UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 - Full Notification, Eligibility, Salary

UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 - Full Notification, Eligibility, Salary

UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination 2026: Overview

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoSE) 2026. This is a premier opportunity for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Forest Service as Forest Service Officers. With approximately 80 vacancies announced, this recruitment is conducted through a rigorous competitive examination process.

Recruitment Type: This is a Competitive Examination process. Candidates must clear the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, followed by the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination and a Personality Test. It is not a direct recruitment based solely on merit.

Key Highlights

Vacancy Details (Category-wise)

Eligibility Criteria

1. Educational Qualification

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. The degree must include at least one of the following subjects:

• Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Physics
• Mathematics, Statistics, Geology
• Agriculture, Forestry, Engineering
• Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science

2. Age Limit (As on 01-08-2026)

• Minimum Age: 21 Years
• Maximum Age: 32 Years

Age Relaxations:

• SC/ST: 5 Years relaxation
• OBC: 3 Years relaxation
• PwBD: Up to 10 Years relaxation

Examination Structure & Selection Process

The selection involves three distinct stages. Note that the Preliminary exam is common with the Civil Services Examination.

1. Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026
2. Indian Forest Service Main Examination (Written)
3. Interview / Personality Test (Includes Medical & Physical Standards Test)

Stage 1: Preliminary Exam Pattern (Common with CSE)

Important Notes:

• CSAT Qualifying: Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying in nature (33% marks required).
• Negative Marking: 1/3rd marks (0.66 marks) deducted for every wrong answer.
• Preliminary exam marks are not counted for the final merit list.

Stage 2: IFoS Main Examination Pattern (Descriptive)

Stage 3: Interview / Personality Test

Marks: 300 Marks

Total Maximum Marks: 1400 (Written Exam 1400 + Interview 300)

Application Fee

Payment Mode: Online (Debit/Credit Card/Net Banking) or Offline (SBI Cash/Net Banking).

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Visit the official UPSC Online website: upsconline.nic.in.
2. If you are a new user, click on "One Time Registration (OTR)" and complete the registration to generate your Unique Registration Number (URN).
3. Log in using your URN and password.
4. Click on "Apply Link" for the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026.
5. Fill in all necessary details in the Common Application Form (CAF).
6. Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and required documents as per the specified format.
7. Pay the application fee (if applicable) through the available online/offline modes.
8. Review your application carefully and Submit before the closing date: 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM).
9. Take a printout of the final submitted application form for future reference.

Important Dates

• Notification Release: 04 February 2026
• Application Start Date: 04 February 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 24 February 2026
• Preliminary Exam Date: 24 May 2026
• Age Calculation Cut-off: 01 August 2026

Important Links

• Download Official Notification PDF
• Apply Online for IFoS 2026
• UPSC Official Website