Kerala PSC Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026

Kerala PSC is hiring for 7 anticipated Forest Watcher posts in the Forest and Wildlife Department for Wayanad district. This special recruitment is only for tribal men who depend on the forest for their livelihood and live in tribal settlements in or bordering Wayanad's forest areas. You need to be healthy and literate to apply, and applications must be sent by post. The last date to apply is 2 September 2026. Salary starts from Rs. 23,000 per month.

Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026 - 7 Posts

Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) has released Category No. 097/2026 for the post of Forest Watcher in the Forest and Wildlife Department, under Government Orders G.O.(MS) No. 53/2013/F&WLD and G.O.(MS) No. 80/2013/Forest. This recruitment is reserved only for men from Scheduled Tribe communities who depend solely on the forest for a living, and selection will be made on a Wayanad district basis — only candidates residing in Wayanad district are eligible. Selected candidates will get 3 months of training at a Forest School or Training Centre before starting work.

Who Can Apply?

• Category: Only male candidates from Scheduled Tribe communities who depend solely on the forest for their livelihood can apply.
• Residence: You must live in a tribal settlement in or bordering the forest areas of Wayanad district.
• Health & Literacy: You must be healthy and literate (able to read and write).
• Persons with disabilities are not eligible for this post.

Age Limit

• You should be born between 2 January 1976 and 1 January 2008 (both dates included) — this works out to 18 to 50 years.
• Age Relaxation: No relaxation is allowed on this age limit.

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.

Application Fee

• There is no application fee for this recruitment.

Selection Process

Kerala PSC will prepare a rank list for Wayanad district based on this notification:

1. Rank List Preparation: A district-wise rank list is prepared for Wayanad and stays valid for one to three years.
2. Preference in Ranking: While preparing the rank list, preference is given first to sons of unwed mothers, and then to candidates currently serving as temporary Watchers in the Forest Department.
3. Document Verification: You must produce original certificates proving your age, tribal community status, and residence in the settlement when asked.
4. Training: Selected candidates undergo 3 months of training at a Forest School or Training Centre.

Good to know: If it is later found that any details or certificates submitted with your application are fake, your appointment recommendation will be cancelled unconditionally without prior notice.

How to Apply

1. Write your application by hand or type it on white paper, following the format given in the notification.
2. On the front of the envelope, write the post name, department name and Category No. 097/2026.
3. Write your name and address on the left side of the envelope, and the receiving address on the right.
4. Attach the required certificates: age proof, tribal community certificate, and settlement residence certificate.
5. Send your application by post to: District Officer, Kerala Public Service Commission District Office, 2nd Floor, M.G.T. Buildings, North Kalpetta, Wayanad – 673122, so it reaches before the deadline.

Important Dates

• Gazette Notification Date: 30 July 2026
• Last Date for Submission by Post: 2 September 2026 (Wednesday, up to 5:00 PM)

• Patrol assigned forest areas to prevent illegal felling, poaching and encroachment
• Watch over forest boundaries, depots and plantation areas
• Report any fire, damage or illegal activity to the Forest Officer immediately
• Assist forest staff during patrolling, surveys and plantation work
• Help protect wildlife and forest produce in the assigned beat
• Maintain watch registers and daily activity records
• Support forest department operations during emergencies like fires