Karnataka Forest Department Invites Application for 57 Elephant Kavadi (Group-D) Recruitment 2026

Karnataka Forest Department Mysore Last Date: 5th September, 2026
Official Update | Verified Information


Elephant Kavadi (Group-D)

Karnataka Forest Department (Aranya Ilakhe)

The Karnataka Forest Department has released notifications for the direct recruitment of Elephant Kavadi (Group-D) posts for the year 2026-27 across Shivamogga, Kanara, Kodagu, Mysuru, and Chamarajanagara circles. Eligible candidates with experience in handling elephants can apply offline.

Quick Overview
Particular Details
Organization Karnataka Forest Department (Aranya Ilakhe)
Post Name Elephant Kavadi (Group-D)
Total Vacancies Approx. 57 (Circle-wise)
Notification Dates 27th & 28th July 2026
Application Mode Offline (Post/Courier/Hand Delivery)
Job Type Government (Group-D)
Official Website www.aranya.gov.in
Various Forest Circles (Mysuru, Kodagu, Chamarajanagara, Shivamogga, Kanara),
Karnataka,
IN

Employment Type:FULL_TIME

Number of Vacancies:57

Circle-wise Vacancy Details

Forest Circle Total Vacancies Division/Sub-unit Pay Scale (₹)
Mysuru 27 (26+1 backlog) Gandhi Rashtriya Udyanavana, Hunsur ₹29,600 – ₹52,800
(Group-D scale)
Kodagu 11 (10+1 backlog) Madikeri Regional Division
Chamarajanagara 9 Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Bandipur
Shivamogga 9 Shivamogga Wildlife Division
Kanara (Sirsi) 1 (backlog) Kanara Circle

Eligibility Criteria

Criteria Requirement Details
Nationality Indian Citizen or persons of Indian origin from specified categories Must reside within Karnataka's notified forest areas.
Language Must be able to speak and understand Kannada Essential for duties and interview.
Experience Mandatory experience in handling elephants No fixed minimum years; key evaluation criterion.
Age Limit As per category General: Max 35 years; 2A/2B/3A/3B: 38 years; SC/ST/Cat-I: 40 years. Ex-servicemen: as per rules.

Educational Qualification & Experience:No formal educational qualification is prescribed. Mandatory: Proven experience in handling elephants.

Skills:Ability to handle and manage elephants, knowledge of elephant behavior and welfare, physical fitness, Kannada language proficiency.

Age Limit:Maximum age limit: 35 years (General), 38 years (Category IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB), 40 years (SC, ST, Category-I). Age relaxation for ex-servicemen as per rules. A one-time 5-year relaxation is applicable up to 31.12.2027.

Salary (per month):





Pay Scale: ₹29,600 – ₹52,800 (Group-D scale as per Karnataka Forest Department).

Selection Procedure:

  1. Document Verification: Original certificates are verified.
  2. Interview & Practical Test: Conducted in Kannada, assessing elephant handling ability and experience. Total marks: 100.
  3. Provisional Merit List: Prepared based on marks and category-wise reservation.
  4. Final Merit List: Published after resolving objections.
  5. Medical Fitness: Candidates must be mentally and physically fit.

Note: There is no written examination for this post.

Application Fee: No application fee.

How to Apply (Offline)

Candidates must follow the offline application process for their respective forest circle.

  1. Visit Official Website: Go to www.aranya.gov.in.
  2. Navigate to Recruitment: Click on the "Nemakati" (Recruitment) section.
  3. Download Application Form: Download the prescribed application form for the relevant circle.
  4. Fill the Form: Fill it legibly in English (capitals) or Kannada.
  5. Affix Photograph: Attach a recent passport-size photograph.
  6. Submit: Send the filled form by post, courier, or hand delivery to the respective Chief Conservator of Forests office of the circle.
  7. Address: The specific address for each circle is available in the respective circle's official notification.

Important: Do not enclose any documents with the application form. Original documents will be verified at the interview stage. Applications must be submitted between 5th August 2026 (10:00 AM) and 3rd September 2026 (5:30 PM).

Important Dates

Notification Release Date: 27th & 28th July 2026

Application Start Date: 5th August 2026 (10:00 AM)

Last Date to Apply: 3rd September 2026 (5:30 PM)

Official Notification (PDF):









Official Website:

Important Instructions for Candidates

  • Read Circle-Specific Notification: Carefully read the notification for your respective forest circle, as application forms, addresses, and vacancy details differ.
  • Eligibility: Ensure you have the mandatory experience in handling elephants and meet the age and language criteria.
  • Application Mode: Applications are accepted only offline (by post, courier, or hand delivery) to the specific circle office.
  • No Documents with Application: Do not attach any certificates with the application form; original documents will be verified later.
  • Deadline: The last date for receipt of applications is 3rd September 2026 (5:30 PM).
  • No Application Fee: There is no fee to apply.
  • No Written Exam: Selection is based on an interview and practical test evaluating elephant-handling experience and skills.
  • Kannada Language: Ability to speak and understand Kannada is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many vacancies have been declared?

A total of approximately 57 vacancies have been declared across the Mysuru, Kodagu, Chamarajanagara, Shivamogga, and Kanara circles combined.

What is the application period?

Applications can be submitted from 5th August 2026 (10:00 AM) to 3rd September 2026 (5:30 PM).

Is there a written exam for this post?

No. Selection is based on an interview and a practical test assessing experience and skill in handling elephants.

Is there any application fee?

No, there is no application fee.

What is the minimum qualification required?

The notification does not prescribe a formal educational qualification but requires experience in handling elephants and the ability to speak and understand Kannada.

What is the age limit?

The upper age limit is 35 years for General, 38 years for backward categories, and 40 years for SC/ST/Category-I candidates.

How can I apply?

Download the application form from www.aranya.gov.in and submit it offline to the respective circle office by post, courier, or in person.

Do I need to attach documents with the application?

No. Do not attach any documents with the application form. Original documents will be verified at the interview stage.

What is the probation period?

Selected candidates must serve a probation period of two (2) years from the date of joining.

Are there any educational qualifications required?

No, the notification does not specify any formal educational qualification. The key requirement is experience in handling elephants.

Active Recruitments

Job Name Location Last Date Details
Karnataka Forest Department Invites Application for 57 Elephant Kavadi (Group-D) Recruitment 2026
Mysore 5th September, 2026 View Details
Karnataka Forest Department Recruitment 2026 for 750 Forest Watcher – Apply Online @ aranya.gov.in
Bangalore 31st August, 2026 View Details
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About Karnataka Forest Department

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Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) was established on 11th January 1864,by State Government, with the vision & mission for the conservation, management and development of Forest and Tree growth, on Sustainable basis for present and future generation, by planning Execute, coordinate and monitor the implementation of Forestry and Wildlife programmes to meet people need and to ensure ecological security and environmental balance, by sustainable management of forest & enhancing the forest and tree cover through people participation for meeting people's needs and better realization of ecological goods and services.

The prime objective of Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) is to strengthening, expansion and improvement of National Parks and Sanctuaries for wildlife protection and maintainers of Herbal Parks & Development of Infrastructure for the department including management of Information System for providing for adaptation of policies for mitigation, Evaluation and learning from all activities and programmes.

Karnataka Forest Department (KFD),functions for the Development of Herbal Parks, Construction of Water Harvesting Structures / Development of ECOTourism / Forestry Research and seed Development / Wildlife Conservation / Harvesting of Wood and Its Utilization / Human Resources Development Training, etc.

Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) offers recruitment for the posts of, Executive Manager / Assistant General Manager / Secretary Cum Finance Manager / Accounts Officer / Accountant / Administrative officer / Office Assistant / Steno / Typist Cum Clerk / Mechanic / Staff Nurse / Peon / Driver, etc.


Official Address
Karnataka Forest Department,18th Cross,Malleswaram,Bengaluru.
Bangalore, Karnataka
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