📋 Complete Advertisement & Guidelines
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
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoSE) 2026 |
| Post Name | Indian Forest Service Officer |
| Total Vacancies | 80 (Approximate) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Official Website | https://www.upsc.gov.in |
Vacancy Details (Category-wise)
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR (General) | 33 |
| OBC | 21 |
| SC | 12 |
| ST | 06 |
| EWS | 08 |
| Total | 80 |
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.
- Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026
- Indian Forest Service Main Examination (Written)
- Interview / Personality Test (Includes Medical & Physical Standards Test)
Stage 1: Preliminary Exam Pattern (Common with CSE)
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | CSAT (Qualifying) | 200 | 2 Hours |
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)
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General English | 300 |
| Paper II | General Knowledge | 300 |
| Paper III | Optional Subject - Paper I | 200 |
| Paper IV | Optional Subject - Paper II | 200 |
| Paper V | Optional Subject - Paper III | 200 |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject - Paper IV | 200 |
Stage 3: Interview / Personality Test
Marks: 300 Marks
Total Maximum Marks: 1400 (Written Exam 1400 + Interview 300)
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 100/- |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Female Candidates | Nil (Exempted) |
Payment Mode: Online (Debit/Credit Card/Net Banking) or Offline (SBI Cash/Net Banking).
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the official UPSC Online website: upsconline.nic.in.
- If you are a new user, click on "One Time Registration (OTR)" and complete the registration to generate your Unique Registration Number (URN).
- Log in using your URN and password.
- Click on "Apply Link" for the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026.
- Fill in all necessary details in the Common Application Form (CAF).
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and required documents as per the specified format.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) through the available online/offline modes.
- Review your application carefully and Submit before the closing date: 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM).
- 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