UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2025, Qualification, Attempts & More
UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2025 must be fulfilled by candidates before applying for the exam. Find out the UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2025 here.
Deeksha Dixit30 Jan, 2025
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UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2025: The Indian Forest Service (IFoS) is one of the prestigious all-India services under the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The application form for UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2025 has been released and candidates must ensure that they meet the IFS eligibility criteria before applying.
The eligibility criteria for the Indian Forest Service exam are defined in the latest notification published on January 22nd and include requirements like nationality, age limit, educational qualifications, and the number of attempts. Each of these UPSC IFoS eligibility criteria plays a crucial role in determining a candidate's eligibility to appear for the examination.Indian Forest Service Eligibility Criteria 2025
Before applying for the UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria established by the commission. The Indian Forest Service eligibility criteria outline the necessary requirements that candidates must fulfill to be eligible for the exam. An overview of the UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2025 is given below:| UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2025 Overview | |
| Particular | Eligibility Criteria |
| Educational | Graduation or equivalent in specific subjects. |
| Nationality | Citizen of India, Subject of Nepal or Bhutan or a Tibetan refugee, Person of Indian Origin |
| Minimum Age | 21 years |
| Maximum Age | 32 years |
| Age Relaxation | Applicable |
| Total Attempts | 6 |
| Relaxation in Attempts | Allowed |
UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2025 for Nationality
The basic eligibility for the IFS exam is fulfilling the nationality criteria. According to the UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2025 candidates who are Indian citizens are eligible for registration along with the following categories:- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan
- Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India.
- Persons of Indian origin who have migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia), or Vietnam intending to permanently settle in India.
UPSC IFoS Age Limit 2025
UPSC IFS Eligibility Criteria 2025 on age limit varies based on the candidate's category. A candidate must be at least 21 years old and not older than 32 years as of 1st August 2025. This means the candidate must have been born between 2nd August 1993 and 1st August 2004. The UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2025 emphasizes the importance of adhering to below-age restrictions.| Indian Forest Service Age Limit | ||
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
| General/EWS | 21 years | 32 years |
| OBC | 21 years | 35 years |
| SC/ST | 21 years | 37 years |
| Defence Services personnel disabled in operations | 21 years | 35 years |
| Ex-servicemen | 21 years | 37 years |
| Persons with Disabilities | 21 years | 42 years |
UPSC IFoS Age Relaxation 2025
For the UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination 2025, the age relaxation criteria are as follows:| Category | Age Relaxation |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) | Up to a maximum of 5 years |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | Up to a maximum of 3 years |
| Defence Services Personnel (disabled during operations) | Up to a maximum of 3 years |
| Ex-servicemen (including Commissioned Officers, ECOs/SSCOs) | Up to a maximum of 5 years (with specific criteria) |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (e.g., low vision, deaf, locomotor disability) | Up to a maximum of 10 years |
Note I: Candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes and the Other Backward Classes who are also covered under any other clauses of para 3(ii)(b) above, viz. those coming under the category of Ex-servicemen, Low Vision, Hearing Impaired (Partially deaf) and Locomotor disability (sub-category: Leprosy cured and Acid attack victims) person etc. will be eligible for grant of cumulative age relaxation under both the categories. Note II: Candidates should note that only the Date of Birth as recorded in the Matriculation/Secondary Examination Certificate or an equivalent certificate on the date of submission of applications will be accepted by the Commission and no subsequent request for its change will be considered or granted.
UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2025: Educational Qualification
Educational qualifications are a critical component of the UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2025. The minimum qualification for the IFS exam states that candidates should hold a bachelor's degree in specific subjects.-
According to the Indian Forest Service qualification Candidates must have completed
graduation with at least one
of the subjects namely
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
- Zoology
-
Alternatively, candidates should have a
bachelor's degree in either
of the following disciplines:
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Engineering (any discipline)
Note I: Candidates who have appeared for a qualifying examination , but have not received the results, or those who plan to appear for such an examination, are eligible for the written part of the Indian Forest Service Examination 2025. However, candidates selected for the Interview/Personality Test must provide proof of passing the required examination (Degree Certificate, Final Mark Sheet, or Provisional Degree Certificate) within the time limit specified in Rule 4.1 of IFSE 2025.
UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2025: Number of Attempts
Understanding the number of attempts in the IFS exam is crucial for candidates planning their preparation strategy. The UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2025 provides a clear framework for how many times candidates can attempt the examination based on their category. The number of attempts allowed for the UPSC IFoS exam also varies by category in the following manner:| UPSC IFoS Number of Attempts | |
| Category | Number of Attempts |
| General | 6 |
| OBC | 9 |
| SC/ST | Unlimited |
| General and EWS PwD | 9 |
| PwD Other sub-categories | Unlimited |
Important Points on UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2025
UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2025 is designed to ensure that candidates meet the necessary requirements to serve in the Indian Forest Service. Those who are found to be ineligible as per the set eligibility for IFS exam can be disqualified at any stage of the selection process. Here are some key points to be kept in mind regarding IFS Eligibility Criteria 2025:- Reservation Policy: The UPSC IFoS exam follows the reservation policy of the Government of India, which includes reservations for OBC, SC, ST, and PwD candidates.
- Documentation: Candidates must have all the necessary documents ready for the verification process. This includes proof of nationality, age, and educational qualifications.
- Physical Standards: Candidates must meet certain physical standards specified in the official IFS notification to ensure they are fit for the rigorous duties of a forest officer.
- Changes: The eligibility criteria may change from year to year such as Indian Forest Service eligibility for females. It is essential to check the latest UPSC notification for any updates regarding the UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria.
UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2025 FAQs
What is the qualification for the UPSC IFS exam?
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in specific subjects like Animal Husbandry, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Agriculture, Forestry, or any Engineering discipline.
Who is eligible for the Indian Forest Service?
Indian citizens, subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, Tibetan refugees who came before January 1, 1962, and persons of Indian origin from specific countries intending to settle in India are eligible.
Is the IFoS exam only for science students?
Yes. Candidates with degrees in science subjects or related subjects like Mathematics, Agriculture, Forestry, or any Engineering discipline are eligible for the IFoS exam.
What is the attempt limit in the Indian Forest Service exam?
The attempt limit varies by category. It is 6 for General, 9 for OBC, and unlimited for SC/ST.
Is there any physical test in UPSC IFoS Eligibility 2025?
Yes, candidates must meet specific physical standards as per the official IFS notification.
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