KFD Forest Observer Recruitment 2026: 775 Posts, Apply by 31 Aug

Introduction

The Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) has announced recruitment for 775 Forest Observer posts across various circles. This is a direct recruitment drive to fill both backlog vacancies and newly sanctioned posts. Candidates who have completed SSLC or equivalent qualification are eligible to apply. The application process will be conducted online, with the application window opening on 1 August 2026 and closing on 31 August 2026. The application fee payment deadline is 2 September 2026. Detailed information regarding eligibility, educational qualifications, age limits, selection process, and how to apply is available in the official notification. All details provided here are based on the official notification, which holds the final authority.

Recruitment Overview

The Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) is conducting a recruitment drive to fill 775 vacancies for the post of Forest Observer. These vacancies include 750 fresh posts and 25 backlog posts from previous recruitment processes. The recruitment is being carried out through direct recruitment as per the Karnataka Forest Department Services (Recruitment) Rules.

Job Highlights

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

A total of 775 vacancies are available for the post of Forest Observer. These include 750 vacancies from the original cadre and 50 from the Kalyana Karnataka region, along with 25 backlog vacancies from previous recruitments. The distribution of vacancies across different circles is detailed in the official notification.

Circle-wise Vacancy Breakdown (Non-HK & HK):

• Bengaluru Circle: Bengaluru Urban Division (12), Bengaluru Rural Division (15), Kolar Division (13), Chikkaballapur Division (18). Total: 70 (Non-HK)
• Belagavi Circle: Belagavi Division (22), Gokak Division, Bagalkote Division, Vijayapura Division, Belagavi Social Forestry Division, Bagalkote Project, Belagavi Research Range, Badami Research Range. Total: 42 (Non-HK)
• Ballari Circle: Ballari Division (20), Vijayanagara Division (22), Chitradurga Division, Davanagere Division, Koppal Division. Total: 46 (Non-HK) + 17 (HK) = 63
• Chamarajanagar Circle: B.R.T. Tiger Reserve (26), Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Division, Kollegal (24), Cauvery Wildlife Division, Kollegal (28), Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Bandipur (75), Special Tiger Protection Force, Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserve (16). Total: 169 (Non-HK)
• Chikkamagaluru Circle: Chikkamagaluru Division (18), Koppa Division (10), Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Chikkamagaluru (28). Total: 56 (Non-HK)
• Dharwad Circle: Dharwad Division, Gadag Division, Haveri Division. Total: 12 (Non-HK)
• Hassan Circle: Hassan Division (20), Tumakuru Division. Total: 30 (Non-HK)
• Canara Circle: Dandeli Wildlife (30), Karwar Division, Haliyal Division, Yellapur Division, Sirsi Division, Honnavar Division. Total: 60 (Non-HK)
• Kodagu Circle: Forest Research Officer, Madikeri (13), Madikeri Division, Virajpet Division, Kodagu Wildlife Division. Total: 32 (Non-HK)
• Kalaburagi Circle: Bidar Division (10), Yadgir Division, Raichur Division. Total: 10 (HK)
• Mangaluru Circle: Mangaluru Division (26), Kundapura Division (12), Mangaluru Wildlife Division, Karkala (15). Total: 54 (Non-HK)
• Mysuru Circle: Mysuru Division (16), Hunsur Division (11), Mandya Division (12), Mysuru Wildlife Division (80). Total: 120 (Non-HK)
• Shivamogga Circle: Shivamogga Division (11), Bhadravathi Division (13), Sagar Division. Total: 13 (Non-HK)

Note: The distribution of vacancies may be subject to change by the appointing authority as per requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following general eligibility criteria:

• Must be a citizen of India.
• Male candidates with more than one living wife, and female candidates married to a person already having a wife, are not eligible unless prior permission from the government is obtained.
• Candidates must be mentally and physically fit for the duties of the post and free from any physical defect that may impede efficient performance.
• The appointing authority reserves the right to reject candidates found medically unfit based on a medical board's report.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have passed the SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) examination conducted by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board or possess an equivalent qualification as of the last date for submitting the application.

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 conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
• SSLC equivalent qualification as specified by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board.

Age Limit

As per the official notification, the age limit details are NOT SPECIFIED. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification for precise age criteria.

Editor's note: The official notification does not explicitly state the age limit for this recruitment. Candidates should check the official PDF for this information.

Application Fee

The details regarding the application fee are NOT SPECIFIED in the provided source material. The notification mentions that the software for online application fee payment is under development and further information will be provided separately.

Editor's note: Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification or subsequent announcements for details on the application fee. Disabled candidates are exempted from paying the application fee as per Government Order No. CI: 431 SENI: 2016 dated 28.12.2016.

Salary / Pay Scale

The salary details for the Forest Observer post are NOT SPECIFIED in the provided source material. However, the notification mentions that the recruitment is based on Government Order No. CI: 02 SEHIMA: 2026 dated 13.05.2026 and its amendments.

Editor's note: Candidates should refer to the official notification for information on the pay scale and salary structure.

Selection Process

The selection process for the Forest Observer posts will be based on direct recruitment. The notification indicates that the appointing authority will take necessary action for recruitment. Specific stages of the selection process, such as written examination, interview, or physical tests, are NOT DETAILED in the provided source material.

Editor's note: Candidates are advised to check the official notification for details on the selection methodology.

Exam Details

Specific details regarding the examination pattern, syllabus, or exam dates for the Forest Observer recruitment are NOT AVAILABLE in the provided source material.

Editor's note: Candidates should refer to the official notification for any information related to the examination.

How to Apply

Eligible candidates are required to apply online. The application process will commence on 1 August 2026 and conclude on 31 August 2026. Candidates must ensure they fill out the application form accurately and submit it before the deadline. Further instructions regarding the online application procedure will be made available on the official website of the Karnataka Forest Department.

Documents Required

The official notification does not explicitly list the documents required for the application process. However, candidates are generally advised to keep the following documents ready for online application:

• Educational qualification certificates (SSLC or equivalent mark sheet and certificate).
• Proof of identity (Aadhaar card, Voter ID, etc.).
• Date of birth proof.
• Category certificate (if applicable).
• Scanned copy of passport-sized photograph.
• Scanned copy of signature.

Editor's note: Candidates must refer to the official notification for a definitive list of required documents.

Important Instructions

• Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying.
• Applications must be submitted online within the specified dates.
• Candidates belonging to Local Forest Dwelling Tribes in specific forest areas may have reservations as per rules. Awareness campaigns will be conducted in such areas.
• The recruitment process will adhere to the 400-point roster system as per Government Order dated 08.05.2026.
• The official notification will be published on the Karnataka Forest Department's official website under the "Recruitment" section.

FAQs

1. What is the last date to apply for the KFD Forest Observer recruitment?
   The last date to apply online is 31 August 2026.
2. What is the minimum educational qualification required for the Forest Observer post?
   Candidates must have passed SSLC or an equivalent examination.
3. How many vacancies are available for Forest Observer?
   There are a total of 775 vacancies.
4. Is there any age limit for this recruitment?
   The age limit is NOT SPECIFIED in the provided source material. Candidates should check the official notification.
5. What is the application fee for the Forest Observer post?
   The application fee details are NOT SPECIFIED. Candidates should refer to the official notification or subsequent announcements.
6. Where can I find the official notification for KFD Forest Observer recruitment?
   The official notification can be accessed via the link provided in the "Important Links" section.

Official Notification

The official notification containing detailed information about the recruitment process is available for download. Candidates are strongly advised to read the notification carefully before applying.

Click Here

Apply Online

The online application portal will be active from 1 August 2026. Candidates can apply through the official website of the Karnataka Forest Department.

Click Here

Important Links

• Official Website: Click Here
• Notification PDF: Click Here

Source and Verification

This recruitment information has been compiled based on the official notification released by the Karnataka Forest Department. The official notification is the definitive source for all recruitment-related details, and candidates should refer to it for accurate and complete information.