Indian Forest Service (IFS) Notification 2026 was released by the UPSC on February 4, 2026. The application process is open until February 24, 2026, 6:00 PM, through the official website upsconline.nic.in. Candidates must hold a graduate degree and meet the age criteria of 21–32 years, with government-approved relaxations. The selection process includes the preliminary exam on May 24, 2026, followed by the CSE mains from August 21, 2026, and the IFS mains from November 22, 2026, along with interviews and document verification.
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026, inviting applications from eligible candidates for recruitment to IFS vacancies. The notification, released on February 4, 2026, opens the application process, which will continue until February 24, 2026. The examination provides a pathway for candidates aspiring to join the prestigious Indian Forest Service, with selection carried out through multiple stages, including the preliminary exam, main exam, and interview.
IFS Notification 2026 Overview
The UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination is a national-level competitive exam for entry into the Indian Forest Service. It consists of preliminary, main, and interview stages. The official notification for the 2026 examination will be published in January.
IFS Notification 2026 Overview
Particulars
Details
Exam Name
Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination
Conducting Body
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Post Name
Indian Forest Service Officers
Vacancies
80
Application Mode
Online
Official Website
upsc.gov.in
Notification Release Date
February 4, 2026
Last Date to Apply
February 24, 2026
Exam Date Mains
August 21, 2026
IFS Notification 2026 Download
Indian Forest Service (IFS) Notification 2026 has been released by the UPSC on February 4, 2026. Eligible candidates can apply online until February 24, 2026, 6:00 PM. The notification contains important details about vacancies, eligibility, exam dates, and the selection process. Candidates can download the official IFS Notification 2026 PDF from the link provided below.
Keeping track of the key dates for the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026 is crucial for all aspiring candidates. These dates outline the entire application and examination process, helping candidates plan their preparation effectively.
IFS Notification 2026 Important Dates
Event
Date
Notification Release
February 4, 2026
Application Start Date
February 4, 2026
Application End Date
February 24, 2026, 6:00 PM
UPSC Prelims Exam Date
May 24, 2026
UPSC CSE Mains Exam Date
August 21, 2026 onwards
UPSC IFS Mains Exam Date
November 22, 2026 onwards
Result Date
To be announced
IFS Vacancy 2026
UPSC IFoS Vacancy 2026 has been announced along with the official notification released on February 4, 2026. A total of approximately 80 vacancies have been notified for the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026. These vacancies are distributed across various categories, including SC, ST, OBC, EWS, UR, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), as per government reservation norms. The final number of vacancies may be revised by UPSC based on administrative requirements, and selections will be made through the Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages of the IFoS exam.
IFS Eligibility Criteria 2026
Applicants for the Indian Forest Service Examination must satisfy specific eligibility conditions regarding their nationality, age, and academic qualifications. The Union Public Service Commission establishes these criteria.
Nationality
A candidate must be either a citizen of India or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan. Additionally, Tibetan refugees who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, with the intent of permanent settlement, and persons of Indian origin who have migrated from designated countries to permanently settle in India, are also eligible, provided they obtain an eligibility certificate from the Government of India.
Age Limit
Candidates applying must be between 21 and 32 years of age as of August 1, 2025. Age relaxation benefits are applicable for candidates belonging to specific reserved categories, in accordance with government regulations.
Educational Qualification
A bachelor's degree from a recognized university is mandatory. This degree must be in at least one of the following subjects: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, or Zoology. Alternatively, a degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering is also considered eligible.
IFS Notification 2026 Apply Online Link
IFS (Indian Forest Service) Notification 2026 has been released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), and candidates can now apply online through the official application portal. The online application process started on February 4, 2026, and the last date to apply is February 24, 2026, till 6:00 PM IST. Eligible candidates must complete the registration, fill in the required details, upload documents, and submit the form online. The direct apply online link for the IFS Notification 2026 is provided below for easy access.
IFS Notification 2026 Apply Online Link
IFS Application Process 2026
The application period for the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 expectedly begins on February 4, 2026, and concludes on February 24, 2026. Prospective candidates should frequently visit the UPSC website for all updates, including the Detailed Application Form (DAF) notice and subsequent instructions.
Steps to Apply Online:
Visit the official Union Public Service Commission website – https://upsc.gov.in
Register yourself on the online portal by accurately entering the required personal and contact details.
Carefully fill out the application form, upload all necessary documents such as scanned photographs and signatures, and proceed to pay the application fee.
Thoroughly review all the information provided in the application before submitting it.
Print a copy of the final submitted application form for your records and future reference.
Application Fee
The application fee for the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 is yet to be announced. Please refer to the forthcoming official notification for the precise fee structure and accepted payment methods.
Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Selection Process 2026
The selection of candidates for the Indian Forest Service is conducted through a rigorous three-stage examination process. This process is designed to comprehensively evaluate candidates' knowledge, aptitude, and suitability for the service. Successfully clearing each stage is mandatory for progression.
Preliminary Examination: This initial stage is qualifying in nature. It comprises two papers: General Studies I and General Studies II (CSAT).
Main Examination: Candidates who successfully qualify in the Prelims proceed to the Mains. This stage involves written papers including General English, General Knowledge, and two chosen optional subjects.
Interview (Personality Test): The final stage is an interview conducted by the UPSC board. This assesses the candidate's personality traits, general awareness, and overall suitability for a career in public service.
IFS Salary & Job Profile 2026
Upon successful selection and completion of their probationary training, Indian Forest Service officers begin their career at the Junior Time Scale (JTS) level. The initial basic salary for a JTS officer is INR 56,100. This salary progressively increases with promotions and career advancements within the service, along with various allowances and perks.
The Indian Forest Service offers a dynamic and challenging job profile, primarily focused on the management, conservation, and protection of forests and wildlife, along with related administrative responsibilities.
Want to learn more about the Indian administrative system? Check out PW’s UPSC Courses to strengthen your understanding and ace your exam prep!
IFS Notification 2026 FAQs
When was the IFS Notification 2026 released?
The UPSC released the IFS Notification 2026 on February 4, 2026.
What is the last date to apply?
The last date to submit the online application is February 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
How many vacancies are available?
Indian Forest Service (IFS) 2026 examination details, including official vacancy information, will be announced soon by UPSC.
What is the eligibility criteria?
Candidates must have a graduate degree from a recognized university and meet the age limit of 21–32 years, with relaxation as per government rules.
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