Karnataka Forest Department Announces 2026 Forest Watcher Recruitment Drive

The Karnataka Forest Department has announced a significant recruitment drive for Forest Watcher positions in 2026. This initiative aims to strengthen the state's forest protection efforts and invites eligible candidates to apply online.The recruitment drive targets filling approximately 890 Forest Watcher positions. The online application process is anticipated to commence in December 2025 and conclude by January 2026. Eligibility criteria typically include a minimum 10th pass qualification, specific age limits, and physical fitness standards, which will be detailed in the upcoming official notification. Successful candidates can expect a salary scale ranging from 21,400 to 42,000 INR.Exam Insights & GK Analysis: This recruitment is crucial for candidates aspiring for state government jobs, particularly in the environmental sector. Questions related to forest conservation, wildlife, Karnataka's geography, and general environmental science are common in such exams. The Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) operates under the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, Government of Karnataka. It was established with the primary objective of protecting, conserving, and managing the state's rich forest resources and wildlife. Its headquarters are located in Bengaluru.