KPSC - ACF / RFO / DRFO Exams
About the Forest Service Exams
The Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Range Forest Officer (RFO), and Deputy Range Forest Officer (DRFO) exams are conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) to recruit officers for the Karnataka Forest Department. These roles involve protecting forest resources, managing wildlife habitats, and implementing conservation policies across the state.
Candidates undergo rigorous selection involving written tests and physical endurance evaluations to ensure they are fit for the demanding field-oriented nature of the job.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit (as per Notification)
- Minimum: 18 Years
- General Merit: 30 Years
- OBC (2A/2B/3A/3B): 33 Years
- SC / ST / Category-1: 35 Years
Educational Qualification
Minimum 50% marks in aggregate required in any of the following:
- B.Sc. in Forestry from a recognized university.
- Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, or Veterinary Science.
- B.Sc. with only 2 subjects from the following: Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Zoology, Botany, Bio-Chem, Micro-Bio, Bio-Tech.
- Bachelor of Engineering (B.E./B.Tech) in any recognized University.
Mandatory Physical Standards
| Physical Standard | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 163 cm | 150 cm |
| Chest Girth (Normal) | 79 cm | 74 cm |
| Chest Expansion (Min.) | 5 cm | 5 cm |
| Walking Test (Endurance) | 25 km in 4 Hours | 16 km in 4 Hours |
Vision Standards
- Distant Vision: 6/6 mtrs & 6/9 mtrs (with/without glasses)
- Near Vision: 0/6 mtrs & 0/8 mtrs
- Must have full field vision; no colour blindness or squint.
Medical Eligibility
Candidates must not have Knock knees, Bow legs, Flat feet, or Varicose veins. Hearing must be normal (Rinners & Webbers test).
Examination Pattern
1. Preliminary Exam (Objective Type)
Note: The Prelims is a screening test. Marks are not counted for the final merit.
Paper 1: General Knowledge
Paper 2: Aptitude Test
2. Main Exam (Descriptive)
Candidates qualifying the Preliminary exam in a 1:10 ratio are invited for the Main exam. This stage decides the final merit ranking.
ಕಡ್ಡಾಯ ಪತ್ರಿಕೆಗಳು (ಅರ್ಹತಾದಾಯಕ) / Compulsory Papers (Qualifying)
ಕನ್ನಡ / Kannada
100 Marks
ಇಂಗ್ಲಿಷ್ / English
100 Marks
ಕನಿಷ್ಠ 35% / Minimum 35% marks required in each paper to qualify.
ಇಚ್ಛಿಕ ಪತ್ರಿಕೆಗಳು / Optional papers (Merit)
| ಪತ್ರಿಕೆ / Paper | ವಿಷಯ / Subject | ಅಂಕಗಳು / Marks | ಅವಧಿ / Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forestry Graduates (Optional Papers) | |||
| ಪತ್ರಿಕೆ-1 / Paper I | Forestry - Paper I | 100 | 3 Hours |
| ಪತ್ರಿಕೆ-2 / Paper II | Forestry - Paper II | 100 | 3 Hours |
| Other Graduates (Any TWO out of 8 subjects) | |||
| ಪತ್ರಿಕೆ-1 / Paper I | Optional Subject - 1 | 100 | 3 Hours |
| ಪತ್ರಿಕೆ-2 / Paper II | Optional Subject - 2 | 100 | 3 Hours |
| Total Optional Marks | 200 | ||
Available Optional Subjects (100 Marks Each)
ಬಿ.ಎಸ್ಸಿ (ಫಾರೆಸ್ಟ್ರಿ) ಪದವೀಧರರಿಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರ ಫಾರೆಸ್ಟ್ರಿ ಪತ್ರಿಕೆ-1 ಮತ್ತು 2 ಅನ್ನು ಆಯ್ಕೆ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವ ಅವಕಾಶ ಇರುತ್ತದೆ.
Option to select Forestry Paper I & II is restricted to B.Sc., (Forestry) graduates only.
3. Personality Test (Interview)
Final Evaluation
Candidates are called for interview in a 1:5 ratio based on their Main exam scores. The board evaluates the candidate's personality, alertness, leadership qualities, and physical suitability for a demanding career in the forest services.
ACF Specialized Batch 2026-27
Join the most comprehensive coaching for Karnataka Forest Services. We provide expert-led modules for all Optional Science subjects listed above, along with thorough training for the mandatory language papers.