to 4 of the notification.
| Area | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Non-HK Area | 700 |
| Hyderabad-Karnataka (HK) Area | 50 |
| Total | 750 |
Karnataka Forest Department Forest Watcher Eligibility 2026
Candidates must possess the educational qualification prescribed in the recruitment notification and satisfy the applicable eligibility conditions.
The notification also contains special provisions relating to Local Forest Dwelling Tribes (Local Forest Dwelling Tribes) and reservation/eligibility provisions for the relevant forest divisions. Candidates belonging to the specified local forest dwelling tribal communities must check the detailed conditions before applying.
Karnataka Forest Department Age Limit 2026
The recruitment notification provides category-wise age requirements and relaxations. Candidates should satisfy the prescribed age condition as specified in the notification before submitting the application.
The notification also provides separate provisions for candidates belonging to specified categories and special groups.
Karnataka Forest Department Application Fee 2026
The notification specifies different application fee amounts according to the candidate category. The applicable fee must be paid through the prescribed online payment methods.
The notification permits online payment through methods including UPI, NEFT, Credit Card, Debit Card and Internet Banking.
Karnataka Forest Watcher Physical Standard Test 2026
Physical standards are an important part of the recruitment process. Candidates must satisfy the prescribed physical requirements before proceeding further in the selection process.
The notification provides separate physical standards for applicable categories, including measurements relating to height, chest and other prescribed physical requirements. The detailed standards are given on pages 8 and 9 of the notification.
Karnataka Forest Watcher Physical Endurance Test 2026
Candidates are required to qualify the prescribed Physical Endurance Test.
| Test | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Walking Test | 16 km within 4 hours |
| Women / applicable candidates | 10 km within 4 hours |
The notification prescribes walking endurance requirements and states that candidates must complete the prescribed distance within the specified time.
Karnataka Forest Watcher Medical / Physical Requirements
The notification contains detailed requirements relating to physical defects, eyesight and hearing ability. Candidates must satisfy the prescribed medical and physical standards.
The notification specifically discusses conditions relating to knock knees, bow legs, flat feet, varicose veins, speech/hearing impairment, hydrocele, colour blindness, night blindness, eyesight and hearing tests.
Karnataka Forest Department Selection Process 2026
The recruitment involves verification and physical tests prescribed for the Forest Watcher post.
- Online Application
- Application/Eligibility Screening
- Physical Standard Test
- Physical Endurance Test
- Physical Efficiency Test
- Document Verification / Further Selection Formalities
- Medical requirements as prescribed
Candidates must qualify the prescribed physical and eligibility requirements to remain eligible for appointment. The notification also provides instructions regarding the documents that candidates should produce during the recruitment process.
Karnataka Forest Department Important Dates 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 30 June 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 01 August 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date (Extended) | 30 October 2026 |
| Application Fee Payment Last Date | 02 September 2026 |
These dates are given in the application schedule table of the notification.
How to Apply for Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026
- Visit the Karnataka Forest Department recruitment website.
- Open the Forest Watcher recruitment online application link.
- Complete the registration using the required details.
- Enter personal and educational information carefully.
- Upload the required documents and photograph as prescribed.
- Pay the applicable application fee through the available online payment method.
- Check the entered information carefully.
- Submit the online application before the last date.
- Save or print the submitted application for future reference.
The notification directs candidates to use the official Karnataka Forest Department website for the online application process and provides online payment options including UPI, NEFT, cards and Internet Banking.
Important Instructions
- Read the complete notification carefully before applying.
- Check the applicable vacancy category and area before submitting the application.
- Enter correct information in the online application.
- Pay the applicable fee within the prescribed period.
- Keep the application details safely for future reference.
- Candidates must satisfy the prescribed physical standards.
- Candidates must qualify the prescribed Physical Endurance Test and Physical Efficiency Test.
- Medical and eyesight/hearing requirements must also be satisfied where prescribed.
- Eligible Local Forest Dwelling Tribes candidates should carefully check the special provisions in the notification.
- Follow the official Karnataka Forest Department website for further recruitment updates.
