UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026: Prestigious 80 IFoS Vacancies Announced
Introduction
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoSE) 2026 Notification, inviting online applications from eligible candidates aspiring to join one of India’s most respected All India Services. Conducted under Examination Notice No. 06/2026-IFoSE dated 04 February 2026, this examination is aimed at recruiting officers for the Indian Forest Service (IFoS), a premier service responsible for the scientific management, protection, and conservation of the nation’s forests and natural resources.
The Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 is conducted in association with the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026, which acts as the screening test. Candidates who qualify for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination and meet the IFoS eligibility criteria will be admitted to the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, followed by the Interview/Personality Test. Interested and eligible candidates must submit their online applications on or before 24 February 2026.
Table of Contents
Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 – Highlights
- Exam Conducting Authority: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Examination Name: Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoSE) 2026
- Advertisement No.: 06/2026-IFoSE
- Total Vacancies: Approximately 80
- Application Mode: Online
- Screening Exam: Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026
- Preliminary Exam Date: 24 May 2026
- Educational Qualification: Science / Engineering / Agriculture / Forestry Graduates
- Pay Scale: As per the 7th Central Pay Commission
- Job Location: All India
- Selection Process: Prelims → Mains → Interview
Total Vacancies
- Expected Vacancies: 80
- SC: 12
- ST: 06
- OBC: 21
- EWS: 08
- UR: 33
Vacancies include reservations for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) as per Government norms. The final number of vacancies is subject to change.
Advertisement Number
- Examination Notice No.: 06/2026-IFoSE
- Notification Date: 04 February 2026
Short Description—Indian Forest Service Recruitment 2026
The Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 is conducted by UPSC to recruit officers for the Indian Forest Service, an All India Service under the administrative control of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The service plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation, wildlife protection, climate change mitigation, and sustainable forest management across India.
Candidates applying for IFoS 2026 must appear in the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026, qualify it, and subsequently appear in the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, followed by the Interview/Personality Test.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has invited applications for recruiting officers for the Indian Forest Service (IFoS). Detailed eligibility, terms of reference, and application instructions are available in the UPSC Forest Ser Notification (PDF) .
Important Dates and Application Fee – IFoS Examination 2026
Important Dates
- Application Begins: 04 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 24 February 2026 (till 6:00 PM)
- Admit Card (Prelims): Last working day of the week preceding the exam
- Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination Date: 24 May 2026
- Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination: To be notified later
Application Fee
- General / EWS / OBC: ₹100
- SC / ST / PwBD / Women: Nil
Mode of Payment
- Net Banking
- Debit Card / Credit Card
- UPI
Posts, Vacancy, Age Limit, Pay Scale & Qualification Details – Indian Forest Service 2026
Post Name, Pay Scale & Qualification
| Post Name | Pay Scale | Vacancy | Educational Qualification |
| Indian Forest Service Officer | Level 10 (₹56,100 basic pay) + allowances | 80 | Bachelor’s degree with at least one prescribed subject OR degree in Agriculture/Forestry/Engineering |
Eligible Educational Qualifications for UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026
A candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the following subjects:
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
- Zoology
OR
A Bachelor’s degree in:
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Engineering
Final-year candidates are eligible subject to conditions.
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 32 years (as on 01 August 2026)
Cut-Off Date for Age Calculation
- 01 August 2026
Age Relaxation
- SC / ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- PwBD: Up to 10 years
- Ex-Servicemen: As per rules
How to Apply – Indian Forest Service Examination 2026
- Visit the official UPSC online application portal.
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) to generate Universal Registration Number (URN).
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF) carefully.
- Select Indian Forest Service Examination while applying through Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination.
- Upload photograph, live photo capture, and signature as per guidelines.
- Pay the examination fee, if applicable.
- Submit the application and retain URN & Application Number.
No correction or withdrawal is allowed after final submission.
Documents Required: UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026
- Passport-size photograph
- Live photograph (captured during application)
- Scanned signature
- Photo ID proof (Aadhaar / Voter ID / Passport etc.)
- Educational qualification certificates
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- PwBD certificate (if applicable)
Selection Process – Indian Forest Service 2026
- Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 – Screening Test
- Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination (Written)
- Interview / Personality Test
Final merit is prepared based on Main Examination + Interview marks.
UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 – Important Instructions
- Mobile phones, smart watches, and electronic devices are strictly prohibited.
- Face authentication is mandatory at exam centres.
- Centre allotment is on a first-apply-first-allot basis.
- Candidates must use black ball pen only in OMR sheets.
- Eligibility is verified at the Interview stage.
- Any misconduct may result in permanent debarment.
Why This Job Is Perfect For Aspirants Passionate About Environment & Governance
The UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 offers a rare opportunity to combine public administration with environmental stewardship. IFoS officers play a critical role in protecting forests, wildlife, and ecological balance while shaping sustainable development policies at the national and state levels. The service offers immense authority, respect, job security, and the satisfaction of contributing directly to environmental conservation and climate resilience in India.
FAQs: UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026
Q1. Is the Civil Services Preliminary Examination mandatory for IFoS 2026?
Yes, candidates must appear and qualify in the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026?
24 February 2026 till 6:00 PM.
Q3. What educational background is required for IFoS?
A Bachelor’s degree in specified science subjects, agriculture, forestry, or engineering is mandatory.
Important Links
- Apply Online: UPSC Online Application Portal
- Official Notification: Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 PDF
- UPSC Official Website
- Syllabus
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