Indian Forest Service Salary 2026, Structure, Rank Wise Salary, Allowances

Indian Forest Service Salary 2026 offers a prestigious career in environmental conservation with a competitive pay structure under the 7th Pay Commission, attracting dedicated aspirants nationwide. The Indian Forest Service (IFoS) notification 2026 releases on January 14, 2026, alongside the UPSC CSE notification, with Prelims on May 24, 2026, Mains from August 21, 2026, and Interviews tentatively in March-April 2027. Entry-level officers start at a basic pay of ₹56,100(Level 10), rising to ₹2,25,000 at apex ranks, complemented by DA, HRA, and field allowances. This structure ensures financial stability and growth for roles like Assistant Conservator of Forests.​

Indian Forest Service Salary 2026

The Indian Forest Service (IFS) salary in 2026 is structured according to the seventh pay scale, with officers starting their careers in the Junior Time Scale earning Rs. 56,100 per month. As they advance in rank and years of service, their salaries increase, reaching up to Rs. 2,25,000 at the apex level, such as the Director-General of Forests. The salary includes various allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA, and Travel Allowance, which collectively boost the net monthly income. These financial benefits, combined with the respectful nature of the service and opportunities for growth, make a career in IFS highly rewarding both professionally and financially.

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Indian Forest Service Salary 2026 Overview 

The Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Salary 2026 follows the 7th Pay Commission structure, offering competitive pay from entry-level to apex ranks, alongside perks like DA, HRA, and field allowances. For the 2026 recruitment, the notification releases on January 14, 2026, with Prelims on May 24, 2026, Mains from August 21, 2026, targeting around 150 vacancies.​

Indian Forest Service Salary Structure

IFoS officers receive a salary in the pay scale of Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 2,25,000. This structure includes various allowances and benefits in addition to the basic salary, making the position both lucrative and prestigious. The salary progression depends on the officer’s seniority and the number of years in service.

While the starting salary for IFoS and IAS officers is the same at Rs. 56,100, the upper limit for IAS officers reaches Rs. 2,50,000, significantly higher than the Rs. 2,25,000 cap for IFS officers. However, the salary range for IPS officers aligns with that of IFS officers.

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Indian Forest Service Salary 2026 Per Month

​The Indian Forest Service (IFS) offers a structured salary scale that increases with rank and experience. Below is an overview of the monthly basic pay for various level of IFS ranks as of 2026:​

Indian Forest Service Rank Wise Salary

This table shows the monthly salary of IFoS officers at various ranks. The salaries may vary slightly based on allowances, but the above figures represent their base pay.

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Allowances for the Indian Forest Service Officer

Indian Forest Service officers receive promotions throughout their careers, typically after five, eight, twelve, sixteen, twenty, and twenty-seven years, with each promotion leading to an increase in their basic salary. In addition to their attractive salary, IFS officers enjoy a variety of benefits and allowances:

• Travel Allowance for Work: Due to the nature of their duties, which often require extensive travel, the government covers all travel expenses and offers an additional travel allowance.
• House Allowance: The government provides accommodation for officers at their station, and they are required to live there with their families during their tenure.
• Dearness Allowance (DA): Officers receive a Dearness Allowance to help them manage the cost of living.
• Domestic Help: Each officer is entitled to a domestic helper and a security guard for their residence.
• Medical Allowance: The officer’s entire family is covered under a medical allowance for the entire duration of their service.
• Transportation: Officers are assigned a car and a driver to assist them with their fieldwork.
• Lease Allowance: In certain circumstances, officers may opt to rent a house, provided it is within government-approved limits based on their posting location.
• Other Allowances: The government also covers expenses such as telephone bills, electricity, water, and newspaper subscriptions.
• Study Leave: IFS officers are granted study leave to pursue higher education or specialized training.

Indian Forest Service Salary Perks

Apart from the basic salary and standard allowances, IFS officers are entitled to a range of additional perks and benefits that enhance their overall compensation package:

• Additional Allowances: Officers are rewarded with extra allowances for exceptional performance and achievements in their duties, which serve as an added incentive for excellence.
• Study Leave: IFS officers can take leave to pursue further education or training, allowing them to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Retirement Benefits: After retiring, IFS officers receive a pension, ensuring financial stability and security for them and their families post-service.