Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) in Karnataka is a Gazetted officer position within the state’s Forest Department, responsible for managing forest divisions, wildlife conservation, and administrative duties. Recruitment is conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC).
Stages of the Exam
KPSC Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) exam in Karnataka consists of five main stages:
- Preliminary Exam (objective)
- Main Exam (descriptive)
- Interview
- Physical Endurance Test
- Medical Test.
Preliminary Examination (Objective Type):
Subject | No of questions | Total Marks |
General Knowledge | 100 | 100 |
Aptitude test | 100 | 100 |
Total | 200 | 200 |
Main Examination (Descriptive Type)
Compulsory papers:
- Kannada – 100 marks (qualifying)
- English – 100 marks (qualifying)
Optional Papers
Your Degree | Optional Papers in Main Exam | Total Marks |
B.Sc Forestry | Forestry Paper I & Forestry Paper II (only) | 100+100= 200 |
Other Science/Engineering graduates | Any two from Botany, Zoology, Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Agriculture, Civil Engineering, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science | 100+100= 200 |
Note: You cannot mix Forestry papers with other subjects if you are not a Forestry graduate only Forestry graduates can take Forestry papers.
Physical Standards / Physical Efficiency Test
- Involves a walking test (e.g., 25 km for males/14 km for females in 4 hours) to test fitness.
Medical Test
- A final check to ensure physical and mental health standards.
Educational Qualification
There are two categories for educational qualifications:
- B.Sc. (Forestry) Graduates
- Candidates must hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from a recognized university.
- The selection process often maintains a separate quota or merit list specifically for these graduates.
- Other Science or Engineering Graduates
If you do not have a degree in Forestry, you are still eligible if you possess one of the following from a recognized university:
- Science Degrees: A Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, or Veterinary Science.
- General Science (Multiple Subjects): A B.Sc. degree with at least two of the following subjects:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Zoology
- Botany
- Bio-Chemistry
- Micro-biology
- Bio-Technology
- Engineering Degrees: A Bachelor of Engineering (B.E. / B.Tech) degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
Age Limit
Category | Standard Maximum Age | Revised Maximum Age (2026–2027) |
General Merit (GM) | 35 Years | 40 Years |
OBC (2A, 2B, 3A, 3B) | 38 Years | 43 Years |
SC / ST / Category-I | 40 Years | 45 Years |
Physical Requirements
Measurement | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
Height (Minimum) | 163 cm | 150 cm |
Chest (Normal) | 79 cm | 74 cm |
The Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Karnataka, recruited by KPSC, is a prestigious Group-A post blending scientific knowledge with administrative leadership. It offers a meaningful career dedicated to forest conservation, wildlife protection, and sustainable environmental management in Karnataka.