Bengaluru: The Karnataka Forest Department has officially initiated its Group D Recruitment Drive for 2026, inviting applications from eligible candidates across the state. The notification, released early this month, opens the doors for aspirants seeking government employment in forestry and wildlife conservation roles under the department.
The recruitment drive aims to fill over 1,200 vacant posts distributed among various subordinate roles including Forest Guard, Helper, Watchman, and other support staff positions spread across districts in Karnataka. These positions are critical to maintaining the state's extensive forest infrastructure, which spans over four million hectares of covered area.
According to the official notification, the minimum educational qualification required for most Group D posts is the completion of Class 10 from a recognized board. However, certain specialized roles may demand additional certifications or training in forestry-related subjects. The upper age limit has been set at 38 years for general category candidates, with Relaxations applicable as per the Karnataka Government reservation policy.
The selection process will comprise a written examination conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission, followed by document verification. Candidates who qualify the exam will also undergo a physical efficiency test, particularly for Forest Guard positions, where candidates must demonstrate the ability to meet certain running and endurance benchmarks.
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Karnataka Forest Department's official website. The application window is expected to remain open for approximately four to six weeks from the date of notification release. Candidates are advised to fill all fields accurately and upload the requisite documents before the deadline.
This recruitment drive comes at a time when the Karnataka government has emphasized strengthening its forest protection machinery, especially in light of increasing environmental concerns, illegal logging cases, and the need for better wildlife management in the state's reserve forests.
