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 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 |
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Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
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 |
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:
Candidates will be required to carry the IFoS Admit Card 2025 along with valid ID proof to the exam center for entry.
The IFoS selection process consists of three major stages:
Candidates need to clear each stage to progress further.
Before applying for the UPSC IFoS exam, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria. The general requirements for the exam are as follows:
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. |
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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. |
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300 | 3 hours |
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200 | 3 hours | |
Personality Test | 300 | ||
Final Score: IFoS Mains Mark (1400) + Personality Test Marks (300) = 1700 Marks |
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 |
Subject | Syllabus |
General Studies |
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CSAT |
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General English |
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General Knowledge |
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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. |
The salary structure for IFoS officers is as per the 7th Pay Commission:
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.
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!