The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Indian Forest Service Examination notification 2026. This examination is conducted to recruit officers for the prestigious Indian Forest Service (IFS), one of India’s premier All India Services. Candidates who wish to serve in forest conservation, wildlife management, and environmental protection should carefully understand the details before applying.
Indian Forest Service Examination Notification – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Notification Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Screening Exam | Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Civil Services Prelims Exam | 24 May 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Last working day before exam |
Vacancy Details (Expected)
UPSC has indicated around 80 vacancies for IFS 2026.
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR | 33 |
| OBC | 21 |
| EWS | 8 |
| SC | 12 |
| ST | 6 |
| Total | 80 |
Reservation is applicable for PwBD candidates as per government rules.
Eligibility Criteria for IFS Exam 2026
A candidate must be:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee (before 1 January 1962), or
- A Person of Indian Origin (with eligibility certificate)
Age Limit (as on 1 August 2026)
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 21 years |
| Maximum Age | 32 years |
| DOB Range | 02 Aug 1994 – 01 Aug 2005 |
Age Relaxation:
SC/ST – 5 years | OBC – 3 years | PwBD – up to 10 years | Ex-servicemen – as per rules
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold:
- A Bachelor’s degree with at least one subject:
Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Geology, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
OR - A Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering
Final-year students can also apply, subject to later verification.
IFS Exam 2026 Selection Process
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination |
| Stage 2 | IFS Main Examination (Written) |
| Stage 3 | Personality Test / Interview |
Exam Pattern Explained
Preliminary Examination (Screening)
| Paper | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies Paper I | 200 | Merit |
| General Studies Paper II (CSAT) | 200 | Qualifying (33%) |
Negative marking of ⅓ marks applies for wrong answers.
Main Examination (Written)
| Paper | Marks |
|---|---|
| General English | 300 |
| General Knowledge | 300 |
| Optional Subjects (4 Papers) | 800 |
| Total | 1400 |
Interview
- 300 Marks
- Final merit is based on Main Exam + Interview
Open with Desktop view
How to Apply for Indian Forest Service Examination 2026
- Visit upsconline.nic.in
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR)
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF)
- Select Indian Forest Service Examination
- Upload photo, signature, and ID proof
- Pay application fee (if applicable)
- Submit and download confirmation
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women | Nil |
Fee payment is accepted only through online modes.
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Editor’s Note:
Written by Karmabandhan Editorial Team.
We encourage all aspirants to verify information from official sources and apply carefully.
Disclaimer: This is not an official government website. Candidates must verify details from the official notification.
I am Surojit Koiri, a professional content writer and digital publisher with over 5 years of experience in government job updates, recruitment analysis, and exam-related news. I am the founder of Karmabandhan.com, a dedicated platform that provides accurate and easy-to-understand information for job aspirants across India.