Published By: Career Editorial Team | Verified Official Source: Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC)
Fact-Checked & Reviewed On: October 2026 | Category: Kerala Government Jobs
Applications are being accepted via the Kerala PSC Thulasi One Time Registration (OTR) portal. The recruitment drive includes openings under Category No. 153/2026 (Direct Recruitment) and Category No. 154/2026 (Recruitment By Transfer). Below is an exhaustive overview detailing pay scale, vacancy distributions, age limits, physical & medical criteria, practical swimming assessments, and step-by-step submission instructions.
Kerala Forest Recruitment 2026: Key Overview
| Recruiting Agency | Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) |
| Department | Kerala Forest & Wildlife Department |
| Post Name | Forest Boat Driver |
| Category Numbers | 153/2026 (Direct) & 154/2026 (By-Transfer) |
| Monthly Pay Scale | Rs. 26,500 – Rs. 60,700/- |
| Job Location | Thrissur & Kozhikode (Kerala) |
| Application Mode | Online (KPSC Thulasi OTR Portal) |
| Application Fee | NIL (Free for all categories) |
| Application Start Date | 30th September 2026 |
| Application Closing Date | 04th November 2026 (Up to Midnight) |
Vacancy Breakdown & Posting Districts
The recruitment is district-based. Candidates are strictly restricted from applying to more than one district for this post. Current open vacancies and anticipated postings are distributed as follows:
1. Direct Recruitment (Category No. 153/2026)
- Thrissur District: 02 Vacancies
- Kozhikode District: 01 Vacancy
2. Recruitment By Transfer (Category No. 154/2026)
- Thrissur District: Anticipated Vacancies
- Kozhikode District: Anticipated Vacancies
- Eligibility note: Only Boat Lascars, Boat Cleaners, and Boat Watchers in the Kerala Forest Department who have completed their approved probation period qualify under the By-Transfer category.
Eligibility Criteria: Educational Qualifications, Age Limit & Experience
Educational Qualification & Mandatory Licenses
- General Education: Passed SSLC or an equivalent examination recognized by the Government of Kerala or the Government of India.
- Technical License: Must possess a valid Motor Boat Driving License issued by a recognized competent authority. The license must remain valid through all selection stages.
- Experience: Minimum of 3 years of active experience as a Boat Driver, acquired after obtaining the basic educational qualification.
- Engine Repair Knowledge: Candidates must possess practical knowledge of motorboat engine mechanisms and show competency in carrying out minor mechanical repairs. This capability will be evaluated during a Practical Test
Age Criteria (As of 01.01.2026)
- Direct Recruitment (Cat. No. 153/2026): 25 to 40 years. Candidates born between 02.01.1986 and 01.01.2001 (both dates included) are eligible. Standard age relaxations apply for OBC, SC, and ST candidates (Maximum age limit shall not exceed 50 years).
- Recruitment By-Transfer (Cat. No. 154/2026): The upper age limit is Not Applicable.
Physical, Medical, Swimming & Efficiency Standards
Due to the tactical nature of forestry and water patrol duties, candidates must fulfill strict physical and endurance specifications. Female and Differently Abled candidates are not eligible to apply for this post.
1. Physical Measurement Requirements
- Height: Minimum 168 cm (Relaxed to 160 cm for SC/ST candidates).
- Chest Measurement: Minimum 81 cm with a minimum expansion of 5 cm. (No relaxation in chest expansion is granted to any category).
2. Mandatory Swimming Test
Candidates must qualify in both of the following mandatory swimming trials:
- Swim 50 meters within 2 minutes.
- Demonstrate 2 minutes of continuous floating capability at the deeper end of a swimming pool.
3. Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Applicants must qualify in at least 5 out of 8 events listed below, achieving One Star standards:
- 100 Meters Run: Completed within 14 Seconds
- High Jump: Minimum 132.2 cm
- Long Jump: Minimum 457.2 cm
- Putting the Shot (7264 g): Minimum 609.6 cm
- Throwing the Cricket Ball: Minimum 6096 cm
- Rope Climbing (Hands Only): Minimum 365.8 cm
- Pull Ups or Chinning: Minimum 8 times
- 1500 Meters Run: Completed within 5 minutes 44 Seconds
4. Medical & Visual Standards
Candidates must produce a two-part Medical Certificate signed by an Ophthalmologist (Part A) and an Assistant Surgeon/Junior Consultant (Part B):
- Distant Vision: 6/6 Snellen (Both eyes, without glasses)
- Near Vision: 0.5 Snellen (Both eyes, without glasses)
- Color Vision & Hearing: Must be normal; zero tolerance for night blindness, paralysis, or joint rigidity.
Selection Procedure & Induction Training
The recruitment authority conducts a multi-stage evaluation process:
- Online Application Screening: Verification via One Time Registration (OTR) profile.
- Written / OMR / Online Examination: Conducted if mandated by the Commission (Confirmation via OTR is required).
- Physical Measurement & Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Standard field tests.
- Practical Test: Testing motorboat driving skills and motor repair competence.
- Swimming Test: Evaluating water survival capabilities.
- Document Verification: Verification of original certificates.
- Mandatory Training: Selected candidates undergo mandatory residential training for up to 3 months at a state Forest Training School.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Apply Online via KPSC Thulasi
- Visit the official portal of Kerala PSC: www.keralapsc.gov.in.
- Log in to your KPSC Thulasi Profile using your User ID and Password. (New users must register first via One Time Registration).
- Upload a clear photograph taken within the last 6 months (Valid for 10 years once registered).
- Locate the notification tab and search using Category Numbers 153/2026 or 154/2026.
- Verify profile information (Education, Driving License, Experience Certificates).
- Submit the application form before the final deadline.No fee payment is required.
- Download and print out the application form from the ‘My Applications’ link for future reference.
Official Links & Documents
- Official Notification PDF: Download KPSC Notification PDF
- Direct Apply Link: Apply Online on KPSC Thulasi Portal
- Official Website: Kerala Public Service Commission Official Site
