Last updated: 1 August 2026 · Tracking 13 circles as notifications are released, online applications link availability expected today
The Karnataka Forest Department has released Forest Watcher notifications circle-by-circle for 2026-27, and the running total has already passed 2,400 posts, well beyond earlier estimates.The online applications are expected to start from August 01, 2026. The online application link activation is awaited by the candidates, as of now. Here’s every circle notification released so far, with direct links to each official PDF.
Table of Contents
What’s New in This Cycle
- 2,403+ posts confirmed across 13 circles as of 20-21 July 2026, far above the roughly 700-750 figure widely reported earlier in the cycle.
- Bengaluru Circle alone accounts for 802 posts, followed by Ballari (631) and Shimoga (386).
- Salary has been revised during this cycle, recent reporting shows ₹29,600–₹52,800/month (Karnataka Govt Pay Matrix), up from earlier reported figures.
- Applications open 1 August 2026 and close 31 August 2026 (fee payment allowed until 2 September 2026, per multiple sources).
- No written exam this cycle, selection is by SSLC merit, followed by physical tests and document verification.
Circle-wise Vacancies & Official Notifications
This is a rolling release, more circles may publish notifications after this article was last updated. Always open your specific circle’s PDF for exact eligibility, fee, and dates, since these can vary by circle.
| Circle | Vacancies | Official Notification |
|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru | 802 | |
| Ballari | 631 | |
| Shimoga | 386 | |
| Chamarajanagara | 159 | |
| Mysore | 121 | |
| Kanara | 67 | |
| Chikmagalur | 60 | |
| Mangalore | 54 | |
| Belagavi | 42 | |
| Kodagu | 32 | |
| Hassan | 31 | |
| Dharwad | 12 | |
| Kalburgi | 6 | |
| Total (13 circles) | 2,403 | — |
Key Details at a Glance
- Qualification: SSLC (10th standard) or equivalent from a recognised board.
- Age limit: 18-40 years general, relaxed to 42-43 years for reserved categories (confirm against your circle’s PDF, as this can vary slightly).
- Salary: ₹29,600 – ₹52,800/month per recent reporting, plus DA, HRA and other allowances. This has already changed once this cycle, treat it as indicative rather than final.
- Application fee: reported figures conflict across sources (some show ₹200 men/₹100 women general, others show a flat ₹100 general/₹50 SC-ST). Check your specific circle’s notification directly rather than relying on any single blended figure.
- Selection: SSLC merit list, then Physical Standard Test, Physical Endurance Test, Physical Efficiency Test, and document verification. No written exam this cycle.
- Apply: 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2026 online at aranya.gov.in, fee payment allowed until 2 September 2026.
How to Apply
- Visit aranya.gov.in and find your circle’s Forest Watcher notification (linked in the table above).
- Read the PDF fully; eligibility, age, fee, and physical standards can differ slightly by circle.
- Register with your mobile number and Aadhaar, then fill in personal, educational, and category details.
- Upload the required documents (photo, signature, SSLC certificate, category certificate if applicable, ID proof).
- Pay the application fee for your specific circle and submit before the deadline.
- Save your application ID for tracking and future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Forest Watcher posts are open in 2026-27?
At least 2,403, across 13 circles as of 20-21 July 2026. This is a rolling release, so the number may grow as more circles publish notifications.
Which circle has the most vacancies?
Bengaluru Circle, with 802 posts, followed by Ballari (631) and Shimoga (386).
What is the Forest Watcher salary in this cycle?
Recent reporting shows ₹29,600 to ₹52,800 per month, though this figure has already been revised once during the cycle, confirm against your circle’s official PDF.
Is there a written exam?
No. Selection is based on SSLC merit, followed by physical tests (PST, PET, Physical Efficiency Test) and document verification.
What is the last date to apply?
31 August 2026 for the application itself, with fee payment allowed until 2 September 2026, per multiple circle notifications.
Can you send me the application like or website plz sir /madam
I love nature and I want protect that
I love nature and I try to protect nature so I'm very interested
Mam nivu apply madidira madidre nangu swalpa hege anta heli open ಆಗ್ತಿಲ್ಲ nan hatra elli hogi application hakbeku heli plzz