UPSC IFoS Selection Process 2025 Explained in Detail
The UPSC IFoS Selection Process 2025 is divided into multiple stages. Prelims, Mains, and Interview are the key stages of the UPSC IFoS Selection Process 2025.
Deeksha Dixit31 Jan, 2025
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UPSC IFoS Selection Process 2025: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) examination to recruit officers for the forest service. Due to the nature of the work, UPSC has designed rigorous IFoS selection criteria.
The UPSC IFoS selection process comprises several stages, each designed to assess the candidate's knowledge, skills, and suitability for the role. As the IFoS exam is set for May 25, 2025, candidates must understand the UPSC IFoS Selection Process 2025 to get an idea of what to expect at each stage.UPSC IFoS Selection Process 2025 Overview
The UPSC IFoS Selection Process 2025 includes three main stages that candidates must clear to be considered for final selection. These stages ensure that only the most qualified individuals are selected for this prestigious opportunity. The exam for 2025 will follow a selection process that is typically structured in three stages:| UPSC IFoS Selection Process 2025 Overview | |||
| Stage | Stage Name | Total Marks | Nature |
| Stage 1 | Preliminary Examination | 400 | Qualifying: Initial screening test having objective type papers. |
| Stage 2 | Mains Examination | 1400 | Merit Stage: Descriptive-type test with compulsory and optional papers |
| Stage 3 | Personality Test | 300 | Merit Stage: Personality test assessing candidates' suitability |
UPSC IFoS Recruitment Stages
The recruitment process for the UPSC IFoS Selection Process 2025 is designed to test a candidate's overall aptitude and suitability for the role. The IFoS recruitment process begins with the official announcement of the notification and registration dates:- Notification: The UPSC releases a notification detailing the number of vacancies in the forest departments, eligibility criteria, and exam dates.
- Application: Candidates must fill out the online IFS application form by February 11th, providing the necessary details and documents.
- Prelims: This stage involves a preliminary examination that tests general studies and aptitude.
- Mains: Candidates who qualify the prelims move on to the mains, which consist of descriptive papers.
- Interview: The final stage is the personality test, where candidates are assessed on various attributes.
- Document Verification: This process is done simultaneously with the interview process where the original documents of candidates are verified.
- Medical Test: This stage assesses the basic fitness of candidates and is usually conducted on the day following the interview day.
- Final Selection: The names of successful candidates are scrutinized based on the mains and interview scores. A merit list is published recommending their name to the ministry.
UPSC IFoS Prelims Process 2025
The preliminary examination is the first hurdle in the UPSC IFoS Selection Process 2025. It consists of two objective-type papers designed to test the candidate’s general knowledge and aptitude. Candidates need to qualify both papers to proceed to the next stage. The marks obtained in the IFoS prelims are not counted for the final ranking but are essential for eligibility for the mains.| UPSC IFoS Prelims | |
| Mode of Exam | Offline OMR Based |
| Language of Exam | Hindi & English |
| Types of Questions | MCQ type |
| Total Papers | Two |
| Paper I General Studies | 100 Questions |
| Paper II CSAT | 80 Questions |
| Shift | GS: 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM |
| CSAT: 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM | |
| Total Marks | 400 Marks |
| Negative Marking | GS: 0.66 Marks |
| CSAT: 0.83 Marks | |
| Passing Marks | GS: UPSC Cut off |
| CSAT: 66.67 Marks | |
| Time Allotted | 2 Hours/Paper |
UPSC IFoS Mains Process 2025
The mains examination in the UPSC IFoS Selection Process 2025 is more comprehensive and consists of six papers. This stage tests the candidate’s knowledge in various subjects related to forestry and allied subjects. There are a total of 6 papers. The score of UPSC IFoS mains is considered for preparing the final merit list. The UPSC IFoS Mains papers are as follows:- Paper I: General English (300 marks)
- Paper II: General Knowledge (300 marks)
- Paper III, IV, V, VI: Any two subjects selected by the candidate from the list of optional subjects (200 marks each)
| UPSC IFoS Mains | |
| Exam Type | Descriptive papers |
| Mode of Exam | Offline Pen and paper-based |
| Subjects | 6 papers including optional subjects |
| Duration | 3 hours for each paper |
| Marks | Total of 1400 marks |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 5% marks in each paper |
| IFoS Mains Cut-off | Specified by UPSC each year |
UPSC IFoS Interview Process 2025
The UPSC IFoS Interview is the final step where candidates are evaluated on their personality and suitability for the Indian Forest Service. This stage is known as the personality test, where a panel of experts will assess candidates based on their answers during the interview. This stage is critical, as it can significantly influence the final selection.| UPSC IFoS Interview Process 2025 | |
| Reporting Time | Forenoon Session: 9:00 AM |
| Afternoon Session: 1:00 PM | |
| Duration | 20 to 30 minutes |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Candidates Called | Twice the number of vacancies |
| Venue | Union Public Service Commission Officer, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110069 |
Final Selection for Indian Foreign Service
The final selection in the UPSC IFoS Selection Process 2025 is based on the cumulative marks obtained in the mains examination and the interview stages i.e. 1400+300. During the final selection process following stages are also involved: Document Verification: Candidates must provide all necessary documents to verify their eligibility on the IFS personality test day. Failure to do so may result in disqualification from the selection process. Medical Examination: Candidates undergo a medical exam to ensure they are fit for the service. There will be basic fitness and medical tests and mandated in the official notification. Final Merit List : The combined score of 1700 will be considered for each candidate and a merit list will be prepared. The IFoS final selection will be based on those who clear the final cut-off for available vacancies. The UPSC IFoS exam dates have been announced. Get ready for Prelims, Explore UPSC courses by Physics Wallah. Hurry up!UPSC IFoS Selection Process 2025 FAQs
What is the selection process for an IFoS officer?
The selection process involves three stages: Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, and Personality Test.
How many stages are there in the UPSC IFoS Selection Process 2025?
There are three main stages in the selection process: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
What is the role of the UPSC IFoS Mains in the overall selection?
The Mains exam is crucial as it amounts to 1400 marks which are considered for the final merit list.
Which stage is qualifying in the UPSC IFoS Selection Process 2025?
The IFoS Preliminary exam is a qualifying stage for eligibility to the Mains.
What is the total score for the IFoS final selection?
The final selection is based on a cumulative score of 1700 marks (1400 for Mains and 300 for the Interview).
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