Kerala PSC Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026

Kerala PSC Forest Watcher Recruitment 2026: Overview

Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) is recruiting Forest Watchers for the Forest and Wildlife Department in Wayanad through a district-based special drive. This recruitment is specifically for eligible Scheduled Tribe men whose livelihood depends entirely on the forest and who live in qualifying settlements in or beside Wayanad's forest areas. The post involves field service in the district, followed by department training before regular duties begin.

The notification is issued as Category No. 097/2026 under the state orders governing this special recruitment route. It recognises the close connection between the work and local forest communities, so the residence and livelihood conditions are central to the drive. You should read those conditions carefully before sending the form because general Scheduled Tribe status alone does not satisfy the special restriction.

Service Conditions and Caveats

• Restricted applicant group: Only men from Scheduled Tribe communities who depend solely on the forest for their livelihood can be considered under this notification.
• Local residence: You must live in a tribal settlement situated within or bordering the forest areas of Wayanad district. The notice uses district-level selection, so applicants from outside Wayanad are not covered.
• Basic capability: You need to be healthy and literate for the field role. The notification also excludes persons with disabilities from this particular recruitment.
• Ranking preference: While Kerala PSC prepares the district rank list, first preference goes to sons of unwed mothers. The next preference goes to candidates serving as temporary Watchers in the Forest Department.
• Training: Selected candidates must complete three months of training at a Forest School or Training Centre before taking up regular work.
• Document authenticity: Your age, community, residence and any preference claim must be supported by genuine records. If submitted information or certificates are later found false, the appointment recommendation can be cancelled without prior notice.
• Rank-list operation: Appointment depends on vacancies reported while the Wayanad district list remains in force. Inclusion in the list does not by itself guarantee appointment.

Application Submission Notes

This is an offline postal application. Prepare the form on white paper in the format supplied with the notification, and write the post name, Forest and Wildlife Department and Category No. 097/2026 clearly on the envelope. Put your name and address on the left side so the application can be identified correctly.

Send the completed form to The District Officer, Kerala Public Service Commission District Office, 2nd Floor, M.G.T. Buildings, North Kalpetta, Wayanad - 673122. Include the supporting records applicable to your community, settlement residence and any preference claim. Allow enough postal time for the envelope to reach the district office by the revised deadline.

Corrigenda and Notices

• Kerala PSC extension notice: The postal application deadline for Category No. 097/2026 has moved from 2 September 2026 to 30 September 2026. The Commission states that every other condition in the original notification remains unchanged.

• 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