UPSC IFoS Notification 2026 Out Soon, Exam Date, Vacancy, Eligibility

UPSC IFoS Notification 2026 will be released soon. Check exam date, vacancies, eligibility, selection process, and application dates from 14 Jan to 3 Feb 2026.

UPSC IFoS 2026

The Union Public Service Commission will declare the UPSC IFoS Notification 2025 on 14th January 2026. Candidates who will qualify UPSC IFoS Exam 2026 for prelims stage will be eligible to appear for the IFoS Mains Exam 2026. You can download the UPSC IFoS Notification 2026 from the official website at 'upsc.gov.in' once released.

The IFS Exam 2026 is held to recruit candidates for the prestigious Indian Forest Service (IFoS), one of India's premier All India Services. The IFoS Prelims Exam 2026, will be conducted via the Civil Services Examination, on 24th May 2026. Read on for detailed information regarding the IFoS Exam 2026 process.

UPSC IFS Notification 2026

UPSC IFoS Notification 2025 includes the necessary details about the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Exam 2025. UPSC IFS Vacancy 2025 has been released for 150 seats. It also contains important dates like the last date to apply, the exam date, and other details. Keep reading the article to download the UPSC IFoS Notification 2025 PDF to avoid any confusion.

UPSC IFoS Notification 2026 Overview

The Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 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.

UPSC IFoS Notification 2026 Overview

Exam Name

Indian Forest Services

Exam Conducting Body

Union Public Service Commission

Application Start Date

14th January 2026

Last Date to Apply

3rd February 2026

Exam Level

National Level

Mode of Exam

  • Prelims
  • Mains
  • Interview

Exam Frequency

Annual

UPSC IFoS Exam Date 2026

The commission has confirmed the exam dates for the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Exam 2026. The Prelims will take place on 24th May 2026, and will be followed by the UPSC IFoS Mains Exam 2026. The IFoS Mains is scheduled to begin on 22nd November 2026, with the detailed timetable to be released soon.

UPSC IFoS Exam Date 2025

Exam

Dates

UPSC CSE Application Dates

14th Jan to 03rd Feb 2025

UPSC CSE Application Edit Dates 

To be Announced

UPSC Prelims Exam Date

24th May 2026 (single day)

UPSC CSE Mains Exam Date

21st August 2026 onwards (5 days)

UPSC IFS Mains Exam Date

22nd November 2026 onwards (5 days)

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UPSC IFS Vacancy 2026

The official notification will release the UPSC IFS Vacancy 2026, which will be filled through the results of the Indian Forest Service Exam 2026. Below is a tentative breakdown of the UPSC IFS Vacancy 2025:

UPSC IFS Vacancy 2025

Category

No. of Vacancy

Backlog Vacancy

Total

(a) Low Vision

02

00

02

(b) Hard of Hearing

02

01

03

(c) Locomotor Disability (Leprosy Cured and Acid Attack Victims)

02

02

04

Total

06

03

09

UPSC Form Correction Window 2026

The UPSC IFoS Application Form Correction Window 2025 will open after the completion of the application form. During the tenure of the active correction window, applicants can modify their submitted application forms online, which can only be made within the given timeframe. Certain details cannot be change,d and no corrections will be allowed after the deadline.

What Can Be Edited in UPSC Application Form 2026?

The UPSC Application Form 2026 Correction Window allows candidates to make specific changes to their submitted UPSC Application Form 2026. However, certain details cannot be changed during the correction window. These include:

  1. Exam centres for Civil Services (Main) & Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination
  2. Optional subject selection for the UPSC Exam 2026
  3. Medium of examination for Civil Services (Main) Examination
  4. Medium of examination for the optional subject (if an Indian language is chosen)
  5. Compulsory Indian Language for the Civil Services (Main) Examination

Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Selection Process 2026

  • The IFoS Selection Process 2026 for the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) involves three stages: the Prelims Exam, the Mains Exam, and the Interview. To be considered for final selection, candidates must successfully pass each of these stages, based on the combined scores from the Mains Examination and the Interview.

UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2026

To apply for the Indian Forest Service Exam 2025, candidates need to fulfill specific UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2026 established by the UPSC. During the document verification process, it is essential for candidates to provide valid proof of their eligibility, which includes the following requirements:

UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2026

Criteria

Details

Nationality

Must be a citizen of India or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan. Tibetan refugees or Persons of Indian origin may apply under specific conditions with eligibility certification.

Age Limit

Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years old as of August 1, 2025. Age relaxation is applicable for certain groups, including SC/ST, OBC, defense personnel, ex-servicemen, ECOs/SSCOs, and PwBD.

Educational Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in at least one of the following subjects: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, or Zoology; or a degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering from a recognized university.

Number of Attempts

General Category: 6 attempts; OBC: 9 attempts; SC/ST: Unlimited attempts.

Physical Standards

Candidates must meet the physical and medical standards as specified in the regulations for the Indian Forest Service Examination 2025.

Indian Forest Service Application Form 2026

The Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is a crucial step for aspiring candidates looking to serve in India’s forest management sector. The Indian Forest Service Application Process 2026 will begin on 14th January 2026 with the last date for submissions set for February 03, 2026. Candidates are encouraged to check the UPSC website for the official DAF notice and further instructions. Click on the link below for Indian Forest Service Application Form 2026 once activated.

IFoS Exam Pattern 2026

The Indian Forest Service Notification 2026 outlines the IFoS Exam Pattern 2026. This exam consists of three distinct stages. The Preliminary examination serves as a qualifying stage and includes objective-type questions.

Following this, the Main exam comprises six descriptive papers, which are crucial as they contribute to the final merit list alongside the interview stage. Below is an overview of the current IFoS Exam Pattern 2026:

IFoS Exam Pattern 2026

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

IFS Post List 2026

Upon selection for the Indian Forest Service Exam 2026, candidates will enter a training phase as probationary officers. Following the successful completion of this training, they commence their professional journey at the Junior Time Scale (JTC) level. The starting IFoS Salary 2026 at this rank is INR 56,100, with subsequent increases based on promotions and advancements within the service. Below is the rank-wise list of IFoS Posts 2026:

IFoS Post List 2026

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 2026 Preparation Tips 

Here are some effective preparation tips for the Indian Forest Service Exam 2026:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Regular Revision
    • Schedule regular revision sessions to reinforce what you have learned.
    • Make concise notes for quick reference and effective revision.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 2025. Good luck!

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UPSC IFoS Selection Process
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Latest UPSC Exam 2025 Updates

Last updated on November, 2025

→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus 2026 here.

→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s Interview Guidance Programme for expert help to crack your final UPSC stage.

UPSC Mains Result 2025 is now out.

UPSC Notification 2026 is scheduled to be released on January 14, 2026.

UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.

→ The UPSC Vacancy 2025 were released 1129, out of which 979 were for UPSC CSE and remaining 150 are for UPSC IFoS.

UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.

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UPSC Indian Forest Service 2026 FAQs

Q1. When will the UPSC IFoS Notification 2026 be released?+

Q2. What is the last date to apply for UPSC IFoS 2026?+

Q3. Where can I find the UPSC IFoS official notification?+

Q4. When is the UPSC IFoS Preliminary Exam 2026?+

Q5. What is the examination structure for UPSC IFoS?+

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