Kerala PSC Forest Watcher & Maistry Recruitment 2026

Kerala PSC is inviting applications for Forest Watcher, Survey Lascar and Maistry posts in the Forest and Wildlife Department. If you have passed Class 7 (Std VII) and do not hold a graduate degree, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 2 September 2026. Age limit is 18 to 40 years. Salary ranges from Rs. 23,000 to Rs. 50,200 per month.

Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026 - Multiple Posts

The Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) has released Category No. 091/2026 covering several watcher and support posts under the Forest and Wildlife Department. This single notification covers Survey Lascars, Depot and Watch Station Watchers, Plantation Watchers, Maistries, T.B. Watchers, Bungalow Watchers, Timber Supervisors, Tope Wardens, Reserve Watchers, Tana Watchers and Dispensary Attendants — all under the same pay scale and qualification. No application fee is required for this recruitment. Separate district-wise ranked lists will be prepared, so you should apply for the district where you want to work.

The ranked list prepared from this notification will remain valid for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 3 years from the date it comes into force. You will be advised for appointment against the vacancies shown above, plus any further vacancies reported to KPSC while the list remains active — so applying now can lead to appointment even after the initial vacancies are filled.

Vacancy Details by District

Vacancies will be filled district-wise, and a separate ranked list is prepared for each of the following districts:

• Pathanamthitta
• Idukki
• Ernakulam
• Thrissur
• Palakkad
• Kannur

Note: These are anticipated vacancies and the exact number of posts in each district has not been fixed yet. If you are selected from the Idukki district ranked list, you will not be eligible for working arrangement, deputation or transfer to another district for at least 10 years, and your promotion will also stay limited to that district.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: You should have passed Class 7 (Std VII). You must NOT hold a graduate degree to be eligible for this post.
• Equivalent Qualifications: Qualifications recognized by Government Executive Orders or Standing Orders as equivalent, or any higher qualification that presupposes Class 7, will also be accepted. You will need to produce proof of equivalence if asked.
• Gender/Disability: Women candidates and Differently Abled candidates are not eligible to apply for these posts.
• Domicile: Selection is made on a district basis. If you are appointed in one district, you cannot be transferred to another district until you complete 5 years of continuous service.
• Candidates already working in Government service in this post in any district cannot apply again for the same post, but can apply for higher posts when notified.

Age Limit

• You should be between 18 and 40 years old as on 1 January 2026 — only candidates born between 2 January 1986 and 1 January 2008 (both dates included) can apply.
• Age Relaxation: OBC and SC/ST candidates get age relaxation as per the general conditions of the notification.
• In no case can the upper age limit go beyond 50 years, even with relaxation.

Salary

• Selected candidates will get a salary of Rs. 23,000 to Rs. 50,200 per month.
• You will also get DA, HRA and other allowances as per Kerala Government rules.

Physical Standards

• Height: Minimum 163 cm
• Chest (Normal): Minimum 79 cm
• Chest Expansion: Minimum 5 cm

Application Fee

• No application fee is required for this recruitment.

Selection Process

Selection will be based on your rank in the district-wise ranked list:

1. Written Test / OMR Test / Online Test (if conducted): Only candidates who confirm through their One Time Registration profile will be allowed to take the test. Admission tickets are available in the last 15 days before the test date.
2. Document Verification: You must produce original documents proving your qualification, age, community and other claims when asked.

Extra marks are awarded to meritorious sportspersons as per the general conditions of the notification. If there is a difference between the caste/community you claim in your application and what is recorded in your SSLC book, you will need to produce a gazette notification along with your non-creamy layer/community certificate at the time of document verification.

How to Apply

1. Go to the Kerala PSC portal at keralapsc.gov.in.
2. Complete One Time Registration (OTR) if you are a new user.
3. Log in to your profile using your User ID and password.
4. Click Apply Now under the Category No. 091/2026 notification link.
5. Upload your photograph (taken within the last 6 months) and add your Aadhaar details.
6. Submit the application and save a printout for your records.

Important Dates

• Gazette Date: 30 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 2 September 2026 (Wednesday), up to 12 Midnight

• Patrol and monitor forest areas, plantations and depots to prevent illegal activities
• Guard watch stations, bungalows and timber depots against theft and encroachment
• Maintain records of forest produce, timber stock and daily observations
• Assist forest officers during surveys, patrolling and fire-watch duties
• Report any illegal felling, poaching or encroachment immediately to superiors
• Support dispensary and welfare activities in remote forest stations, as assigned
• Maintain tools, equipment and forest boundary markers under your charge