IFS Notification 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the prestigious Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination annually. This examination serves as a gateway for recruitment into the esteemed Indian Forest Service, one of India's premier All India Services. The IFS Notification 2026 will outline the complete examination procedure, encompassing the Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages. The official notification is anticipated to be released on January 14, 2026. Candidates can apply online from January 14, 2026, until February 3, 2026. The specific vacancy details for 2026 are currently awaited.
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 | To be released |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Notification Release Date | January 14, 2026 (Expected) |
| Last Date to Apply | February 3, 2026 (Expected) |
| Exam Date | Prelims: May 24, 2026; Mains: November 22, 2026 onwards (Expected) |
IFS Notification 2026 Download
The official UPSC IFoS Notification 2026 PDF provides comprehensive information on the application process, eligibility criteria, examination pattern, detailed syllabus, and all crucial dates. Candidates are strongly advised to download and carefully review this document for accurate and complete information as soon as it is released.
IFS Notification 2026 Download (Active Soon)
IFS Notification 2026 Important Dates
Keeping track of the significant dates for the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 is essential for all aspiring candidates. These dates govern the entire application and examination timeline.
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IFS Notification 2026 Important Dates |
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|---|---|
|
Event |
Expected Date |
| Notification Release | January 14, 2026 |
| Application Start Date | January 14, 2026 |
| Application End Date | February 3, 2026 |
| 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 released |
IFS Vacancy 2026
The Union Public Service Commission will release the detailed UPSC IFS Vacancy 2026 along with the official notification.
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
The official notification is anticipated to be released on January 14, 2026. Candidates can apply online from January 14, 2026, until February 3, 2026. Candidates must stay updated.
IFS Notification 2026 Apply Online Link (Active Soon)
IFS Application Process 2026
The application period for the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 expectedly begins on January 14, 2026, and concludes on February 3, 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:
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Visit the official Union Public Service Commission website – https://upsc.gov.in
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Locate the "UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 Apply Online" link typically found under the 'Examinations' or 'Recruitment' sections.
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Register yourself on the online portal by accurately entering the required personal and contact details.
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Carefully fill out the application form, upload all necessary documents such as scanned photographs and signatures, and proceed to pay the application fee.
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Thoroughly review all the information provided in the application before submitting it.
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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.
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Preliminary Examination: This initial stage is qualifying in nature. It comprises two papers: General Studies I and General Studies II (CSAT).
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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.
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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.
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