Karnataka Forest Department Hiring for 57 Elephant Kavadiga Positions in 2026
The Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) has unveiled its Recruitment 2026 notification, calling for applications for 57 openings for the position of Elephant Kavadiga. Interested and qualified individuals can submit their offline applications starting from 5 August 2026 until 3 September 2026. Detailed instructions and the application form can be accessed on the official KFD website, aranya.gov.in.
This recruitment drive comprises five separate notifications for the Elephant Kavadiga roles, categorized under Group 'D'. The positions are spread across various forest circles, including Kanara (Shirsi), Kodagu (Madikeri), Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, and Shivamoga. Each of these notifications shares a common application timeline and remuneration structure, hence this overview integrates all relevant details for prospective candidates.
Overview of KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) |
| Post | Elephant Kavadiga (Ane Kavadiga), Group 'D' |
| Recruitment Year | 2026-27 |
| Circles Covered | Kanara (Shirsi), Kodagu (Madikeri), Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Shivamoga |
| Total Vacancies | 57 (51 fresh + 6 backlog) |
| Pay Scale | ₹29,600-725-32,500-800-35,700-900-39,300-1,000-43,300-1,125-47,800-1,250-52,800 |
| Application Mode | Offline (post or in-person submission) |
| Application Start Date | 5 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 3 September 2026, up to 5:30 PM |
| Application Fee | Nil - no application fee required |
Important Dates for KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 27 July 2026 (for all circles) |
| Start Date for Submission of Application | 5 August 2026, from 10:00 AM |
| Last Date for Submission of Application | 3 September 2026, up to 5:30 PM |
In case the last date falls on a public holiday, the following working day will serve as the new deadline. Applications sent by post after the deadline will not be considered, irrespective of the dispatch date.
KFD Elephant Kavadiga Vacancy Distribution
A total of 57 posts are available across various circles, which include 51 fresh positions and 6 backlog vacancies from previous recruitment rounds. Below is the detailed breakdown of vacancies for each circle:
| Circle / Division | No. of Posts |
|---|---|
| Kanara Circle (Shirsi) - Kali Hulu Sanrakshit Pradesha, Dandeli Wildlife Division | 1 (Backlog: SC-Others-1) |
| Kodagu Circle (Madikeri) - Madikeri Regional Division | 11 (Fresh-10: General-5, SC-1, Category-I-1, Category-IIA-2, Category-IIB-1; Backlog-1: Category-3B (Others)-1) |
| Mysuru Circle - Rajiv Gandhi National Park Division, Hunsur | 27 (Fresh-26: General-13, SC-4, Category-I-1, Category-IIA-5, Category-IIB-1, Category-IIIA-1, Category-IIIB-1; Backlog-1: Category-I (Others)-1) |
| Chamarajanagar Circle - Bandipur Tiger Reserve Division, Bandipur | 9 (Fresh-6: General-3, SC-1, Category-I-1, Category-IIA-1; Backlog-3: Category-I (Others)-1, SC (Others)-1, General/Women-1) |
| Shivamoga Circle - Shivamoga Wildlife Division | 9 (General-4, SC-1, Category-I-1, Category-IIA-2, Category-IIB-1) |
| Total | 57 |
Note: Each circle's notification details additional horizontal reservation for categories such as Ex-servicemen, Women, Persons with Disability, and others. Notably, reservations for Persons with Disabilities are not applicable to these posts due to the nature of the job.
Eligibility Criteria for KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment
Nationality and Domicile
Applicants must be Indian citizens or have relevant Indian origin status. Residency within designated forest areas in Karnataka is mandatory.
Language Proficiency
Competence in Kannada, both spoken and written, is required.
Experience Requirements
Candidates must have prior experience in elephant handling or management. The application form focuses on years of experience rather than formal educational qualifications.
Marital Status
Male candidates with a living spouse who remarry without official consent are disqualified from appointment.
Health and Character Standards
Applicants must meet specific health criteria and should not have pending criminal inquiries or past convictions.
Age Limit
| Category | Maximum Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General Candidates | 35 years |
| Category-IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB, and other Backward Classes | 38 years |
| Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Category-I | 40 years |
As of the application deadline, candidates must be a minimum of 18 years old. A one-time extension of 5 years on the age limit applies for candidates in backlog recruitment until December 31, 2027. Age relaxation for ex-servicemen based on years served plus 3 years is also applicable under certain conditions.
Reservation Policies
Vacancies are categorized by both vertical (General/SC/ST and others) and horizontal reservations (for various demographics such as Women and Ex-servicemen). Note that this role does not accommodate candidates with disabilities as per government guidelines.
Salary Structure
Successful candidates will be compensated under the Group 'D' pay scale ranging from ₹29,600 to ₹52,800, inclusive of various increments.
Application Fee
No fees are required for submission of applications in this recruitment process.
Selection Mechanism
The selection process consists exclusively of an interview and a performance evaluation, with no written tests involved. Candidates will be assessed on their Kannada comprehension, practical skills in elephant handling, and overall performance, accounting for a total of 100 marks.
A provisional list of successful candidates will be posted online, followed by a final list considering any objections raised. Candidates who miss the time slot for interviews won’t be allowed to participate at a later date.
Required Documentation
While initial applications do not require documentation, candidates invited for interviews must bring original documents along with self-attested copies, including proof of experience, residence, birth date, caste, and identity verification.
Steps to Apply for KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment
- Visit the official KFD website at https://aranya.gov.in/.
- Navigate to the "Nemakati" (Recruitment) section on the homepage.
- Download the designated application form for the Elephant Kavadiga position.
- Complete the form clearly in English (capital letters) or Kannada, and attach a recent photograph.
- Label the envelope "Application for Elephant Kavadiga Post" ("ಆನೆ ಕವಾಡಿಗ ಹುದ್ದೆಗೆ ಅರ್ಜಿ").
- Submit the application either via post or in person to the relevant Circle Conservator’s office within the application window.
Note: Applications submitted through unapproved methods will not be accepted, and once submitted, no modifications will be allowed.
Submission Addresses for Applications
| Circle | Address |
|---|---|
| Kanara (Shirsi) | Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests, Kanara Circle, Shirsi - 581402 |
| Kodagu (Madikeri) | Office of the Conservator of Forests, Kodagu Circle, Madikeri |
| Mysuru | Office of the Conservator of Forests, Mysuru Circle, Mysuru, Aranya Bhavan, Ashokapuram, Mysuru - 570008 |
| Chamarajanagar | Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests, Chamarajanagar Circle, Chamarajanagar |
| Shivamoga | Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests, Shivamoga Circle, Shivamoga |
Important Guidelines for KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment
- Candidates must cover all costs for attending the recruitment stages.
- Only those with complete and authentic documentation will qualify for further consideration; discrepancies will lead to disqualification.
- It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure all information provided is truthful and correct.
- Male candidates are chosen based on physical tests related to elephant handling; female and third-gender candidates will be evaluated under similar standards.
- Any instance of fraudulent documentation or impersonation will lead to severe penalties, including a 10-year disqualification from future recruitment.
- The selection process will adhere to a defined timeline across all circles.
- No existing government employees are eligible for this recruitment.
- Association with unlawful organizations will disqualify applicants.
- Newly appointed candidates must complete a two-year probation from the start date of their role.
- Amendments to reservation categories or procedures will be disclosed on the official site as needed.
- Disputes will fall under the jurisdiction of the Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal.
Individuals with a background in animal care or forest-related work can discover additional opportunities within Karnataka's government sector as well as nationwide. For those drawn to wildlife and conservation careers, exploring available Group D jobs and specific roles in the Wildlife Department is encouraged.
FAQs on KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026
What is KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026?
This is a direct recruitment initiative by the Karnataka Forest Department aimed at filling 57 Group 'D' Elephant Kavadiga roles across five forest circles for the 2026-27 period.
How many vacancies are available in KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026?
There are a total of 57 vacancies: 1 in Kanara, 11 in Kodagu, 27 in Mysuru, 9 in Chamarajanagar, and 9 in Shivamoga circles.
What is the deadline for applying to KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026?
The closing date for application submission is 03 September 2026, by 5:30 PM.
What qualifications are necessary for KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026?
Qualifications are not specified; however, candidates must possess experience in elephant handling and be residents of a notified forest area in Karnataka while having a working knowledge of Kannada.
What are the age requirements for KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026?
The upper age limits are 35 years for General candidates, 38 years for Category-IIA/IIB/IIIA/IIIB, and 40 years for SC/ST/Category-I candidates, with a minimum age requirement of 18 years. A 5-year relaxation applies to backlog recruitment cases.
Is there an application fee associated with KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026?
No, there is no application fee for this recruitment process.
How can one apply for KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026?
Applicants can download the form from https://aranya.gov.in/ and submit it to the relevant Conservator’s office by post or in person before the deadline.
What is the recruitment selection process for KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026?
Selecting candidates is based on an interview and performance evaluation related to elephant handling skills, with no written test involved.
What is the salary for the KFD Elephant Kavadiga position?
Selected individuals will receive a pay scale set between ₹29,600 and ₹52,800, with respective increments.
Is there a probationary period for KFD Elephant Kavadiga roles?
A probation period of 2 years is mandated for newly appointed candidates from their joining date.