📋 Complete Notification Details
Elephant Kavadi (Group-D)
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.
| 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 |
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:
- Document Verification: Original certificates are verified.
- Interview & Practical Test: Conducted in Kannada, assessing elephant handling ability and experience. Total marks: 100.
- Provisional Merit List: Prepared based on marks and category-wise reservation.
- Final Merit List: Published after resolving objections.
- Medical Fitness: Candidates must be mentally and physically fit.
Application Fee: No application fee.
📝 How to Apply Step-by-Step
Candidates must follow the offline application process for their respective forest circle.
- Visit Official Website: Go to www.aranya.gov.in.
- Navigate to Recruitment: Click on the "Nemakati" (Recruitment) section.
- Download Application Form: Download the prescribed application form for the relevant circle.
- Fill the Form: Fill it legibly in English (capitals) or Kannada.
- Affix Photograph: Attach a recent passport-size photograph.
- Submit: Send the filled form by post, courier, or hand delivery to the respective Chief Conservator of Forests office of the circle.
- 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):
Shivamogga Circle Notification
Chamarajanagara Circle Notification
Mysore Circle Notification
Kodagu Circle Notification
Kanara Circle Notification
Official Website: https://www.aranya.gov.in
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.