UPSC IFoS Exam Pattern 2025 — Prelims, Mains & Interview (IFoS)

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) sets the IFoS (Indian Forest Service) exam pattern each year. IFoS 2025 comprises three stages — Prelims (GS + CSAT objective papers), Mains (six descriptive papers including optionals) and a Personality Test. This page summarises the IFoS Exam Pattern 2025, with paper-wise marks, durations, negative marking, optional subjects and key dates so aspirants can plan preparation effectively.

UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam Pattern 2025

The UPSC IFoS Exam Pattern 2025 is structured to test a candidate’s knowledge, analytical ability, and suitability for the Indian Forest Service. The examination is conducted in three stages — Prelims, Mains, and the Personality Test. Understanding the paper structure, marks distribution, negative marking rules, and optional subject choices helps candidates plan their strategy effectively for this highly competitive exam.

• Preliminary Examination (Prelims): This stage is conducted with UPSC CSE Prelims and acts as a screening test to shortlist candidates for the Mains. It consists of two objective-type papers designed to test the candidate's general knowledge and aptitude.
• Main Examination (Mains): The Mains is a more comprehensive examination that includes six descriptive papers covering a range of subjects, including two optional subjects chosen by the candidate.
• Personality Test (Interview): The final stage is a personality test worth 300 marks. This stage evaluates the candidate's personality, communication skills, and overall suitability for the IFoS.

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UPSC IFoS Prelims Exam Pattern 2025

• Two Papers: The UPSC IFoS Prelims 2025 will consist of two papers, each carrying 200 marks. Both papers are of the objective type (multiple-choice questions) and are available in Hindi and English.
• Time Duration : Candidates are allowed 2 hours to solve each paper. The first paper is held in the morning shift while the second paper is held in the afternoon shift. Candidates must qualify in both papers separately to be eligible for the Mains examination.
• General Studies Paper I: This paper covers a wide range of subjects, including history, geography, polity, economy, environment, and current affairs. Candidates are required to qualify for the cut-off of the UPSC IFS GS 1 paper to be eligible for the next stage.
• General Studies Paper II (CSAT): The Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) focuses on comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, and basic numeracy. It is qualifying in nature, and candidates must score a minimum of 33% to pass.
• Negative Marking: There is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark against the total marks assigned to each question. This means in GS 1 the mark per question is 2 and the negative marking is 0.66 and in GS 2 it is 2.5 and 0.83 respectively.

Candidate can check  UPSC IFoS Syllabus 2025 Here!

UPSC IFoS Mains Exam Pattern 2025

• Descriptive Papers: Unlike the Prelims, which are objective, the UPSC IFoS Exam Pattern 2025 for Mains requires candidates to write detailed answers , demonstrating their understanding and analytical abilities.
• Language : All papers must be answered in English . Question papers will be set in English only.
• Total Marks: The total marks for the Mains examination amount to 1400, which significantly impacts the overall ranking of candidates. Candidates need to score a minimum of 5% marks in each paper to be eligible for the UPSC IFoS mains cut-off.
• Optional Subjects: Candidates must choose two optional subjects from a list provided by UPSC for Papers III, IV, V, and VI. Each optional subject paper carries 200 marks.
• Time Duration : Candidates will be allotted 3 hours to answer all the questions in the IFS Mains exam. There will be two shifts on the same day for the IFS exam.
• Calculators : Only non-programmable scientific calculators are allowed. Programmable calculators and sharing of calculators are prohibited. SI units will be used in the question papers wherever necessary.

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UPSC IFoS Mains 2025 Optional Subject List

1. Agriculture
2. Agricultural Engineering
3. Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
4. Botany
5. Chemistry
6. Chemical Engineering
7. Civil Engineering
8. Forestry
9. Geology
10. Mathematics
11. Mechanical Engineering
12. Physics
13. Statistics
14. Zoology