Last Date to Apply – 24 February 2026
Introduction – UPSC Indian Forest Services Exam 2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the Indian Forest Services (IFS) Examination 2026, opening doors for aspirants seeking a prestigious career in forest management and environmental conservation. This year, a total of 80 vacancies have been notified across various categories, offering opportunities for candidates from diverse backgrounds.
Applicants must complete the online registration process through the UPSC portal before the deadline of 24 February 2026. The selection process begins with the Civil Services Preliminary Examination scheduled on 24 May 2026, followed by the IFS Main Examination and Personality Test. The exam is designed to recruit dedicated professionals committed to sustainable development, ecological balance, and effective implementation of forest policies in India.
Job Overview – UPSC Indian Forest Services Exam 2026
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), New Delhi |
| Total Vacancies (with breakdown) | 80 Vacancies: UR – 33, OBC – 21, SC – 12, ST – 06, EWS – 08 |
| Post | Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer |
| Nature of Recruitment | Direct Recruitment through Civil Services Preliminary, IFS Mains, and Interview |
| Job Type & Location | All India Service; postings across various State Cadres |
| Application Deadlines & Correction Windows | Apply online from 04 Feb 2026 to 24 Feb 2026 (till 6:00 PM). Correction window available after Prelims and Mains results as per UPSC schedule. |
| Eligibility & Age Limit | Age: 21–32 years as on 1 Aug 2026 (born between 2 Aug 1994 and 1 Aug 2005). Bachelor’s degree in relevant subjects required. Age relaxations for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/Ex-servicemen. |
| Salary Structure (Pay Levels) | Pay Level 10 to Pay Level 13 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month) with allowances and government perks. |
| Selection Process (post-wise) | Stage 1: Civil Services Preliminary (Objective). Stage 2: Indian Forest Service Mains (Written). Stage 3: Personality Test/Interview. |
| Reservation Rules | Applicable as per Government of India norms for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwBD categories. |
| Application Fee | ₹100 for General/OBC/EWS. Exempted for SC/ST/PwBD/Female candidates. |
| Documents Required | Photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter ID/PAN/Passport), scanned photo, live photo capture, signature upload, educational certificates, category certificates (if applicable). |
| Exam Centres | Prelims: 83 centres across India (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad). Mains: Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi, Dispur, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Nagpur, Port Blair, Shimla. |
| Official Website | https://upsconline.nic.in/ |
| Apply Online | Apply Online |
Important Dates – UPSC Indian Forest Services Exam 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 04 Feb 2026 |
| Application Start | 04 Feb 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 Feb 2026 (till 6:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Exam | 24 May 2026 |
Vacancy Details – UPSC Indian Forest Services Exam 2026
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR | 33 |
| OBC | 21 |
| SC | 12 |
| ST | 06 |
| EWS | 08 |
| Total | 80 |
Application Fee – UPSC Indian Forest Services Exam 2026
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | ₹100 |
| SC/ST/PwBD/Female | Exempted |
Eligibility Criteria – UPSC Indian Forest Services Exam 2026
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit |
Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years as on 1 August 2026
(born between 2 August 1994 and 1 August 2005).
Age relaxations apply: • SC/ST – up to 5 years • OBC – up to 3 years • PwBD – up to 10 years • Ex-servicemen/ECOs/SSCOs – as per government rules. |
| Educational Qualification | A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least one of the following subjects: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering. Final-year students awaiting results may also apply provisionally. |
| Nationality |
Must be an Indian citizen OR eligible under the following categories: • Subject of Nepal or Bhutan • Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 with intent of permanent settlement • Person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or select East African countries intending permanent settlement in India (with eligibility certificate from Govt. of India). |
| Physical Standards | Candidates must meet prescribed medical and physical standards set by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. PwBD candidates will be considered eligible only if they satisfy the required functional classifications and physical requirements. |
| Number of Attempts |
• General/EWS: 6 attempts • OBC: 9 attempts • SC/ST: Unlimited attempts (up to age limit) • PwBD: Relaxations as per category. |
Important Links – UPSC Indian Forest Services Exam 2026
| Link | Description |
|---|---|
| Notification PDF | Download official UPSC IFoS Exam 2026 notification |
| Official Website | Visit UPSC Online Portal for instructions and updates |
| Apply Online | Submit application form for UPSC IFoS Exam 2026 |
How to Apply – UPSC Indian Forest Services Exam 2026
- Visit UPSC Online Portal.
- Register using Universal Registration Number (URN).
- Fill Common Application Form (CAF) with live photo and signature upload.
- Provide valid Photo ID details (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, Passport, etc.).
- Pay application fee online (if applicable).
- Submit form before 24 Feb 2026, 6:00 PM.
Exam Pattern – UPSC Indian Forest Services Exam 2026
The UPSC Indian Forest Services Examination 2026 will be conducted in two successive stages with specific dates already notified:
-
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination – Civil Services (Prelims) Objective-type screening test.
Date: 24 May 2026.
Note: Candidates must qualify this stage to be eligible for the IFS Mains. -
Stage 2: Indian Forest Service Main Examination – Written examination followed by Personality Test/Interview.
Date: To be announced after Prelims results.
Note: Only candidates who clear Prelims will be allowed to apply for Mains during the correction/update window.
The final merit list will be prepared based on marks obtained in the Main Examination (Written) and the Personality Test/Interview. Preliminary marks are qualifying in nature and not counted for final ranking.
Selection Procedure – UPSC Indian Forest Services Exam 2026
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage 1: Civil Services Preliminary Examination | Objective-type screening test common to Civil Services and Forest Services aspirants. Candidates must qualify this stage to be eligible for the Indian Forest Service Mains. Negative marking applies for wrong answers. |
| Stage 2: Indian Forest Service Main Examination | Written examination consisting of descriptive papers in subjects such as General English, General Knowledge, and optional subjects (e.g., Agriculture, Forestry, Botany, Zoology, Engineering disciplines). Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks to proceed further. |
| Stage 3: Personality Test / Interview | Conducted by UPSC to assess overall suitability, leadership qualities, communication skills, and knowledge of forestry/environmental issues. Marks obtained in Mains and Interview together determine the final merit list. |
| Final Selection | Based on cumulative performance in Mains and Personality Test. Successful candidates are allotted State Cadres as per preference and government policy. Reservation rules apply as per Government of India norms. |
Note: Candidates must qualify each stage sequentially. Failure to meet minimum standards at any stage will result in disqualification. The Commission reserves the right to determine cut-offs and selection criteria.
Job Location – UPSC Indian Forest Services Exam 2026
Selected candidates will be posted across India in various State Cadres as per cadre allocation policy.
FAQs
1. What is the UPSC Indian Forest Services Exam 2026?
The UPSC Indian Forest Services Exam 2026 is a national-level examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit officers for forest management and conservation roles across India.
2. How many vacancies are available in 2026?
A total of 80 vacancies have been announced, distributed among UR, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS categories.
3. What is the last date to apply?
The last date to submit the online application is 24 February 2026, till 6:00 PM.
4. When will the Preliminary Exam be held?
The Civil Services Preliminary Examination for IFS 2026 will be conducted on 24 May 2026.
5. What is the age limit for candidates?
Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years of age as on 1 August 2026, with relaxations for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/Ex-servicemen.
6. What educational qualifications are required?
A Bachelor’s degree with at least one subject in Animal Husbandry, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering is required.
7. What is the selection process?
The selection process includes Civil Services Preliminary Examination, Indian Forest Service Mains (written), and Personality Test/Interview.
8. What is the application fee?
The application fee is ₹100 for General/OBC/EWS candidates. SC/ST/PwBD/Female candidates are exempted.
9. Where can candidates apply online?
Candidates can apply online through the UPSC portal at Apply Online.
10. What documents are required during application?
Applicants must upload a live photo, scanned signature, valid Photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, Passport, etc.), and relevant educational/category certificates.
11. What is the salary structure for IFS officers?
IFS officers are appointed at Pay Level 10 (₹56,100 per month) with progression up to Pay Level 13 (₹1,77,500 per month), along with allowances and government perks.
12. Where will the exams be conducted?
Preliminary exams will be held at 83 centres across India, while Mains will be conducted at select centres including Delhi, Chennai, Bhopal, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Nagpur, Port Blair, and Shimla.
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