The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination 2026 notification. Online applications are open from 4 February 2026 to 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) for approximately 80 posts. Eligible candidates can apply online through the official UPSC application portal.
The Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination is conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment to the Indian Forest Service, commonly called IFS, one of the three All India Services of the Government of India.
👉 The Preliminary Examination is the same as the UPSC Civil Services (IAS) prelims, but the Indian Forest Service Mains examination, optional subjects and career path are completely different.
This article provides complete details including eligibility criteria, age limit, vacancy, selection process, exam pattern, salary and how to apply online.
Table of Contents
📊 UPSC IFS 2026 Notification – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Indian Forest Service(IFoS) Examination 2026 |
| Service Type | All India Service |
| Post | Indian Forest Service Officer |
| Total Vacancies | Approx. 80 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 4 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Selection Process | Prelims (CSE) + IFS Mains + Interview |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree with specified science subjects |
| Age Limit | 21–32 Years (as on 1 August 2026) |
| Application Fee | Rs. 100 (Gen/OBC/EWS), Nil (SC/ST/Women/PwBD) |
🗓 UPSC IFS 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 4 February 2026 |
| Application Start | 4 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination | 24 May 2026 |
Candidates are advised to submit the application before the last date to avoid last-day server issues.
🪵 UPSC IFS 2026 Vacancy Details
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR | 33 |
| OBC | 21 |
| SC | 12 |
| ST | 6 |
| EWS | 8 |
| Total | 80 |
Note: Vacancies may change as per Government requirements.
🌲 Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer Job Profile, Duties & Responsibilities
Indian Forest Service (IFoS) officers are Group-A All India Service officers responsible for forest administration, wildlife protection and environmental management in India. The IFS officer job profile involves both field work and administrative duties in forest divisions, national parks and protected wildlife areas.
Main Duties of an IFS Officer
| Area | Work Performed |
|---|---|
| Forest Administration | Managing forest land, plantations and forest resources |
| Wildlife Protection | Preventing poaching and protecting endangered animals |
| National Parks & Reserves | Administration of tiger reserves, sanctuaries and national parks |
| Law Enforcement | Controlling illegal logging and forest offences |
| Disaster Control | Monitoring and preventing forest fires |
| Environmental Protection | Implementing environmental and conservation laws |
| Biodiversity Conservation | Protecting ecosystems, rivers and climate programs |
IFS Officer Ranks & Promotions
| Rank Level | Designation |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) / Assistant Conservator of Forests |
| Mid Level | Conservator of Forests |
| Senior Level | Chief Conservator of Forests |
| Top Level | Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) |
IFS officers are usually posted in forest divisions and protected wildlife areas and may serve in both state cadres and central environmental organizations.
👤 UPSC IFS 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates not meeting the eligibility conditions will not be allowed to appear in the examination. Before applying, applicants must check the educational qualification and age limit prescribed for the Indian Forest Service examination.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least one of the following subjects:
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Engineering
- Botany
- Zoology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Geology
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
Final year students awaiting results can also apply, but they must produce proof of graduation before the interview stage.
Age Limit (as on 1 August 2026)
| Criteria | Age |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 21 Years |
| Maximum Age | 32 Years |
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC | 3 Years |
| SC/ST | 5 Years |
| PwBD | Up to 10 Years |
Nationality
Candidates belonging to categories other than Indian citizens require a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
🔢 UPSC IFS Number of Attempts
The number of attempts allowed for the Indian Forest Service examination varies by category.
| Category | Attempts Allowed |
|---|---|
| General | 6 Attempts |
| OBC | 9 Attempts |
| SC/ST | Unlimited (within age limit) |
Note: Appearing in even one paper of the Preliminary Examination is treated as an attempt.
🧠 UPSC IFS Selection Process
The selection of candidates for the Indian Forest Service is conducted in three stages:
| Stage | Examination |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Civil Services Preliminary Examination (Screening Test) |
| Stage 2 | Indian Forest Service Main Examination (Written) |
| Stage 3 | Personality Test / Interview |
Important: Candidates must first clear the Civil Services Preliminary Examination to become eligible for the IFS Main Examination.
Final merit list is prepared based on marks obtained in the IFS Main Examination and Interview only.
Marks of the Preliminary Examination are used only for qualification and are not counted for final ranking.
📘 UPSC IFS Preliminary Exam Pattern (Same as IAS)
The Preliminary Examination for the Indian Forest Service is the same as the UPSC Civil Services (IAS) Preliminary Examination and acts as a screening test for the IFS Main Examination.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | CSAT (Qualifying) | 200 | 2 Hours |
Important Rules
- CSAT is a qualifying paper and requires a minimum 33% marks.
- Negative marking applies (1/3 marks deducted for each wrong answer).
- Only General Studies Paper-I marks are considered for cutoff.
- Prelims marks not counted in the final merit list.
Candidates qualifying the Preliminary Examination will be shortlisted for the Indian Forest Service Main Examination based on cutoff marks decided by UPSC.
🧾 UPSC IFS Mains Examination Pattern
Candidates who qualify in the Preliminary Examination appear for the Indian Forest Service Main Examination. The IFS Mains is a descriptive (written) examination that evaluates subject knowledge and analytical ability.
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General English | 300 |
| Paper II | General Knowledge | 300 |
| Paper III | Optional Subject 1 | 200 |
| Paper IV | Optional Subject 1 | 200 |
| Paper V | Optional Subject 2 | 200 |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject 2 | 200 |
Total Written Marks: 1400
As per UPSC rules, the IFS Main Examination question papers are set in English and answers must be written in English only.
📚 UPSC IFS Optional Subjects List (Important)
In the IFS Main Examination, candidates must choose two optional subjects.
Each optional subject consists of two descriptive papers.
Available Optional Subjects
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Engineering
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Forestry
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Statistics
- Zoology
All papers in the IFS Main Examination are descriptive and test conceptual understanding and analytical ability.
Important Subject Combination Rules
UPSC does not allow certain subject combinations. Candidates cannot choose the following pairs together:
- Agriculture & Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture & Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Agriculture & Forestry
- Chemistry & Chemical Engineering
- Mathematics & Statistics
In addition, from the Engineering subjects (Agricultural Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering), only one subject can be chosen.
Candidates should carefully select optional subjects because they play a major role in final ranking.
Popular Optional Subjects Chosen by Candidates
| Subject | Reason |
|---|---|
| Forestry | Directly related to forest service training and field duties |
| Botany | Helpful for ecology and environmental topics |
| Zoology | Useful for wildlife and biodiversity preparation |
| Agriculture | Overlaps with environment and rural development topics |
Choosing an optional subject based on graduation background and interest is recommended for better performance in the IFS Main Examination.
🎤 UPSC IFS Interview / Personality Test
Candidates who qualify in the IFS Main Examination are called for the Personality Test (Interview) conducted by UPSC.
| Stage | Marks |
|---|---|
| Interview / Personality Test | 300 Marks |
The interview evaluates leadership, communication skills, environmental awareness, decision-making ability and field suitability.
🧍 UPSC IFS Physical & Medical Requirements
The Indian Forest Service is a field-oriented service and not a desk-based job. Candidates recommended for appointment must satisfy the medical standards prescribed by UPSC.
Selected candidates are required to be medically fit because the duties involve:
- Forest inspections and field surveys
- Wildlife patrol and protection work
- Postings in remote and forest areas
- Outdoor administrative and conservation duties
After the interview, candidates undergo a medical examination and physical fitness assessment as per Government of India service rules. Final appointment is subject to qualifying these medical standards.
💰 UPSC IFS Officer Salary
The Indian Forest Service officer salary is determined according to the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix of the Government of India. Officers also receive several allowances and facilities in addition to basic pay.
| Rank / Post | Pay Level | Approx Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) | Level 10 | Rs. 56,100 + allowances |
| Conservator of Forests | Level 12 | Rs. 78,800 + allowances |
| Chief Conservator of Forests | Level 14 | Rs. 1,44,200 + allowances |
| Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) | Apex Scale | Rs. 2,25,000 |
Additional Benefits & Allowances
- Government accommodation (official bungalow)
- Official vehicle and staff support
- Field and travel allowances
- Medical facilities
- Pension and retirement benefits
Salary increases with promotions and years of service as per government rules.
💵 UPSC IFS 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / Women / PwBD | No Fee |
The application fee can be paid through the online payment options available on the UPSC application portal.
📝 How to Apply Online for UPSC IFS 2026
Candidates must submit the application form online through the UPSC application portal before the last date.
Application Steps
- Visit the UPSC online application portal
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR)
- Fill the Common Application Form
- Select Indian Forest Service Examination 2026
- Upload photograph and signature
- Pay the application fee (if applicable)
- Submit the form before 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM)
Apply early to get your preferred examination centre, as centres are allotted on a first-apply basis.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Mobile phones and smart devices are not allowed inside the examination hall.
- Candidates must carry a valid photo ID proof along with the admit card.
- Late entry to the examination centre will not be permitted.
- Admit card will be available only through the online mode.
🔗 UPSC IFS 2026 Apply Links
- Apply Online: UPSC Online Application Portal
- Official Website: UPSC Official Website
- Notification PDF: UPSC IFoS 2026 Official Notification
Read the official notification carefully before applying.
🌿 IAS vs IFS – Key Differences
Many aspirants preparing for UPSC are confused between IAS and the Indian Forest Service. The services differ in work nature, eligibility and career environment.
| Feature | IAS | IFoS (Forest Service) |
|---|---|---|
| Service Type | Administrative Service | Forest & Wildlife Service |
| Nature of Work | District administration & policy implementation | Forest management & wildlife conservation |
| Work Environment | Mostly office based | Mostly field based |
| Educational Qualification | Any Bachelor’s Degree | Science/technical subjects required |
| Posting | District/Secretariat | Forest divisions, national parks & protected areas |
❗ IFS vs IFoS (Common Confusion)
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| IFS (Indian Foreign Service) | Diplomatic service, embassy postings abroad |
| IFoS (Indian Forest Service) | Forest and wildlife administration service |
This notification refers to the Indian Forest Service Officer.
🎯 Who Should Apply for UPSC IFS?
You should consider applying if you:
- Have interest in forests, wildlife and nature
- Prefer outdoor or field-oriented work
- Want a career in environmental protection
- Are comfortable with postings in remote areas
This service may not suit candidates who prefer a completely office-based job.
🧭 Beginner Preparation Plan
| Month | Preparation Focus |
|---|---|
| Month 1 | NCERT Geography and Environment basics |
| Month 2 | Indian Polity and Ecology |
| Month 3 | Previous Year Questions and Optional Subject preparation |
Choosing the correct optional subject plays a major role in final selection.
❓ UPSC IFS 2026 Notification FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC IFS 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM).
Q2. How many vacancies are announced for Indian Forest Service 2026?
UPSC has announced approximately 80 vacancies.
Q3. Is the Indian Forest Service (IFS) exam conducted separately from the Civil Services Examination?
No. Candidates must appear in the Civil Services Preliminary Examination, which acts as the screening test for IFS.
Q4. What is the educational qualification required for UPSC IFS?
A Bachelor’s degree with at least one specified subject such as Forestry, Agriculture, Engineering, Botany, Zoology, Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics.
Q5. What is the age limit for UPSC IFS 2026?
21 to 32 years as on 1 August 2026 with category relaxation.
Q6. How many attempts are allowed for UPSC IFS?
General: 6 attempts, OBC: 9 attempts, SC/ST: Unlimited attempts within age limit.
Q7. What is the application fee for UPSC IFS 2026?
Rs. 100 for General/OBC/EWS candidates. SC/ST/Women/PwBD candidates are exempted.
Q8. When will the UPSC IFS Preliminary Examination be held?
The Preliminary Examination is scheduled on 24 May 2026.
Q9. What is the selection process for Indian Forest Service?
Prelims, IFS Main Written Examination and Interview/Personality Test followed by medical fitness.
Q10. Where can candidates apply for UPSC IFS 2026?
Candidates can apply online through the online UPSC application portal.
📢Looking for more government job updates? Check our Latest Government Job Notifications page where all new UPSC, SSC, Banking and State Government recruitments are updated regularly.
✨ Final Advice
The Indian Forest Service is not just a government job but a career dedicated to protecting forests, wildlife and ecological resources of the country.
While IAS officers manage administration, IFS officers safeguard natural heritage and biodiversity.
Candidates interested in environment and conservation should seriously consider this service. Start preparation early, select the appropriate optional subject and maintain consistency in study.
UPSC success depends more on consistency than on luck.