The Indian Forest Service (IFoS) stands as one of the three All India Services under the Union Government, alongside the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS). Its present form was established in 1966, tracing its origins back to 1864 when it emerged as the Imperial Forest Service during the British Raj.
This article provides comprehensive information on the Indian Forest Service Exam, encompassing details such as the exam pattern, syllabus, application process, salary, and more.
19 Jan 2024: The UPSC Indian Forest Services Exam Mains Result is announced. The direct link to check the Result is given below.
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Contents
UPSC IFoS Exam
Indian Forest Services (IFoS) Exam – 130 Posts (Approximately)
| Post Name | Indian Forest Services (IFoS) Exam – 130 Posts (Approximately) |
| Qualification | A candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the subjects namely Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics and Zoology or a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Forestry or in Engineering of any of Universities incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification. |
| Pay Scale | As Per Rules |
| Age Limit | A candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 32 years on 1st August 2024, i.e. he must have been born not earlier than 2nd August 1992 and not later than 1st August 2003. |
| Advt No | 06/2024-IFoS |
| Examination Fee | For all Other Candidates: Rs. 100/- for SC/ ST/ Female & PwBD: Nil Payment Mode: Through Net Banking facility of any bank or by using Visa / Master / RuPay / Credit / Debit Card / UPI Payment. |
| Last Date | Date of Notification: 14-02-2024 Last Date to Apply Online: 05-03-2024 up to 06:00 PM Date for Correction Window: 06-03-2024 to 12-03-2024 Date for Preliminary Exam: 26-05-2024 |
| Apply Online | Click Here to apply online |
| Notification | View Details |
Important Dates
- The UPSC releases the notification for the IFoS exam in February every year.
- The online application form is usually available from February to March.
- The preliminary exam is usually held in May or June.
- The main exam is usually held in October or November.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) exam can be classified into four categories:
- Nationality: Candidates must meet the same nationality requirements as specified for the civil services exam.
- Age Limit: The age limit criteria for the IFoS exam align with those set for the civil services exam.
- Number of Attempts: Similar to the civil services exam, candidates are subject to limitations on the number of attempts they can make for the IFoS exam.
- Education: The educational qualifications required for the IFoS exam are by the standards set for the civil services exam.
Exam Pattern
The Indian Forest Service Exam consists of three stages, with candidates required to successfully clear each stage to progress to the next. The exam syllabus aligns with the UPSC Syllabus and is detailed as follows:
Stage 1: Prelims Exam
The Prelims Exam for IFoS mirrors the UPSC IAS Prelims exam, comprising two objective papers—GS I and CSAT. The cut-off for the IFoS exam is typically higher due to fewer available vacancies. For further details on the UPSC Prelims exam (common for IFoS and CSE), refer to the linked article.
Stage 2: Mains Exam
The IFoS Mains Exam consists of six descriptive papers, each lasting for 3 hours. Candidates must select two optional subjects from the provided list. UPSC Indian Forest Service Mains Exam Papers:
- Paper I: General English (300 marks)
- Paper II: General Knowledge (300 marks)
- Paper III: Optional I (200 marks)
- Paper IV: Optional I (200 marks)
- Paper V: Optional II (200 marks)
- Paper VI: Optional II (200 marks)
List of optional subjects (candidates choose two):
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Engineering
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Botany
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Forestry
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Statistics
- Zoology
- Geology
- Chemistry
Candidates cannot choose specific combinations of optional subjects, and all papers are conducted in English.
Note: Candidates scoring above the mains cut-off proceed to the next stage—the interview.
Stage 3: Interview
The interview holds a total of 300 marks and evaluates candidates on various aspects, including general awareness, communication skills, intellectual curiosity, observation and assimilation abilities, judgment, alertness, initiative, tact, and leadership qualities. Candidates undergo a physical test after the interview, with male candidates required to complete a 25 km walk/run in under 4 hours and female candidates a 14 km walk/run in less than 4 hours.
Candidates need to familiarize themselves with the personality test and review potential IAS Interview Questions to prepare adequately. The CSE Syllabus can also serve as a reference, given its similarities to the IFoS syllabus.
Indian Forest Service Salary
The following table gives the salary and rank hierarchy of IFoS officers.
| Grade | Designation in state govt. | Designation in GOI | Basic Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Time Scale | Assistant Conservator of Forests/Asst. Dy. Conservator of Forests | Assistant Inspector General of Forests | ₹56,100 |
| Senior Time Scale | Deputy Conservator of Forests | Assistant Inspector General of Forests | ₹67,700 |
| Junior Administrative Grade | Deputy Conservator of Forests | Assistant Inspector General of Forests | ₹78,800 |
| Selection Grade | Deputy Conservator of Forests (Selection Grade) | Assistant Inspector General of Forests | ₹1,18,500 |
| Super Time Scale | Conservator of Forests / Chief Wildlife Warden | Deputy Inspector General of Forests | ₹1,50,000 |
| Senior Administrative Grade | Chief Conservator of Forests | Inspector General of Forests | ₹1,75,000 |
| HAG scale | Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests | – | ₹2,00,000 |
| HAG+ Scale | Principal Chief Conservator of Forests | Additional Director General of Forests | ₹2,05,400 |
| Apex Scale | Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) | Director General of Forests | ₹2,25,000 |
How to Apply for Indian Forest Service Exam?
Register on the UPSC Online Application Platform:
- Go to the UPSC website: https://upsc.gov.in/
- Click on the “One Time Registration (OTR)” link.
- Create a new account or log in if you already have one.
- Fill in the required details and submit the form.
Fill out the online application form:
- Once you have registered, go to the “Apply” section and select the “Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination.”
- Fill in the details carefully, including your personal information, educational qualifications, and choice of optional subjects.
- Upload scanned copies of your required documents, such as your photograph, signature, and educational certificates.
- Pay the application fee through online banking or debit/credit card.
Examination Centers
The UPSC IFS Main Exam 2023 will be conducted at various centers across India, including:
- Bhopal
- Chennai
- Delhi
- Dispur (Guwahati)
- Hyderabad
- Kolkata
- Lucknow
- Nagpur
- Port Blair
- Shimla
Results
Results announced. Check result Name Wise | Roll No Wise
Important Links
| Mains Result (19-01-2024) | Name Wise | Roll No Wise |
| Detailed Mains Exam Notice (21-11-2023) | Click Here |
| Mains Admit Card (20-11-2023) | Click Here |
| Mains Exam Date (03-11-2023) | Click Here |
| Prelims Written Result (12-06-2023) | Click Here |
| Admit Card (29-05-2023) | Click Here |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |