Karnataka Forest Department Elephant Kavadiga Recruitment 2026

- Direct recruitment drive by Karnataka Forest Department for 57 Group 'D' Elephant Kavadiga posts across five forest circles in Karnataka.
- Role involves elephant management, handling, and care within notified forest areas.
- Candidates must possess practical experience in elephant handling and proficiency in Kannada.
- Selection is based on interview and performance assessment, with no written examination.
- Applications accepted offline from 05 August 2026 to 03 September 2026.

- Indian citizenship is mandatory.
- Must reside in a notified forest area under Karnataka Forest Department jurisdiction.
- Proficiency in speaking and understanding Kannada is required.
- Mandatory experience in elephant management/handling (no specific educational qualification required).
- Minimum age: 18 years as on 03 September 2026.
- Maximum age: 35 years for General candidates, 38 years for Category-IIA/IIB/IIIA/IIIB and other backward classes, 40 years for SC/ST/Category-I candidates.
- One-time 5-year age relaxation for backlog recruitment candidates (applicable until 31 December 2027).
- Ex-servicemen receive age relaxation equal to years of service plus 3 years.
- Male candidates with a living spouse must obtain prior government permission for remarriage to remain eligible.
- Candidates must be mentally and physically fit for the role.
- Candidates with pending criminal cases or convictions are ineligible.

- Selection is based solely on an interview and performance assessment (no written examination).
- Assessment includes Kannada language proficiency and practical experience in elephant handling.
- Maximum marks: 100.
- Provisional select list published on the official website, followed by a final list after addressing objections.
- Candidates must attend the interview/performance test on the specified date and time; no rescheduling permitted.
- Process may be video-recorded or monitored via CCTV for transparency.

All

- Proof of experience in elephant management (issued by Range Forest Officer or higher authority).
- Proof of residence in a notified forest area (issued by Tehsildar).
- Proof of date of birth (birth certificate/school leaving certificate/Aadhaar card).
- Caste certificate (for reserved category candidates).
- Non-Creamy Layer certificate (valid for 5 years) for Category-I/IIA/IIB/IIIA/IIIB candidates.
- Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Driving Licence, PAN Card, etc.).
- Domicile/nativity certificate confirming residence in Karnataka (if applicable).

- No application fee for this recruitment.