UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026 Notification. Candidates aspiring for one of India’s most prestigious All India Services must apply through the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026, which acts as the screening test for IFS.
This article covers important dates, eligibility criteria, vacancies, exam pattern, syllabus, application fee, and how to apply for UPSC IFS 2026.
UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam 2026 – Overview
| Exam Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026 |
| Notification Release Date | 4 February 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (Till 6:00 PM) |
| Selection Process | Prelims → Main Examination → Interview |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | Approximately 80 |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree in specified subjects |
| Age Limit | 21 to 32 years (Age relaxation as per rules) |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (SC/ST/Women/PwBD – Exempted) |
| Official Website | upsconline.nic.in |
UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 – Important Dates
- Notification Release: 4 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 24 February 2026 (till 6:00 PM)
- Civil Services Prelims Exam: 24 May 2026
- IFS Main Examination: To be notified
UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 Vacancies
The total number of vacancies for Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 is expected to be around 80 posts.
- UR – 33
- OBC – 21
- SC – 12
- ST – 6
- EWS – 8
Note: Vacancies are subject to change as per government requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026
Nationality
A candidate must be a citizen of India or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) as per UPSC rules.
Age Limit (as on 1 August 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 32 years
- Date of Birth Range: 2 August 1994 to 1 August 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 of the following subjects:
- Agriculture / Forestry
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Botany, Chemistry, Physics, Zoology
- Mathematics, Statistics, Geology
- Engineering (any discipline)
Final-year students are also eligible, subject to producing proof before the interview stage.
Number of Attempts – UPSC IFS
- General / EWS – 6 attempts
- OBC – 9 attempts
- SC / ST – Unlimited (within age limit)
- PwBD – As per category rules
UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 Exam Pattern
Stage 1: Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination
- General Studies Paper I – 200 Marks
- CSAT Paper II – 200 Marks (Qualifying – 33%)
- Objective type with negative marking
Note: Prelims marks are not counted in the final merit list.
Stage 2: Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination
- General English – 300 Marks
- General Knowledge – 300 Marks
- Two Optional Subjects (4 papers) – 800 Marks
- Interview / Personality Test – 300 Marks
UPSC IFS Optional Subjects
Candidates can choose any two optional subjects from the following list:
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Botany
- Zoology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Geology
- Engineering subjects
Some subject combinations are not allowed as per UPSC rules.
UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS – ₹100
- SC / ST / Women / PwBD – No Fee
How to Apply for UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026
- Visit upsconline.nic.in
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR)
- Fill Common Application Form (CAF)
- Select Indian Forest Service Examination 2026
- Upload photo, signature and ID proof
- Pay the application fee (if applicable)
- Submit and download confirmation
UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 – Important Links
- Official UPSC Website: https://www.upsc.gov.in
- UPSC Online Application Portal: https://upsconline.nic.in
- IFS 2026 Official Notification (PDF): Click Here
- Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam 2026 Details: View Details
- UPSC Exam Calendar 2026: Download Calendar
- UPSC Helpdesk (Application Support): upscsoap@nic.in | Phone: 011-24041001
UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam 2026 – FAQs
Q1. What is the UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam 2026?
The UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam 2026 is a national-level competitive examination conducted by UPSC to recruit officers for forest administration, wildlife conservation, and environmental management.
Q2. Is the IFS exam conducted separately by UPSC?
No. Candidates must appear for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026, which acts as the screening test for the Indian Forest Service Examination.
Q3. What is the last date to apply for UPSC IFS 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 24 February 2026 till 6:00 PM.
Q4. What is the age limit for UPSC IFS 2026?
Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years as on 1 August 2026. Age relaxation is applicable for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, and Ex-servicemen candidates as per UPSC rules.
Q5. What educational qualification is required for IFS Exam 2026?
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the prescribed subjects such as Agriculture, Forestry, Engineering, Botany, Zoology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, or Geology.
Q6. How many vacancies are expected in UPSC IFS 2026?
UPSC is expected to fill approximately 80 vacancies through the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026. The final number may vary.
Q7. What is the application fee for UPSC IFS 2026?
The application fee is ₹100 for General, OBC, and EWS candidates. SC, ST, Women, and PwBD candidates are exempted from paying the fee.
Q8. Is CSAT compulsory for IFS Exam?
Yes. CSAT (General Studies Paper-II) is compulsory and qualifying in nature. Candidates must score at least 33% marks.
Q9. Are Civil Services Prelims marks counted for IFS final merit?
No. Civil Services Preliminary Examination is only a screening test. Prelims marks are not counted in the final merit list.
Q10. Can I apply for both IAS and IFS with one application?
Yes. Candidates can apply for both Civil Services Examination and Indian Forest Service Examination using a single online application form.
Q11. How many attempts are allowed for UPSC IFS?
General and EWS candidates get 6 attempts, OBC candidates get 9 attempts, and SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts within the age limit.
Q12. When will the UPSC IFS Main Examination 2026 be conducted?
The exact date for the IFS Main Examination 2026 will be announced by UPSC after the declaration of the Civil Services Prelims results.
Conclusion
The UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 is a golden opportunity for aspirants passionate about nature, administration, and public service. Candidates are advised to apply well before the last date and start focused preparation.
