KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 has been officially announced by the Karnataka Forest Department for 57 Group 'D' vacancies across five forest circles. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with practical experience in handling elephants. The selection is based purely on an interview and a practical test, with absolutely no written exam and zero application fee. Interested and eligible candidates must download the form and submit it offline before September 3, 2026.
KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Organization Name | Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) |
| Post Name | Elephant Kavadiga (Ane Kavadiga) Group 'D' |
| Total Vacancies | 57 Posts |
| Application Mode | Offline (Post / In-person) |
| Official Website | www.aranya.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release Date | 27 July 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 05 August 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Last Date For Registration | 03 September 2026 (up to 5:30 PM) |
| Last Date For Fee Payment | Not Applicable |
| Admit Card Release Date | To be announced |
| Exam Date (Interview/Practical) | To be announced |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
| General / OBC / EWS | Nil |
| SC / ST / PH | Nil |
| Payment Mode | Not Applicable |
Age Limit Details
| Criteria | Details |
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
| Maximum Age | 35 Years (General), 38 Years (OBC), 40 Years (SC/ST/Cat-I) |
| Age Relaxation | As per government rules (Ex-servicemen get service + 3 years; 5-year extra relaxation for backlog posts up to Dec 2027) |
KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details
| Details | Information |
| Total Posts | 57 (51 Fresh + 6 Backlog) |
| Post Name | Elephant Kavadiga (Group D) |
| Advt No. | Circle-wise notifications dated 27-28 July 2026 |
KFD Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Details
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Experience | Practical experience in elephant management/handling is mandatory. |
| Education | No formal educational qualification is prescribed. |
| Language | Must be able to speak and understand Kannada. |
Category-Wise Vacancy Details
| Circle Name | Number of Vacancies |
| Mysuru Circle | 27 Posts |
| Kodagu Circle | 11 Posts |
| Chamarajanagara Circle | 9 Posts |
| Shivamogga Circle | 9 Posts |
| Kanara Circle | 1 Post |
State-Wise Vacancy Details
| State/Region | Details |
| Karnataka Only | Candidates must reside within a notified forest area under KFD jurisdiction in Karnataka state. |
Important Documents Required
| Document Type | Details |
| ID Proof | Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License |
| Category/Caste Certificate | Required for SC/ST/OBC relaxation |
| Experience Proof | Details of elephant handling experience |
Syllabus Overview
| Subject / Topic | Details |
| Written Exam | No written examination is conducted for this post. |
Exam Pattern
| Test Type | Details |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks |
| Assessment Focus | Practical ability to handle elephants and Kannada language proficiency |
Selection Process
| Stage | Details |
| Stage 1 | Document Verification |
| Stage 2 | Interview and Practical Performance Test |
| Stage 3 | Merit List Publication |
Salary Details
| Component | Amount |
| Minimum Basic Pay | ₹29,600 per month |
| Maximum Basic Pay | ₹52,800 per month |
| Pay Scale Structure | ₹29,600 - ₹52,800 (Group-D scale) |
How to Apply
| Step | Action to Take |
| Step 1 | Visit the official website www.aranya.gov.in. |
| Step 2 | Navigate to the "Nemakati" (Recruitment) section on the homepage. |
| Step 3 | Download the official application form for the specific circle you are applying to. |
| Step 4 | Fill out the details legibly in English (capital letters) or Kannada. |
| Step 5 | Attach your passport-size photograph and required document photocopies. |
| Step 6 | Write "Application for Elephant Kavadiga Post" on top of the envelope. |
| Step 7 | Send it via post, courier, or submit it in person to the respective circle office before September 3, 2026. |
Important Links
| Link Name | URL/Details |
| Official Website | aranya.gov.in |
| Download Notification PDF | Visit the recruitment section on aranya.gov.in |
