Overview
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced recruitment for Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officers. This is a prestigious opportunity for candidates aspiring to serve in forest conservation and wildlife management across India.
Organization: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Total Vacancies: 80 Posts (Approx.)
Post Type: Indian Forest Service Officer
Job Type: Central Government, Permanent
Application Mode: Online only
Official Website: https://www.upsc.gov.in
📅 Important Dates
Start of Online Application: 04 February 2026
Last Date to Apply Online: 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM)
Preliminary Examination Date: 24 May 2026
Result / Selection List Release: To be announced
📍 Vacancy Details
| Category | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| UR (Unreserved) | 33 |
| OBC | 21 |
| SC | 12 |
| ST | 06 |
| EWS | 08 |
| Total | 80 |
🎓 Educational Qualifications
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree with at least one of the following subjects:
- Botany
- Zoology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Geology
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Engineering
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
⏳ Age Limit
As on 01 August 2026:
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 Years
- OBC: 3 Years
- PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities): Up to 10 Years
🎯 Selection Process
The selection comprises multiple stages:
- Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 (Common with CSE – Screening Test)
- IFS Main Examination (Written)
- Interview / Personality Test
- Medical & Physical Standards Test
Preliminary Exam Pattern (Common with CSE)
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | CSAT (Qualifying) | 200 | 2 Hours |
Note: CSAT requires 33% qualifying marks. Negative marking applies (1/3rd for wrong answers). Prelims marks are not counted in final merit.
IFS Main Examination Pattern
| Paper | Marks |
|---|---|
| General English | 300 |
| General Knowledge | 300 |
| Optional Subject – Paper I | 200 |
| Optional Subject – Paper II | 200 |
| Optional Subject – Paper III | 200 |
| Optional Subject – Paper IV | 200 |
| Interview / Personality Test | 300 |
| Total Merit Marks | 1400 |
💰 Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100/- |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women | Nil (Exempted) |
Payment Mode: Online (Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking / UPI)
📑 How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply online:
- Visit the official UPSC portal: upsconline.nic.in
- Complete One-Time Registration (URN) if you’re a new user
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF)
- Select Indian Forest Service Examination 2026
- Upload required documents (Photo, Signature, Educational Certificates)
- Pay the application fee (if applicable)
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference
Last Date: 24 February 2026 before 6:00 PM
⚙️ Key Documents Required
- Recent passport-size photograph (JPEG format, 10-40 KB)
- Scanned signature (JPEG format, 3-10 KB)
- Valid Email ID and Mobile Number
- Educational qualification certificates
- Age proof (Birth Certificate / 10th Marksheet)
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), if applicable
- PwBD certificate, if applicable
📘 Important Links
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official UPSC Website | Click Here |
Disclaimer: Candidates are advised to regularly check the official UPSC website for updates and detailed information. This article is for informational purposes only.
