Kerala Forest Boat Driver Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 3 Posts
Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) has invited online applications for the Forest Boat Driver post in the Forest & Wildlife Department. The recruitment is being conducted through Category No. 153/2026 for Direct Recruitment and Category No. 154/2026 for Recruitment by Transfer.
Under Category No. 153/2026, there are 3 existing vacancies — 2 in Thrissur and 1 in Kozhikode. Eligible candidates can apply online through the Kerala PSC One Time Registration (OTR) profile. The application deadline is November 4, 2026, up to 12 midnight. The pay scale is ₹26,500–₹60,700.
Candidates applying for direct recruitment must have SSLC or equivalent qualification, a valid Motor Boat Driving Licence, at least three years of experience as a Boat Driver, basic knowledge of motor boat engine mechanisms, minor repair skills and swimming ability. The selection also includes physical and practical requirements.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Kerala Public Service Commission |
| Department | Forest & Wildlife |
| Post Name | Forest Boat Driver |
| Category No. – Direct | 153/2026 |
| Category No. – By Transfer | 154/2026 |
| Recruitment Type | Direct Recruitment / By Transfer |
| Total Direct Vacancies | 3 |
| Thrissur Vacancy | 2 |
| Kozhikode Vacancy | 1 |
| By-Transfer Vacancies | Anticipated in Thrissur & Kozhikode |
| Salary | ₹26,500 – ₹60,700 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Notification Date | 30 September 2026 |
| Last Date | 4 November 2026 |
| Application Fee | No Application Fee |
| Official Website | Kerala PSC |
The official Kerala PSC Gazette dated September 30, 2026 lists Forest Boat Driver Part-I under Category No. 153/2026 and Forest Boat Driver Part-II – By Transfer under Category No. 154/2026.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Kerala PSC Notification | 30 September 2026 |
| Application Period | From 30 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 4 November 2026 |
| Last Time | 12 Midnight |
Candidates should submit the application before the deadline. Applications received after the prescribed closing time will not be considered.
Vacancy Details
Category No. 153/2026 – Direct Recruitment
| District | Vacancy |
|---|---|
| Thrissur | 2 |
| Kozhikode | 1 |
| Total | 3 |
The three vacancies mentioned above are existing vacancies, and separate ranked lists will be prepared for each district. Candidates are not permitted to apply to more than one district under this notification.
Category No. 154/2026 – Recruitment by Transfer
| District | Vacancy |
|---|---|
| Thrissur | Anticipated |
| Kozhikode | Anticipated |
This category is intended for eligible Boat Lascar, Boat Cleaner and Boat Watcher employees in the Kerala Forest Department who have been declared approved probationers.
Kerala Forest Boat Driver Salary 2026
The salary scale for the Forest Boat Driver post is:
₹26,500 – ₹60,700
The same scale of pay is specified for both the direct recruitment and recruitment-by-transfer categories. The notification does not separately specify a consolidated salary or additional allowances in the recruitment notice, so candidates should refer to applicable government service rules for other service-related provisions.
Educational Qualification
Candidates applying for the direct recruitment must have:
1. SSLC or equivalent qualification
The qualification must be recognized by the Government of India or Government of Kerala.
2. Valid Motor Boat Driving Licence
Candidates must possess a valid Motor Boat Driving Licence issued by a competent authority for driving a motor boat.
3. Three Years of Experience
Candidates must have at least three years of experience as a Boat Driver.
The experience must be supported by the prescribed experience certificate. The notification also states that the experience should be acquired after obtaining the prescribed basic qualification.
4. Motor Boat Technical Knowledge
Candidates must have basic knowledge of motor boat engine mechanisms and the ability to carry out minor repairs. This proficiency will be assessed through a practical test conducted by Kerala PSC.
5. Swimming Ability
Candidates must be able to swim. The PSC swimming test requires:
50-metre swimming trial within 2 minutes
2 minutes floating ability at the deeper side of the swimming pool
Candidates must qualify in both swimming events.
Age Limit
For Category No. 153/2026 – Direct Recruitment, the age limit is:
25–40 years
Candidates must have been born between:
02 January 1986 and 01 January 2001, both dates included.
Applicable age relaxation is available to eligible OBC and SC/ST candidates according to the Kerala PSC conditions. However, the maximum age limit cannot exceed 50 years under the specified conditions.
For Category No. 154/2026 – Recruitment by Transfer, the age limit is not applicable.
Physical Standards
The Forest Boat Driver post has specific physical requirements.
Height
Minimum height: 168 cm
SC/ST candidates: minimum 160 cm
Chest
Minimum chest measurement: 81 cm
Minimum expansion: 5 cm
There is no relaxation in the required 5 cm chest expansion for SC/ST candidates.
Physical Efficiency Test
Candidates must qualify in any five out of the eight events prescribed under the National Physical Efficiency One Star Standard.
| Event | Standard |
|---|---|
| 100 Metres Run | 14 seconds |
| High Jump | 132.2 cm |
| Long Jump | 457.2 cm |
| Putting the Shot – 7264 g | 609.6 cm |
| Throwing Cricket Ball | 6096 cm |
| Rope Climbing – Hands Only | 365.8 cm |
| Pull-ups/Chinning | 8 times |
| 1500 Metres Run | 5 minutes 44 seconds |
Physical measurement will be taken before the Physical Efficiency Test. Candidates who do not meet the prescribed physical standards will not proceed further in the selection process.
Medical and Vision Standards
Candidates must satisfy the medical standards specified by Kerala PSC.
The notification specifies:
Perfect hearing
Distant vision: 6/6 Snellen in both eyes
Near vision: 0.5 Snellen in both eyes
Normal colour vision
No night blindness
Full field of vision
No disqualifying eye conditions such as colour blindness or squint
Free movement of joints
Normal nervous system
A prescribed medical certificate must be produced. Part A is to be obtained from an Ophthalmologist in Government service, while Part B must be obtained from a Government Medical Officer not below the rank of Assistant Surgeon/Junior Consultant.
Application Fee
No application fee is required.
Candidates can submit the Kerala PSC application through their One Time Registration profile without paying an application fee.
Selection Process
The selection process may include the following stages:
Kerala PSC One Time Registration and application submission
Written/OMR/Online examination, if conducted
Physical Measurement
Physical Efficiency Test
Swimming Test
Practical Test
Certificate/Document Verification
Medical fitness verification
The practical test will assess boat-driving proficiency, knowledge of motor boat engine mechanisms and the ability to carry out minor repairs. The swimming test will assess the prescribed swimming and floating standards.
Training After Selection
Candidates appointed through direct recruitment must undergo training for not more than three months at a Forest Training School as prescribed by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
Candidates who fail to successfully complete the prescribed training may be terminated and discharged from service.
Documents to Keep Ready
Candidates should keep the following documents and information ready before applying:
Recent passport-size photograph as per Kerala PSC requirements
SSLC certificate/qualification proof
Valid Motor Boat Driving Licence
Three-year Boat Driver Experience Certificate
Community certificate, where applicable
Medical Certificate when required at the relevant selection stage
Aadhaar/ID details for the PSC profile, where applicable
Active mobile number
Kerala PSC User ID and password
The experience certificate must follow the prescribed format and may be subjected to verification. Candidates are required to produce original documents whenever requested by the Commission.
How to Apply Online
Eligible candidates can apply through the Kerala PSC One Time Registration system.
Step 1
Visit the official Kerala Public Service Commission website.
Step 2
Complete Kerala PSC One Time Registration (OTR) if you do not already have a profile.
Step 3
Candidates who already have an OTR profile can log in using their User ID and Password.
Step 4
Open the relevant notification for Forest Boat Driver – Category No. 153/2026.
Step 5
Select the applicable district. Remember that candidates are prohibited from applying to more than one district under the direct recruitment notification.
Step 6
Click the Apply Now button and verify the information available in your profile.
Step 7
Upload the photograph and other documents whenever required according to the PSC instructions.
Step 8
Check all personal, educational, experience and other details carefully before final submission.
Step 9
Submit the application before 4 November 2026, 12 midnight.
Step 10
Save or print a copy of the submitted application for future reference.
The Kerala PSC notification states that submitted applications are provisional and cannot be deleted or altered after submission.
Important Points for Candidates
Before applying, candidates should pay special attention to the following:
The direct recruitment vacancies are in Thrissur and Kozhikode, not Malappuram.
There are 3 existing direct recruitment vacancies.
Candidates cannot apply to more than one district under Category No. 153/2026.
A valid Motor Boat Driving Licence is mandatory.
At least three years of Boat Driver experience is required.
Swimming ability is compulsory.
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed height, chest and physical efficiency standards.
Women and Differently Abled candidates are not eligible for this particular post according to the notification.
There is no application fee.
The application deadline is 4 November 2026 at 12 midnight.
Directly recruited candidates must undergo the prescribed training.
Why Is Kerala Forest Boat Driver Recruitment a Good Opportunity?
The Forest Boat Driver post offers an opportunity to enter the Kerala Government Service under the Forest & Wildlife Department with a pay scale of ₹26,500–₹60,700.
The recruitment is particularly relevant for candidates who already have professional experience operating motor boats and hold the required licence. Unlike many general government posts, this position requires practical boating skills, swimming ability and physical fitness.
Another important feature is that separate district-wise ranked lists are prepared. The notification states that the ranked list can remain in force for a minimum of one year and a maximum of three years, subject to the conditions specified by Kerala PSC.
Important Links
| OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION LINK = CLICK NOW | |
|---|---|
| OFFICIAL WEBSITE LINK = CLICK NOW | |
| APPLY ONLINE LINK = CLICK NOW | |
| MORE JOB LINK = CLICK NOW COMMUNITY LINK = CLICK NOW |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for Kerala Forest Boat Driver Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 4 November 2026 up to 12 midnight.
How many Forest Boat Driver vacancies are available?
There are 3 existing vacancies under direct recruitment: 2 in Thrissur and 1 in Kozhikode.
What is the salary of a Kerala Forest Boat Driver?
The pay scale is ₹26,500–₹60,700.
What is the qualification for Forest Boat Driver?
Candidates must have SSLC or equivalent, a valid Motor Boat Driving Licence and at least three years of experience as a Boat Driver.
Is a motor boat licence compulsory?
Yes. Candidates must possess a valid Motor Boat Driving Licence issued by a competent authority. The licence must remain valid throughout the relevant stages of selection.
Is swimming required for this post?
Yes. Candidates must pass a swimming test involving a 50-metre swim within two minutes and two minutes of floating ability in the deeper side of the swimming pool.
What is the age limit for direct recruitment?
The age limit is 25 to 40 years. Candidates should be born between 2 January 1986 and 1 January 2001, both dates included. Applicable relaxations are available according to PSC rules.
Can candidates apply for more than one district?
No. Candidates are prohibited from applying to more than one district under the direct recruitment notification.
Is there an application fee?
No. There is no application fee for this recruitment.
Is training required after appointment?
Yes. Directly recruited Forest Boat Drivers must undergo training for not more than three months at a Forest Training School as prescribed by the department.
Conclusion
Kerala PSC's Forest Boat Driver Recruitment 2026 is an opportunity for eligible candidates with the required SSLC qualification, motor boat driving licence and three years of Boat Driver experience. The direct recruitment notification offers 3 vacancies in Thrissur and Kozhikode with a salary scale of ₹26,500–₹60,700.
Since the selection includes physical efficiency, swimming, practical and medical requirements, candidates should check every eligibility condition carefully before applying. Eligible applicants should complete their Kerala PSC OTR application and submit the application before 4 November 2026, 12 midnight.
Candidates are strongly advised to read the official Kerala PSC notification before submitting the application.