Overview
Karnataka Forest Department (Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests & Selection Authority) has published an official recruitment notification for the position of Forest Observer, Group 'D' for a total of 675 vacancies. The last date to submit applications is 31.08.2026. Job location: All India.
Particulars Details Organization Karnataka Forest Department (Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests & Selection Authority) Notification Date 20-07-2026 Post Name Forest Observer, Group 'D' Total Vacancies 675 Mode of Application Online only Application Start Date 01.08.2026 Application Last Date 31.08.2026 Fee Payment Last Date 02.09.2026 Educational Qualification SSLC (Class 10) or equivalent Selection Process Merit list (SSLC marks) + Physical Standard, Endurance & Efficiency Tests Official Website aranya.gov.in Important Dates: Event Date Notification release date 20-07-2026 Online application start date 01.08.2026 (00:00:01) Online application last date 31.08.2026 (23:59:59) Last date to pay application fee 02.09.2026 Admit card release date Not specified in the notification Exam/Test date Not specified in the notification; will be announced on the official website
Quick Reference
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Karnataka Forest Department (Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests & Selection Authority) |
| Post Name | Forest Observer, Group 'D' |
| Total Vacancies | 675 |
| Application Mode | online |
| Application Start Date | 01.08.2026 |
| Application Last Date | 31.08.2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 02.09.2026 |
| Age Limit | As a one-time measure, a 5-year relaxation in the above maximum age limits has been granted vide Government Order No. |
| Application Fee | Nil (No application fee mentioned in official source) |
| Salary / Pay Scale | Selected candidates will be placed in the following pay scale (Karnataka Civil Services pay scale):Rs. 29,600-725-32,500-800-35,700-900-39,300-1,000-43,300-1,125-47,800-1,250-52,800The take-home in-hand salary, grade pay/level, and probation period are not specified in the notification. |
| Selection Process | Merit list (SSLC marks) + Physical Standard, Endurance & Efficiency Tests |
| Job Location | All India |
| Official Website | https://aranya.gov.in/ |
| Source Name | aranya.gov.in |
| Freshness Reference Date | 2026-08-16 |
Vacancy Details
675 posts
A total of 675 Forest Observer (Group 'D') vacancies are notified for the Shimoga Circle, Bangalore Circle, Chamarajanagar Circle, Bellary Circle, Mysore Circle, Belgaum Circle, Kalaburgi Circle, Chikkamagaluru Circle, Hassan Circle, Mangalore Circle, Dharwad Circle. Sl. No. Circle Unit Number of Posts 1 Shimoga Circle 44 2 Bangalore Circle 82 3 Chamarajanagar Circle 159 4 Bellary Circle 64 5 Mysore Circle 121 6 Belgaum Circle 42 7 Kalaburgi Circle 06 8 Chikkamagaluru Circle 60 9 Hassan Circle 31 10 Mangalore Circle 54 11 Dharwad Circle 12 Total
Eligibility Criteria & Educational Qualification
Educational Qualification | SSLC (Class 10) or equivalent
Age Limit & Relaxations
As a one-time measure, a 5-year relaxation in the above maximum age limits has been granted vide Government Order No.
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.
Age relaxation is provided to candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen categories in accordance with official government guidelines.
Application Fee
Nil (No application fee mentioned in official source)
Category Gender Application Fee General, Category 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B Male Rs. 200/- Female / Third Gender Rs. 100/- SC, ST, Category-I Male Rs. 100/- Female / Third Gender Rs. 50/- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) are exempted from the application fee as per Government Circular No. CiAsuI 431 SanNi 2016 dated 28.12.2016.Mode of fee payment: Application fee can be paid online through UPI, NEFT, Credit Card, Debit Card, or Internet Banking. Candidates who wish to pay by cash can select the cash option during the online application, download the generated challan, and pay in cash at any branch of State Bank of India, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India, or Central Bank of India. No other payment mode (DD, cheque, postal order, etc.) will be accepted, and no offline, postal, courier, or email applications will be considered.
Salary & Pay Scale
Selected candidates will be placed in the following pay scale (Karnataka Civil Services pay scale):Rs. 29,600-725-32,500-800-35,700-900-39,300-1,000-43,300-1,125-47,800-1,250-52,800The take-home in-hand salary, grade pay/level, and probation period are not specified in the notification.
Selection Process
Merit list (SSLC marks) + Physical Standard, Endurance & Efficiency Tests
There is no written examination for the Forest Observer post. The selection process consists of the following stages: 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). 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. 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. Final Selection List: Prepared category-wise in the ratio of 1:1 (post to candidate) based on performance in the above stages.
Important Dates
Notification Date: 20-07-2026 | Application Start Date: 01.08.2026 | Application Last Date: 31.08.2026 | Fee Payment Last Date: 02.09.2026 | Last date to pay application fee: 02.09.2026
- Notification Release Date: 20-07-2026
- Online Application Start Date: 01.08.2026
- Application Last Date: 31.08.2026
- Fee Payment Last Date: 02.09.2026
- Examination Date: 01.08.2026
How to Apply
Apply online through https://aranya.gov.in/
Visit the official Karnataka Forest Department website: https://aranya.gov.in. Go to the "Recruitment" section on the bottom of the homepage. Read the Karnataka Forest Department Services (Recruitment) (Amendment) Rules, 2019 carefully before filling the online application. Register and fill in the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and category details. Upload the required certificates/documents as prompted in the online form. Pay the applicable application fee online (or generate a cash challan for payment at the specified banks). Review all entered details carefully - corrections or additions are not allowed once the application is submitted. Submit the application and save/print a copy of the completed form for your records. Applications must be submitted online only; applications sent by post, courier, speed post, ordinary mail, email, or in person will not be considered.
Links Supplied in the Excel Row
| Label | URL | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 64 Forest Observer Group 'D' posts for Bellary Circle in the year 2026-27 | https://aranya.gov.in/aranyacms/(S(wqpsu1uetez5bpudh4tuke52))/download... (PDF) | Verified (exact match with official_notification_link) |
| 121 Forest Observer Group 'D' Posts for the year 2026-27 in Mysore Circle. | https://aranya.gov.in/aranyacms/(S(wqpsu1uetez5bpudh4tuke52))/download... (PDF) | Supplied in important_links; no verification status provided in the Excel row. |
| 54 Forest Observer Group 'D' posts for Mangalore Circle in the year 2026-27 | https://aranya.gov.in/aranyacms/(S(wqpsu1uetez5bpudh4tuke52))/download... (PDF) | Supplied in important_links; no verification status provided in the Excel row. |
| 82 Forest Observer Group 'D' posts for Bangalore Circle in the year 2026-27 | https://aranya.gov.in/aranyacms/(S(wqpsu1uetez5bpudh4tuke52))/download... (PDF) | Supplied in important_links; no verification status provided in the Excel row. |
| 60 Forest Observer Group 'D' posts for Chikkamagaluru Circle in the year 2026-27 | https://aranya.gov.in/aranyacms/(S(wqpsu1uetez5bpudh4tuke52))/download... (PDF) | Supplied in important_links; no verification status provided in the Excel row. |
| 12 Forest Observer Group 'D' posts for Dharwad Circle for the year 2026-27 | https://aranya.gov.in/aranyacms/(S(wqpsu1uetez5bpudh4tuke52))/download... (PDF) | Supplied in important_links; no verification status provided in the Excel row. |
| 42 Forest Observer Group 'D' posts for Belgaum Circle in the year 2026-27 | https://aranya.gov.in/aranyacms/(S(wqpsu1uetez5bpudh4tuke52))/download... (PDF) | Supplied in important_links; no verification status provided in the Excel row. |
| 159 Forest Observer Group 'D' posts for Chamarajanagar Circle in the year 2026-27 | https://aranya.gov.in/aranyacms/(S(wqpsu1uetez5bpudh4tuke52))/download... (PDF) | Supplied in important_links; no verification status provided in the Excel row. |
| 31 Forest Observer Group 'D' posts for Hassan Circle in the year 2026-27 | https://aranya.gov.in/aranyacms/(S(wqpsu1uetez5bpudh4tuke52))/download... (PDF) | Supplied in important_links; no verification status provided in the Excel row. |
| 6 Forest Observer Group 'D' Posts for Kalaburgi Circle for the year 2026-27 | https://aranya.gov.in/aranyacms/(S(wqpsu1uetez5bpudh4tuke52))/download... (PDF) | Supplied in important_links; no verification status provided in the Excel row. |
| Official Website | https://aranya.gov.in/ | Verified (exact match with official_website_link) |
Sources and Verification
| Field | Exact Value from Excel Row |
|---|---|
| category | job |
| official_website_link | https://aranya.gov.in/ |
| freshness_reference_date | 2026-08-16 |
These values are reproduced exactly from the supplied Excel row and may require verification.
Last verified: 2026-08-16
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for Forest Observer, Group 'D'?
The last date for submitting applications for Forest Observer, Group 'D' is 31.08.2026. Candidates should submit their applications prior to the deadline to avoid technical issues.
How many vacancies are announced for Forest Observer, Group 'D'?
A total of 675 vacancies have been notified for Forest Observer, Group 'D' by Karnataka Forest Department (Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests & Selection Authority). Detailed category-wise distribution is available in the official notification.
What is the educational qualification required for Forest Observer, Group 'D'?
The required educational qualification is: Educational Qualification | SSLC (Class 10) or equivalent. Candidates should verify their specific degree/diploma requirements in the official notification.
What is the age limit for Forest Observer, Group 'D'?
The age limit criteria is: As a one-time measure, a 5-year relaxation in the above maximum age limits has been granted vide Government Order No.. Age relaxations are provided for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen categories as per government rules.
What is the salary scale for Forest Observer, Group 'D'?
Selected candidates will receive salary as per: Selected candidates will be placed in the following pay scale (Karnataka Civil Services pay scale):Rs. 29,600-725-32,500-800-35,700-900-39,300-1,000-43,300-1,125-47,800-1,250-52,800The take-home in-hand salary, grade pay/level, and probation period a. Additional allowances such as DA, HRA, and medical benefits apply as per institutional norms.
What is the selection process for Forest Observer, Group 'D'?
The selection procedure involves: Merit list (SSLC marks) + Physical Standard, Endurance & Efficiency Tests. Candidates must clear all applicable evaluation rounds for appointment.
What is the application fee for Forest Observer, Group 'D'?
The application fee structure is: Nil (No application fee mentioned in official source).
How can candidates apply for Forest Observer, Group 'D'?
Applications must be submitted online through the official portal (https://aranya.gov.in/) as specified in the recruitment instructions.