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UPSC Indian Forest Service 2024, Exam Date, Eligibility, Syllabus

by Vajiram & Ravi

09-11-2024

09:30 AM

UPSC IFoS 2024 Exam: The Union Public Service Commission has declared the results for the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Preliminary Exam 2024 on July 1st. Candidates who have qualified at this stage are now eligible to appear for the IFoS Mains Exam 2024, scheduled for November 24, 2024. You can download the IFoS Prelims Result PDF from the official website at 'upsc.gov.in' and verify your roll number.

The IFoS Exam 2024 is held to recruit candidates for the prestigious Indian Forest Service (IFoS), one of India's premier All India Services. The IFoS Preliminary Exam 2024, conducted via the Civil Services Examination, took place on June 16th. Read on for detailed information regarding the IFoS Exam 2024 process.

UPSC IFoS Result 2024

The Indian Forest Service Exam 2024 results will be released in three stages, with the prelims being the first. UPSC has published the IFoS Prelims Result 2024 online in PDF format, listing the roll numbers of the shortlisted candidates. Following the final results, UPSC will release the IFoS marksheet and answer key.

UPSC IFoS Exam 2024 Overview

The Indian Forest Service Exam 2024 will be conducted in three stages, and candidates must successfully clear each stage to qualify for the position of Group A Forest Service Officer. Held annually at the national level, this prestigious exam leads to the selection of officers who undergo training at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) in Dehradun.

Indian Forest Service Exam 2024 Overview

Particulars

Details

Exam

UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination 2024

Also Known As

UPSC IFoS Exam/IFoS

Conducting Authority

Union Public Service Commission

Level

National

Qualification

Graduation

Age limit

21 years – 32 years as of August 1, 2024

Exam Mode

Offline/Pen and Paper Based

Application Mode

Online

Application fee

Rs 100 (General/EWS and OBC Male)

Total Vacancies

150

Selection Process

  • Prelims
  • Mains
  • Personality test

Official Website

upsc.gov.in

UPSC IFoS Mains Exam Date 2024

The commission has confirmed the exam dates for the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Exam 2024. The Prelims took place on June 16, and will be followed by the Mains examination. The IFoS Mains is scheduled to begin on November 24, 2024, with the detailed timetable to be released soon.

UPSC IFoS Exam Dates 2024

Events

Dates

Indian Forest Service Exam 2024 Notification

February 14, 2024

Application Process 

February 14 to March 5, 2024

UPSC IFoS Prelims Admit Card

June 07, 2024

IFoS Prelims (Revised)

June 16, 2024

IFoS Prelims Result

July 1, 2024

IFoS Mains Admit Card

To be announced

IFoS Mains Exam

November 24, 2024

IFoS Mains Result 

To be announced

UPSC IFoS Personality Test

To be announced

IFoS Final Result

To be announced

UPSC IFS Vacancy 2024

The official notification has indicated that a total of 150 vacancies will be filled through the results of the Indian Forest Service Exam 2024. This number remains unchanged from the previous year and will be allocated across various categories, including a horizontal reservation for the PwBD category.

Below is a tentative breakdown of the IFoS Vacancies for 2024, based on last year’s distribution:

IFoS Vacancy 2024

Category

General

EWS

OBC

SC

ST

Total

Vacancy

62

15

40

22

11

150

UPSC IFoS Selection Process 2024

The IFoS Selection Process for 2024 consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, and Interview. Candidates must successfully navigate each stage of the Indian Forest Service Exam 2024 for final selection, which will be determined by the combined scores from the Mains and Interview phases.

The selection process is outlined as follows:

  • Preliminary Examination: This initial stage includes two objective papers on General Studies and CSAT, serving as a screening test to shortlist candidates for the Mains Examination.
  • Mains Examination: Those who pass the IFoS Prelims will proceed to the Mains, which comprises six descriptive papers, including General English, General Knowledge, and two optional subjects selected from a designated list.
  • Interview: The final stage evaluates candidates' personalities and is worth 300 marks in the overall merit list.

UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2024

To apply for the Indian Forest Service Exam 2024, candidates must fulfill the eligibility criteria established by the authorities. During the document verification process, candidates will need to provide evidence of their eligibility, which includes the following:

IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2024

Criteria

Details

Nationality

  • Citizen of India 
  • Subject of Nepal/Bhutan/Tibetan refugee/Person of Indian origin (Under certain conditions and a certificate of eligibility)

Age Limit

  • 21 and 32 years as of August 1, 2024.
  • Age relaxation is provided for certain categories such as SC/ST, OBC, defense personnel, ex-servicemen, ECOs/SSCOs, and PwBD

Educational Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the subjects namely Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, and Zoology

OR

  • Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering from a recognized university.

Number of Attempts

  • General Category: 6
  • OBC: 9
  • SC/ST: Unlimited 

Physical Standards

As per regulations outlined in the rules for the Indian Forest Service Examination 2024.

UPSC IFoS Mains 2024 Application Form

The application form for the Indian Forest Service Exam 2024 was available online on the official UPSC website until March 5th. Candidates wishing to apply for the UPSC IFoS exam needed to complete and submit the form within the given timeframe. Below is the IFoS application process for future reference:

  1. Register online on the UPSC OTR portal on the official UPSC website.
  2. Fill out the IFoS application form with accurate information.
  3. Upload the required documents in the specified format.
  4. Pay the IFoS application fee using the provided online payment methods.
  5. The IFoS application fee is INR 100 for General, EWS, and OBC male candidates, while other categories are exempt.
  6. Review all information in the IFoS form before final submission.
  7. Submit the completed IFoS application form by the deadline.

UPSC IFoS Exam Pattern 2024

The official notification outlines the pattern for the Indian Forest Service Exam 2024. The IFoS exam consists of three stages. As per the IFoS Exam Pattern 2024, the Prelims serve as a qualifying stage featuring objective-type papers.

The Mains stage comprises six descriptive-type papers and contributes to the final merit list along with the interview stage. Below is the updated IFoS Exam Pattern 2024:

IFoS Exam Pattern 2024

Stage

Paper

Total Marks

Duration

Prelims

(Negative Marking of 1/3rd Mark)

General Studies 1

200

2 hours

General Studies 2 (CSAT)

200

2 hours

Mains

Paper 1 (General English)

300

3 hours

Paper 2 (General Knowledge)

300

3 hours

Paper 3 (Optional Subject)

200

3 hours

Paper 4 (Optional Subject)

200

3 hours

Paper 5 (Optional Subject)

200

3 hours

 

Paper 6 (Optional Subject)

200

3 hours

 

Personality Test

300

 

 

Final Result: IFoS Mains Mark (1400) + Personality Test Marks (300) = 1700 Marks

UPSC IFoS Syllabus 2024

The syllabus for the Indian Forest Service Exam 2024 encompasses a broad array of subjects. The UPSC IFoS Syllabus 2024 places significant emphasis on topics related to the environment and ecology in both the prelims and mains stages. To succeed in the examination, candidates must diligently prepare according to the IFoS Syllabus 2024.

IFoS Syllabus 2024

Exam

Subject

Syllabus

Prelims

Paper I – General Studies

  • Current events of national and international importance 
  • History of India and the Indian National Movement
  • Indian and World Geography
  • Indian Polity, and Governance
  • Economic and Social Development, 
  • General issues on Environmental ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change 
  • General Science.

Paper II – CSAT

  • Comprehension
  • Interpersonal skills including communication skills 
  • Logical reasoning and analytical ability
  • Decision-making and problem-solving
  • General mental ability
  • Basic numeracy (Class X level)
  • Data interpretation (Class X level).

 

Mains Exam

Paper I – General English

  • Essay writing
  • Comprehension
  • English language usage.

Paper II – General Knowledge

  • General Knowledge and knowledge of current events
  • Indian Polity
  • Constitution of India
  • History of India, Geography of nature.

Paper III-VI Optional Subjects

Detailed syllabus based on the chosen subject, covering various topics from basic concepts to advanced principles in the respective field.

(Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Forestry, Botany, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geology, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, and others. )

UPSC IFoS Admit Card 2024

The IFoS Admit Card acts as the essential entry pass for candidates participating in the Indian Forest Service Exam 2024. The IFoS Mains Admit Card 2024 will be available soon in the second week of November 2024.

Candidates should download the e-admit card from “https://upsconline.nic.in/eadmitcard/” and bring a printed copy of the IFoS Admit Card PDF to the designated examination center. Not presenting the hard copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID may result in being barred from taking the exam.

UPSC IFS Cut Off 2024

The official IFoS Cut Off 2024 will be released following the announcement of the final results. Candidates can refer to the previous year's cut-offs to gain insight into the anticipated cut-off for the Indian Forest Service Exam 2024:

IFoS Cut Off 2023

Category

Prelims Cut Off

Mains Cut Off

Final Cut Off

General

93.60

640

903

EWS

92.93

596

859

OBC

93.60

608

846

SC

82.83

577

800

ST

78.79

591

803

PwBD-1

PwBD-2

51.17

491

787

PwBD-3

45.1

448

598

UPSC IFoS Post List 2024

Upon selection for the Indian Forest Service Exam 2024, candidates will undergo training as probationary officers. After completing their training, they begin their careers at the Junior Time Scale (JTC) level, with an initial salary of INR 56,100, which increases with promotions. The rank-wise IFoS Post List 2024 is as follows:

IFoS Post List 2024

Grade

Designation in State Government

Designation in Government of India

Junior Time Scale

Assistant Conservator of Forests/Assistant Deputy Conservator of Forests

Assistant Inspector General of Forests

Senior Time Scale

Deputy Conservator of Forests

Assistant Inspector General of Forests

Junior Administrative Grade

Deputy Conservator of Forests

Assistant Inspector General of Forests

Selection Grade

Deputy Conservator of Forests (Selection Grade)

Assistant Inspector General of Forests

Super Time Scale

Conservator of Forests/Chief Wildlife Warden

Deputy Inspector General of Forests

Senior Administrative Grade

Chief Conservator of Forests

Inspector General of Forests

HAG Scale

Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests

HAG+ Scale

Principal Conservator of Forests

Additional Director General of Forests

Apex Scale

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force)

Director-General of Forests

UPSC Indian Forest Service 2024 Preparation Tips 

Here are some effective preparation tips for the Indian Forest Service Exam 2024:

  1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus
  • Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, including the three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
  • Review the detailed syllabus for both Prelims and Mains to identify key topics.
  1. Create a Study Plan
  • Develop a realistic and structured study plan that allocates time for each subject.
  • Break down your preparation into daily, weekly, and monthly targets to stay on track.
  1. Focus on Core Subjects
  • Prioritize subjects such as General Studies, Environmental Science, Forestry, and Geography.
  • Use NCERT books for foundational knowledge, especially in science and social studies.
  1. Regular Revision
  • Schedule regular revision sessions to reinforce what you have learned.
  • Make concise notes for quick reference and effective revision.
  1. Practice Previous Years’ Papers
  • Solve previous years’ question papers to get a feel for the exam format and types of questions.
  • Take mock tests to improve time management and exam strategies.
  1. Stay Updated with Current Affairs
  • Read newspapers and follow reliable online sources to stay informed about national and international events.
  • Focus on topics related to the environment, wildlife, and forest conservation.
  1. Enhance Answer Writing Skills
  • Practice writing descriptive answers for the Mains exam, focusing on clarity and structure.
  • Review model answers and feedback to improve your writing style.
  1. Seek Guidance and Support
  • Consider joining coaching classes or study groups for additional support and motivation.
  • Engage with mentors or experts who can provide valuable insights and tips.
  1. Take Care of Your Health
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.
  • Practice stress-relief techniques like meditation or yoga to stay focused and calm.
  1. Be Consistent and Stay Motivated
  • Stay committed to your study schedule and keep your motivation high.
  • Set realistic goals and celebrate small achievements along the way.

By following these preparation tips and staying dedicated, you can enhance your chances of success in the Indian Forest Service Exam 2024. Good luck!

UPSC Indian Forest Service 2024 FAQs

Q1. Who is eligible for the IFoS exam 2024?
Ans. Candidates must be Indian citizens and hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field from a recognized university.

Q2. What is the upcoming Indian Forest Service exam?
Ans. The upcoming Indian Forest Service exam is the Mains examination scheduled for November 24, 2024.

Q3. What is the cut off for UPSC Forest 2024?
Ans. The cut-off for UPSC Forest 2024 will be announced after the final results are published.

Q4. Is the Forest Service exam conducted every year in India?
Ans. Yes, the Indian Forest Service exam is conducted annually by the UPSC.

Q5. Is Indian Forest Service equal to IAS?
Ans. No, the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) is a separate All India Service distinct from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
Q6. How much rank is required for IFoS?
Ans. The rank required for IFoS varies each year depending on the number of vacancies and overall competition, but typically, a rank within the top 100 is needed.