Hi friends! If you’re looking to take a significant step forward in your career in the environmental sector, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced exciting opportunities through the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Recruitment Notification for 2026. This is your chance to apply for one of the 80 available posts for the Indian Forest Service Examination. The recruitment focuses on candidates with a Bachelor’s degree, and the online application process is set to open on February 4, 2026, and will close on February 24, 2026. Below, you will find detailed information regarding eligibility, application procedures, and important links to help you navigate the application process.
UPSC IFS Recruitment Notification 2026
Job Overview
| Job Role | Indian Forest Service Officer |
|---|---|
| Organization/Company | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree in specified subjects |
| Experience | No prior experience required |
| Salary | According to government pay scales |
| Job Type | Full-Time |
| Location | India |
| Requirements | Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields |
About the Recruitment
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the recruitment of 80 Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officers. This recruitment is open to all eligible candidates interested in a fulfilling career in environmental conservation and forest management.
Application Timeline
The important dates to remember for this recruitment are as follows:
– Application Start Date: February 4, 2026
– Last Date to Apply: February 24, 2026 (by 6:00 PM)
– Preliminary Examination Date: May 24, 2026
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the IFS examination, candidates must meet the following requirements:
– Educational Qualification: A Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the following subjects:
– Botany
– Zoology
– Chemistry
– Physics
– Mathematics
– Statistics
– Geology
– Agriculture
– Forestry
– Engineering
– Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
– Age Limit:
– Minimum Age: 21 years
– Maximum Age: 32 years (as of August 1, 2026)
– Relaxation for SC/ST: 5 years
– Relaxation for OBC: 3 years
– PwBD candidates can have up to 10 years of relaxation
Application Fee
– General/OBC/EWS Candidates: Rs. 100/-
– SC/ST/PwBD/Women Candidates: Exempted from paying the fee
Selection Process
The selection involves several stages:
1. Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination
2. Indian Forest Service Main Examination (Written)
3. Interview/Personality Test
4. Medical and Physical Standards Test
Examination Patterns
The examination includes both preliminary and main examinations. Here’s a brief overview:
Preliminary Examination Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | CSAT (Qualifying) | 200 | 2 Hours |
Note: The CSAT is qualifying at 33%, and there is negative marking of 1/3rd for wrong answers.
Main Examination Pattern
| Paper | Marks |
|---|---|
| General English | 300 |
| General Knowledge | 300 |
| Optional Subject – Paper I | 200 |
| Optional Subject – Paper II | 200 |
| Optional Subject – Paper III | 200 |
| Optional Subject – Paper IV | 200 |
Interview/Personality Test: 300 Marks
Total Merit Marks: 1400
How to Apply
To apply for the UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination 2026, follow these steps:
1. Visit the UPSC application portal.
2. Click on the provided link for APPLY NOW.
3. Complete the One-Time Registration (URN).
4. Fill out the Common Application Form (CAF).
5. Select the Indian Forest Service Examination.
6. Upload your photograph, signature, and necessary documents.
7. Pay the application fee if applicable.
8. Submit your application before the deadline of February 24, 2026.
Important Links
– APPLY NOW
– NOTIFICATION PDF
– OFFICIAL WEBSITE LINK
UPSC IFS Recruitment Notification 2026 – FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC IFS Examination 2026?
The last date to submit the online application for UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 is February 24, 2026, by 6:00 PM through the UPSC online portal.
Q2. How many vacancies are announced for Indian Forest Service 2026?
UPSC has announced approximately 80 vacancies for the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 across different categories.
Q3. Is UPSC IFS conducted separately from Civil Services Examination?
No, candidates must appear in the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 as it serves as the screening test for the Indian Forest Service Examination.
Q4. What is the educational qualification required for IFS 2026?
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least one specified subject such as Forestry, Agriculture, Engineering, Botany, Zoology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or related disciplines.
Q5. What is the age limit for UPSC IFS 2026?
The age limit is set between 21 to 32 years as of August 1, 2026, with relaxations applicable for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, and other eligible categories as per government regulations.
Q6. How many attempts are allowed for UPSC IFS?
General and EWS candidates may attempt the exam 6 times, OBC candidates have 9 attempts, and SC/ST candidates have no limit on attempts, provided they fall within the age limit.
Q7. What is the application fee for Indian Forest Service Examination 2026?
General, OBC, and EWS candidates need to pay Rs. 100/-, while SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates are exempted from this fee.
Q8. When will the UPSC IFS Preliminary Examination be held?
The Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026, which acts as the screening test for IFS, is scheduled for May 24, 2026.
Q9. What is the selection process for Indian Forest Service 2026?
The selection process includes the Civil Services Preliminary Exam, Indian Forest Service Main Examination (Written), Interview/Personality Test, and Medical & Physical Standards Test.
Q10. Where can candidates apply for UPSC IFS Examination 2026?
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official UPSC application portal.
Disclaimer: We do not charge any fees. This article is for informational purposes only, and the information has been sourced from official UPSC publications. Make sure to verify all details before applying.