The UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination has distinct and mandatory educational requirements and a different maximum age limit compared to the Civil Services Examination.
Key Eligibility Criteria:
- Age Limit: The candidate must have attained 21 years of age but must not have attained 32 years of age as on the cut-off date (typically August 1st of the examination year).
- Educational Qualification: The candidate must hold a Bachelor's degree with at least one of the following subjects from a recognized University:
Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, and Zoology.
Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering is also a qualifying degree.
Age Relaxation and Attempts (IFoS specific):
| Category | Maximum Age Limit | Maximum Attempts |
|---|
| General / EWS | 32 years | 6 attempts |
| OBC (NCL) | 35 years | 9 attempts |
| SC / ST | 37 years | Unlimited attempts |
A 10-year age relaxation is granted to PwBD candidates, with attempts being 9 for General/EWS/OBC PwBD and unlimited for SC/ST PwBD, all within the prescribed maximum age limit for the category.
Candidates must ensure their degree aligns with the prescribed list of subjects and fulfill the physical and medical standards required specifically for the Indian Forest Service, as detailed in the official notification.