UPSC IFS Exam 2025 Date, Admit Card, Syllabus and Exam Pattern
UPSC IFS Exam 2025 is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. The IFoS Exam consists of Prelims, Mains, and Interview; the Commission has released the UPSC IFoS Admit Card 2025.
Anil Solonki8 Sept, 2025
Share
The IFoS Exam 2025 registration has been closed and the exam process will commence with Prelims on May 25, 2025. The admit cards for eligible candidates are expected to be released one or two weeks before the exam. Indian Forest Service (IFoS) is one of the three All India Services, alongside the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS).
Established in 1966, the IFoS is dedicated to the management and preservation of the country's forests, wildlife, and natural resources. The IFoS exam, also known as Indian Forest Service (IFoS) exam is conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Read on to learn more about the IFoS Exam 2025, including important dates, eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, and more.
UPSC IFoS 2025
The IFoS Exam 2025 process has officially started with the UPSC Civil Services Examination. It will recruit officers to manage the country's forest resources. Candidates must clear the Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Interview stages to qualify. Here is an overview of the IFoS exam:| UPSC IFoS Exam 2025 Overview | |
| Full Form | UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination 2025 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission |
| Level | National |
| Qualification | Graduation |
| Age limit | 21 years to 32 years as of August 1, 2025 |
| Exam Mode | Offline/Pen and Paper Based |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Fee | Rs 100 (General/EWS and OBC Male) |
| Vacancies | 150 (approx) |
| Selection Process |
|
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
IFoS Exam 2025 Dates
The UPSC IFoS Exam 2025 will follow a scheduled timeline for various stages of the selection process. It’s important to keep track of these dates to avoid missing any important deadlines. Here are the key dates for the exam:| UPSC IFoS Exam 2025 Dates | |
| Event | Date |
| UPSC IFoS Notification Release | January 22, 2025 |
| Application Process Start | January 22, 2025 |
| Last Day to Apply | February 21, 2025 (until 6:00 PM) |
| UPSC IFoS Prelims Exam Date | May 25, 2025 |
| IFoS 2025 Admit Card | Released |
| UPSC IFoS Prelims Result Date | To be notified |
| UPSC IFoS Mains Exam | November 16, 2025 |
| IFS Interview | To be notified |
IFoS Notification 2025
The UPSC IFoS Notification 2025 was released online including details about eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, and application procedures. It is crucial to download and read it carefully to understand the requirements. According to this notification, there are 150 vacancies in various categories. This year the application process has been changed slightly and now includes four stages. For support or query you can contact the UPSC Helpline at 011-23385271, 011-23381125, or 011-23098543 on working days between 10 AM and 5 PM.IFoS Admit Card 2025
The IFoS Admit Card 2025 has been released by the commission. Candidates who have successfully applied will be able to download their admit cards from the UPSC website by following steps:
- Visit the UPSC website.
- Click on the "Admit Card" link.
- Enter your registration number and date of birth.
- Download and print the admit card.
Candidates will be required to carry the IFoS Admit Card 2025 along with valid ID proof to the exam center for entry.
IFoS Selection Process 2025
The IFoS selection process consists of three major stages:
- Preliminary Exam: The first stage is the Prelims Exam, which consists of two objective-type papers: General Studies and a CSAT paper.
- Mains Exam: The Mains Exam is a written examination that assesses candidates on more in-depth knowledge of their subject and general studies. It includes a set of two compulsory and four optional papers.
- Interview: The final stage is the interview, where candidates are assessed on their personality, leadership qualities, and overall suitability for a career in the Indian Forest Service.
Candidates need to clear each stage to progress further.
IFoS Exam Eligibility
Before applying for the UPSC IFoS exam, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria. The general requirements for the exam are as follows:
- Nationality: Candidates must be: A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanent settlement.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field from a recognized university. The degree should be in subjects like Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering or have one subject in graduation from Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, and Zoology.
- Age Criteria: Candidates must be aged between 21 and 32 years as of August 1st. Relaxation in the upper age limit is provided to candidates belonging to specific categories:
- SC/ST candidates: 5 years
- OBC candidates: 3 years
- Ex-Servicemen: 5 years
- PwD candidates: 10 years
- Physical Standards: Must meet specified physical fitness standards as mentioned in the official notification
Number of Attempts for the Indian Forest Service Exam
- General category candidates: 6 attempts
- OBC candidates: 9 attempts
- SC/ST candidates: Unlimited attempts (up to the maximum age limit)
IFoS Application Form 2025
The IFoS Application Form 2025 was released online on the UPSC website on January 22, 2025, and the last date to apply was February 21, 2025. Candidates need to fill out the form carefully, providing accurate personal details, educational qualifications, and other relevant information. The application process includes the following steps:- Visit the UPSC Online Portal: Go to https://upsconline.gov.in to begin the application process.
- Review Instruction: Detailed instructions for filling up the online application are available on the website.
- Complete the Application in Four Stages :
- Part I: Fill out the OTR (One Time Registration) profile.
- Part II: Complete the application form.
- Part III: Fill in the Detailed Application Form (DAF).
- Part IV: Upload the photograph, signature, and select the examination center.
- Pay the Application Fee: Pay a fee of Rs. 100/- (except for SC/ST/Female/PwBD candidates who are exempt) via State Bank of India, net banking, or through credit/debit cards/UPI.
- Submit Documents:
- Scan your photograph and signature in .jpg format (between 50 KB and 300 KB).
- Upload the Matriculation Certificate that matches personal details (name, father's name, date of birth).
- Provide a photo ID (Aadhar, Voter Card, PAN, Passport, Driving Licence, etc.) and upload a scanned copy.
- Avoid Multiple Applications: Submit only one application; multiple submissions may lead to rejection.
IFoS Exam Pattern 2025
The UPSC IFoS Exam 2025 follows a three-stage pattern:| Stage | Paper | Total Marks | Duration |
| Prelims: Conducted as a common exam with the Civil Services Examination (CSE) having two papers: General Studies (Paper I) and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). This stage is qualifying in nature. |
|
200 | 2 hours |
| Mains: Includes two general and four optional papers. Candidates must choose from a list of disciplines such as Agriculture, Forestry, Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, and Engineering. Optional subjects cannot include combinations like Agriculture and Forestry or similar overlapping fields. |
|
300 | 3 hours |
|
200 | 3 hours | |
| Personality Test | 300 | ||
| Final Score: IFoS Mains Mark (1400) + Personality Test Marks (300) = 1700 Marks | |||
List of Optional Papers in IFoS Exam
Candidates can choose from a wide range of optional subjects in the IFoS Exam 2025. These subjects are available based on their educational background and interests. The list of IFoS optional subjects includes:| Indian Forest Service Optional Subjects List | |
| Agriculture | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science |
| Agricultural Engineering | Botany |
| Chemistry | Chemical Engineering |
| Civil Engineering | Forestry |
| Geology | Mathematics |
| Mechanical Engineering | Physics |
| Statistics | Zoology |
IFoS Syllabus 2025
The IFoS Syllabus 2025 is vast and covers a variety of topics related to general studies and your optional subject. The General Studies papers cover topics like current events, Indian politics, environment, geography, history, and more. The Optional Subjects will have their own specific syllabus, which candidates must thoroughly study.| Subject | Syllabus |
| General Studies |
|
| CSAT |
|
| General English |
|
| General Knowledge |
|
| 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. |
IFoS Exam Centres 2025
The IFoS Exam Centres 2025 for prelims will be available in around 80 cities across India while mains will be held in 10 cities. Candidates can select their preferred exam center during the application process. It’s advisable to choose an exam center that is convenient and accessible to you from the list provided in the official IFoS 2025 notification.IFoS Result 2025
The IFoS Result 2025 will be declared after each stage of the exam. The Prelims Result will be announced soon after the exam, followed by the Mains Result. Finally, the Final Result, based on the performance in the Mains Exam and Interview, will determine the selected candidates for the Indian Forest Service.IFoS Exam Preparation Tips
Preparing for the IFoS Exam 2025 requires a strategic approach. Here are some tips to help you:- Understand the syllabus: Go through the detailed syllabus and create a study plan.
- Focus on General subjects: Make sure you have a strong grasp of general studies and English topics.
- Choose the right optional subject: Select a subject you are comfortable with and passionate about.
- Complete the syllabus in time: Take the help of experts or follow the right resources to complete the syllabus on time and have sufficient time for revision.
- Practice previous papers: Solve IFoS previous years' papers to understand the exam pattern.
Indian Forest Service Officer Salary
The salary structure for IFoS officers is as per the 7th Pay Commission:
- Pay Level: Rs 56,100 - Rs 2,25,000
- Basic Pay: Starts at Rs 56,100
- Other Allowances: Include travel, dearness, and house rent allowances.
- Perks: Government accommodation, official vehicles, and medical benefits.
As officers climb the hierarchy, their pay scales and responsibilities increase. Senior officers can earn up to Rs 2.25 lakh per month, excluding other benefits.
Difference Between IFS and IFoS
While the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) may sound similar, they are distinct branches of civil services. IFS is concerned with managing India's foreign relations, while IFoS focuses on the conservation of the environment, wildlife, and forest management.| Feature | Indian Foreign Service (IFS) | Indian Forest Service (IFoS) |
| Focus Area | Foreign affairs and diplomacy | Forest management and conservation |
| Established | 1946 | 1966 |
| Role | Managing India's external relations and diplomatic missions | Managing and conserving India's forests and wildlife |
| Training Duration | Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS) | Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Dehradun |
| Service Area | Abroad, in embassies, consulates, and international organizations | In Indian states, national parks, and wildlife reserves |
In conclusion, the IFoS Exam 2025 offers a prestigious career path in forest management and conservation, starting with the Prelims on May 25, 2025. To get ready for the UPSC exam, consider enrolling in a comprehensive PW UPSC Online Course!
IFoS Exam 2025
What is the UPSC IFoS Exam?
The UPSC IFoS Exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit officers for the Indian Forest Service. It selects candidates for forest management, wildlife conservation, and environmental protection roles.
What is the IFoS exam age limit?
The age limit is 21 to 32 years, with age relaxation for reserved categories.
When will the UPSC IFoS Mains Exam 2025 be held?
The Mains Exam is scheduled for November 16, 2025.
What is the salary of an Indian Forest Service officer?
The salary ranges from Rs 56,100 to Rs 2,25,000 per month, with additional allowances and benefits such as accommodation and official vehicles.
How to become an Indian Forest Service officer?
To become an Indian Forest Service (IFoS) officer, clear the UPSC IFoS exam, which includes Prelims, Mains, and an Interview, followed by training in forest management.
Check out these Related Articles
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.