KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 – Apply Offline for 57 Posts
Karnataka Forest Department Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026: 57 Group D Elephant Handler Vacancies Across Kanara, Kodagu, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar and Shivamoga Circles — Apply Offline Before 03 September 2026
KFD Ane Kavadiga Bharti 2026 — Elephant Handling Experience Required — No Written Exam — Interview and Performance Assessment Only — Pay Scale Rs. 29,600–52,800
Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) has released the recruitment notification for 57 Elephant Kavadiga (Ane Kavadiga) Group D posts across five forest circles: Kanara (Shirsi), Kodagu (Madikeri), Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, and Shivamoga. The recruitment is for 2026-27 under the Karnataka Forest Department Services (Recruitment) (Amendment) Rules, 2009. Offline applications are open from and the last date to apply is (5:30 PM).
Candidates must have experience in elephant handling/management, reside in a notified forest area within Karnataka, and have working knowledge of Kannada. There is no written examination — selection is based purely on an interview and performance assessment carrying 100 marks. The pay scale ranges from Rs. 29,600 to Rs. 52,800 per month. There is no application fee for this recruitment.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) |
| Post Name | Elephant Kavadiga (Ane Kavadiga), Group D |
| Recruitment Year | 2026-27 |
| Total Vacancies | 57 (51 fresh + 6 backlog) |
| Circles | Kanara (Shirsi), Kodagu (Madikeri), Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Shivamoga |
| Application Last Date | (5:30 PM) |
| Application Mode | Offline — Download from aranya.gov.in, submit by post or in person |
| Application Fee | Nil |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 29,600 – 52,800 (Group D) |
| Age Limit | General: 35 years, OBC: 38 years, SC/ST: 40 years as on |
| Qualification | Experience in elephant handling/management, Kannada knowledge, forest area residence |
| Selection Process | Interview and Performance Assessment (100 marks) — No written exam |
| Probation Period | 2 years from date of joining |
| Official Website | aranya.gov.in |
KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 — Important Dates and Application Fee
Offline Application From 05 August to 03 September 2026 — No Application Fee
The offline application process for KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 begins on (10:00 AM) and the last date to submit the application is (5:30 PM). Candidates must download the prescribed application form from the official website aranya.gov.in and submit it by post or in person to the respective Circle office. There is no application fee for this recruitment.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | |
| Application Start Date | (10:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply | (5:30 PM) |
Tip: If the last date is declared a public holiday, the next working day at the same office will be treated as the new closing date. Applications received by post after the closing date will not be considered regardless of postal dispatch date.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / UR | Nil |
| OBC / Category-IIA/IIB/IIIA/IIIB | Nil |
| SC / ST / Category-I | Nil |
| EWS | Nil |
| PwBD / PH | Nil |
Note: There is no application fee for any category. No supporting documents need to be enclosed at the time of initial application submission.
KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 — Vacancy Details and Eligibility
57 Posts Across 5 Forest Circles — Mysuru Circle Has Highest 27 Vacancies — Elephant Handling Experience Mandatory
KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 has 57 vacancies distributed across five forest circles in Karnataka. The highest number of vacancies is in Mysuru Circle (27 posts), followed by Kodagu Circle (11 posts), Chamarajanagar Circle (9 posts), Shivamoga Circle (9 posts), and Kanara Circle (1 post). The vacancies include 51 fresh posts and 6 backlog posts from the 2022-23 recruitment cycle.
Circle-Wise Vacancy Distribution
| Circle / Division | Posts |
|---|---|
| Kanara Circle (Shirsi) — Dandeli Wildlife Division | 1 (Backlog) |
| Kodagu Circle (Madikeri) — Madikeri Regional Division | 11 (Fresh: 10, Backlog: 1) |
| Mysuru Circle — Rajiv Gandhi National Park Division, Hunsur | 27 (Fresh: 26, Backlog: 1) |
| Chamarajanagar Circle — Bandipur Tiger Reserve Division | 9 (Fresh: 6, Backlog: 3) |
| Shivamoga Circle — Shivamoga Wildlife Division | 9 (Fresh) |
| Total | 57 |
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizen |
| Domicile | Must reside in a notified forest area within Karnataka |
| Language | Must be able to speak and understand Kannada |
| Experience | Experience in elephant handling/management is mandatory |
| Education | No specific educational qualification prescribed |
| Marital Status | Male candidates with living spouse cannot marry again without prior permission |
Age Limit
| Category | Max Age |
|---|---|
| General | 35 years |
| Category-IIA/IIB/IIIA/IIIB and Other Backward Classes | 38 years |
| SC / ST / Category-I | 40 years |
| Minimum Age | 18 years as on |
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Backlog Recruitment (All Categories) | 5 years one-time relaxation (up to 31 December 2027) |
| Ex-Servicemen | Years of armed forces service rendered + 3 years |
KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 — Selection Process
Interview and Performance Assessment Only — No Written Exam — 100 Marks — Kannada Language and Elephant Handling Evaluation
The selection for KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 is based purely on an interview and performance assessment. There is no written examination. Candidates are assessed on their ability to speak and comprehend Kannada, and on their practical experience and performance capability in elephant handling. The interview and performance assessment together carry a maximum of 100 marks.
Selection Stages
| Stage | Description | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Stage I | Offline Application Submission | Qualifying |
| Stage II | Interview and Performance Assessment (Kannada language + elephant handling) | Marks-based (100 marks) |
| Stage III | Provisional Select List Publication | Merit-based |
| Stage IV | Objection Window | Qualifying |
| Stage V | Final Select List Publication | Merit-based |
| Stage VI | Document Verification and Appointment | Final |
Tip: The interview/performance assessment may be video-recorded or covered by CCTV for transparency. Candidates not present on the specified date and time will not be permitted to appear later, and the scheduled date will not be changed.
KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 — Salary and Job Profile
Group D Pay Scale Rs. 29,600–52,800 — Elephant Handling and Management Role — 2 Years Probation
Selected candidates for KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 will be placed in the Group D pay scale of Rs. 29,600 to Rs. 52,800 per month with intermediate increments. The pay scale is common across all five forest circles. The role involves elephant handling, management, and related duties under the Karnataka Forest Department. Selected candidates must serve a minimum probation period of 2 years from the date of joining.
Job Profile
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Elephant Kavadiga (Ane Kavadiga), Group D |
| Department | Karnataka Forest Department |
| Key Responsibilities | Elephant handling, management, care, feeding, monitoring, and field duties in forest areas |
| Job Location | Respective forest circle — Kanara, Kodagu, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, or Shivamoga |
| Probation Period | 2 years from date of joining |
Pay Scale Details
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Group D |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 29,600 – 52,800 |
| Starting Basic Pay | Rs. 29,600 |
| Increment Structure | 725 → 800 → 900 → 1,000 → 1,125 → 1,250 |
| Maximum Basic Pay | Rs. 52,800 |
| Allowances | As per Karnataka Government rules |
KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 — How to Apply
Download Form From aranya.gov.in — Submit by Post or In Person to Respective Circle Office — Before 03 September 2026 (5:30 PM)
Candidates must download the prescribed application form from the official Karnataka Forest Department website aranya.gov.in under the "Nemakati" (Recruitment) section. The application must be filled legibly in English (capital letters) or Kannada only, with a recent passport-size photograph affixed. The completed application must be sent by post or submitted in person to the office of the Conservator of Forests for the chosen circle. Superscribe the envelope as "Application for Elephant Kavadiga Post" ("ಆನೆ ಕವಾಡಿಗ ಹುದ್ದೆಗೆ ಅರ್ಜಿ").
How to Apply
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Visit the official website aranya.gov.in and go to the "Nemakati" (Recruitment) section |
| Step 2 | Download the prescribed application form for the Elephant Kavadiga post |
| Step 3 | Fill the application legibly in English (capital letters) or Kannada only, and affix a recent passport-size photograph |
| Step 4 | Superscribe the envelope as "Application for Elephant Kavadiga Post" ("ಆನೆ ಕವಾಡಿಗ ಹುದ್ದೆಗೆ ಅರ್ಜಿ") |
| Step 5 | Send the application by post or submit it in person to the office of the Conservator of Forests for your chosen circle |
| Step 6 | Ensure the application reaches the office before (5:30 PM) |
Circle-Wise Application Submission Addresses
| 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, 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 Instructions
- Applications submitted by any method other than the prescribed one will not be accepted
- Once submitted, no changes, corrections, or additions to the application are permitted
- No documents need to be attached with the initial application form
- Government servants already drawing salary from Central/State Government or PSU are not eligible
- Candidates must attend every stage at their own expense; no travel allowance is admissible
- Forged documents or false information will lead to disqualification and 10-year debarment
KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 — Documents Required
No Documents at Initial Application — Originals Required at Interview Stage
No documents need to be attached with the initial application form. However, candidates called for interview/document verification must carry original documents along with self-attested photocopies. The documents must include proof of experience in elephant management, proof of residence within the notified forest area, and proof of date of birth.
Documents Required at Interview
| Document | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Experience Proof | |
| Elephant Handling Experience Certificate | Issued by concerned Range Forest Officer or senior officer |
| Residence Proof | |
| Forest Area Residence Certificate | Issued by concerned Tehsildar for candidates residing in notified forest area |
| Identity and Age Proof | |
| Birth Certificate / School Leaving Certificate / Aadhaar Card | Proof of date of birth |
| Valid Photo ID | Aadhaar, Passport, Driving Licence, PAN Card, Govt/PSU ID, or Bank Passbook with photo |
| Category Documents (if applicable) | |
| Caste Certificate | In prescribed format for candidates claiming category reservation |
| Non-Creamy Layer Certificate | Valid for 5 years from issue, for Category-I/IIA/IIB/IIIA/IIIB candidates |
| Other Documents | |
| Passport-size Photographs | Recent, colour, for application affixing |
| Domicile/Nativity Certificate | Confirming residence within Karnataka, where applicable |
Category Certificate Requirements
| Category | Certificate Details |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | Caste certificate in prescribed format from competent authority |
| Category-I / IIA / IIB / IIIA / IIIB | Caste certificate with Non-Creamy Layer certificate valid for 5 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Discharge book / pension book / pension payment order |
Note: Only candidates possessing all original and self-attested documents relevant to their claimed category/reservation will be considered. Incomplete, illegible, or incorrect information will result in disqualification at the preliminary stage.
KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 — Important Links and Follow Us
Official Recruitment Links
| Link | Status | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Notification — Shivamogga Circle | Available | PDF from official source |
| Notification — Chamarajanagar Circle | Available | PDF from official source |
| Notification — Mysuru Circle | Available | PDF from official source |
| Notification — Kodagu Circle | Available | PDF from official source |
| Notification — Kanara Circle | Available | PDF from official source |
| Official Website | Active | aranya.gov.in |
Join Our Job Community
| Platform | Action |
|---|---|
| Telegram Channel | Join Channel |
| Facebook Page | Follow Page |
| Twitter / X | Follow Updates |
| Blogs | Visit Blog |
KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026?
KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 is a recruitment drive by the Karnataka Forest Department to fill 57 Group D Elephant Kavadiga (Ane Kavadiga) posts across five forest circles. The last date to apply offline is (5:30 PM).
Q2. How many vacancies are available in KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026?
There are 57 vacancies — Kanara: 1, Kodagu: 11, Mysuru: 27, Chamarajanagar: 9, and Shivamoga: 9. The vacancies include 51 fresh posts and 6 backlog posts from the 2022-23 cycle.
Q3. What is the qualification required for KFD Elephant Kavadiga posts?
No specific educational qualification is prescribed. Experience in elephant handling/management is mandatory. Candidates must reside in a notified forest area within Karnataka and have working knowledge of Kannada.
Q4. What is the last date to apply for KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the offline application is (5:30 PM). Applications must be downloaded from aranya.gov.in and submitted by post or in person to the respective Circle office.
Q5. What is the age limit for KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026?
The maximum age is 35 years for General, 38 years for OBC, and 40 years for SC/ST/Category-I candidates as on . A one-time 5-year relaxation is applicable for backlog recruitment.
Q6. Is there an application fee for KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026?
No, there is no application fee for any category of candidates. The application is completely free of cost. No supporting documents need to be enclosed at the time of initial application.
Q7. What is the selection process for KFD Elephant Kavadiga 2026?
Selection is based solely on an interview and performance assessment carrying 100 marks. Candidates are assessed on Kannada language ability and practical experience in elephant handling. There is no written examination.
Q8. How to apply for KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026?
Download the application form from aranya.gov.in under the "Nemakati" section. Fill it in English or Kannada, affix a photograph, and submit by post or in person to the respective Circle office before (5:30 PM).
Q9. What is the salary for KFD Elephant Kavadiga posts?
Selected candidates are placed in the Group D pay scale of Rs. 29,600 to Rs. 52,800 per month with intermediate increments. The pay scale is common across all five forest circles.
Q10. What is the probation period for KFD Elephant Kavadiga posts?
Selected candidates must serve a minimum probation period of 2 years from the date of joining under the Conservator of Forests of the concerned circle.
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