Karnataka Forest Guards are essential field-level staff in the Karnataka Forest Department responsible for protecting, patrolling, and managing forest resources, wildlife, and boundaries within assigned “beats”. They enforce the Karnataka Forest Act 1963 and the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, serving as the first line of defense against illegal activities
Stages of the Exam
1. Physical Endurance Test (PET)
This is the initial screening stage. It is purely qualifying in nature, meaning you must pass it to move forward, but the marks usually do not count toward your final merit.
- Male Candidates: 1600 meters run in 7 minutes.
- Female Candidates: 1000 meters run in 6 minutes.
2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
If you pass the endurance run, you move to the efficiency test. You are generally required to qualify in at least 3 out of the 5 tasks listed below:
Task | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
100m Run | 15 Seconds | 18.5 Seconds |
High Jump | 1.2 Meters (3 chances) | 0.90 Meters (3 chances) |
Long Jump | 3.8 Meters (3 chances) | 2.5 Meters (3 chances) |
Shot Put | 5.6 Meters (16 lbs) | 3.76 Meters (8 lbs) |
800m/200m Run | 800m in 2 min 50 sec | 200m in 40 sec |
3. Aptitude Test (Written Exam)
This is the most critical stage for your merit ranking. The exam is objective (MCQ) based and time is for 2 hours.
Subject | Questions | Marks |
Mathematics | 40 | 40 Marks |
General Knowledge | 60 | 60 Marks |
Total | 100 | 100 |
4. Medical Fitness Test
The final stage ensures you meet the physical health standards required for forest duty.
- Vision: Distant vision should be 6/6 or 6/9.
Qualification
Candidate must have completed your 12th Standard (2nd PUC) or an equivalent qualification from a recognized board or university.
Age Limit
Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
General (Merit) | 18 Years | 27 Years |
OBC (2A, 2B, 3A, 3B) | 18 Years | 30 Years |
SC / ST / Category-I | 18 Years | 32 Years |
Physical Standards Test (PST)
Standards | Male | Female |
Height | 163 cm (152 cm for ST candidates from specific forest regions). | 150 cm (145 cm for ST candidates from specific forest regions) |
Chest | 79 cm (with 5 cm expansion) |
|
Syllabus
General Knowledge (60 Marks):
- History: Indian History, Indian Independence Movement, Ancient, Medieval, and Tribal/Peasant Uprisings.
- Geography: Indian and Karnataka geography, Natural Resources, Rivers, Soil, and Forests.
- Indian Constitution, Indian Polity, and Administration.
- General Science
- Current Affairs: Sports, International/National events.
- Economics
Mathematics (40 Marks – 2nd PUC/12th Level):
- Number Systems, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest.
- Ratio & Proportion, Average, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Problems on Ages.
- Boats & Streams, Simplification, H.C.F. and L.C.M., Data Interpretation.
The Karnataka Forest Guard exam selects physically fit and knowledgeable candidates through written, physical, and medical tests conducted by the Karnataka Forest Department. Candidates who successfully clear all stages are appointed to protect forests, wildlife, and natural resources of Karnataka.