The IFoS Exam 2026 is a national-level examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for recruitment to the Indian Forest Service. Known as UPSC IFoS 2026, the exam selects officers for forest conservation, wildlife protection, and natural resource management. Candidates must qualify the Civil Services Preliminary Exam, followed by the IFoS Mains and Interview stages.
UPSC IFoS Exam 2026 – Overview
The IFoS Exam 2026 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 2026 Overview | |
| Full Form | UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission |
| Level | National |
| Qualification | Graduation |
| Age limit | 21 years to 32 years as of August 1, 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Offline/Pen and Paper Based |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Fee | Rs 100 (General/EWS and OBC Male) |
| Selection Process |
|
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
IFoS Exam Date 2026 & Important Schedule
The UPSC IFoS Exam 2026 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:| IFoS Exam 2026 dates | |
| Event | Tentative/Expected Dates |
| Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 notification | January 14, 2026 |
| Last Date for Submission of Online Applications | February 3, 2026 |
| Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 Prelims Date | May 24, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 Mains Date | November/December 2026 |
| IFoS Result 2026 (Final) | Early 2027 |
IFoS Notification 2026
IFoS Selection Process 2026
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 Eligibility Criteria 2026
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 Exam Pattern 2026
The UPSC IFoS Exam Pattern 2026 follows a three-stage:| 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 | |||
IFoS Syllabus 2026
The IFoS Syllabus 2026 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. |
List of Optional Papers in IFoS Exam
Candidates can choose from a wide range of optional subjects in the IFoS Exam 2026. 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 Officer Salary (8th Pay Commission)
he IFoS Officer Salary under the 8th Pay Commission is expected to see a structured revision with higher basic pay and enhanced allowances, reflecting the increasing responsibilities of Indian Forest Service officers in environmental conservation and forest management. As per proposed pay commission trends, IFoS officers will continue to be placed under Pay Level 10 at the entry level, with attractive in-hand salary, government allowances, and long-term career growth at senior administrative positions.
| Component | Expected Pay Structure |
|---|---|
| Pay Commission | 8th Pay Commission (Proposed) |
| Pay Level (Entry Level) | Level 10 |
| Basic Pay | ₹61,000 – ₹65,000 (expected) |
| Pay Scale (Senior Levels) | Up to ₹2,50,000 (Cabinet Secretary level) |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As applicable under 8th CPC |
| Other Allowances | HRA, TA, DA, Special Duty Allowance |
| In-Hand Salary (Approx.) | ₹85,000 – ₹1,00,000 per month |
| Additional Perks | Government accommodation, vehicle, medical benefits |
IFoS Salary (7th Pay Commission)
The IFS Officers Salary 2026 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.
IFoS Exam Centres 2026
The IFoS Exam Centres 2026 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 2026 notification.IFoS Exam Preparation Tips
Preparing for the IFoS Exam 2026 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.
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 |
IFoS Exam 2026
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.
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.
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