The Karnataka Forest Department has officially notified a fresh recruitment drive for Group D positions in 2026, sending candidates scrambling to complete their applications before the deadline closes. The announcement, published on the department's official recruitment portal, details numerous vacancies spread across forest ranger circles, range offices, and supporting staff roles throughout the state.
According to the recruitment notification, the department is seeking candidates for posts including Forest Guard, Forest Watcher, and other support-level positions that form the backbone of Karnataka's extensive forest management operations. The state of Karnataka boasts one of India's largest forest cover areas, spanning diverse ecosystems from the Western Ghats to coastal mangroves, making these roles critical to conservation efforts.
Candidates must have passed the Karnataka SSLC or its equivalent examination to be considered eligible. The age limit stands at 18 to 27 years for general category candidates, with standard relaxation provisions applicable for reserved categories as per state government norms. Physical fitness standards will also be evaluated for field-facing positions, though specific requirements vary by post.
The selection process will primarily consist of a written examination conducted by the department, followed by physical efficiency tests where applicable, and a final merit-based document verification. Qualified candidates will be posted across various forest divisions, including Bengaluru Rural, Kalaburagi, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, and other ecologically significant regions.
The department has emphasized that the recruitment aims to strengthen ground-level forest protection, wildlife management, and fire prevention operations. Officials noted that staffing gaps had accumulated over recent years due to retirements and increased workload in protected areas.
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Karnataka Forest Department's online recruitment portal. Candidates are advised to carefully fill in all details, upload required documents, and retain a copy of the confirmation page for future reference.
