Hi Friends! 👋😊
If you’re seeking a prestigious career in the Indian Forest Service that offers power, respect, and a commitment to nature, then you’re in luck! The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoSE) 2026. This exam is part of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 and serves as the screening stage for this exceptional opportunity.
Meta Description (Introduction):
UPSC has unveiled the official notification for the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 (IFoSE). Interested candidates can apply online through the UPSC website before the deadline. For details on eligibility, vacancies, age limit, salary, selection process, and application procedure, check the information below.
UPSC Indian Forest Service Recruitment 2026 Notification Details
The UPSC is inviting applications for the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026. Candidates are required to pass the Civil Services Preliminary Exam to qualify for the IFS Mains.
UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 – Job Overview Table
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoSE) 2026 |
| Job Role | Indian Forest Service Officer |
| Vacancies | Approx. 80 Posts |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree (Specified Subjects) |
| Experience | Not Required |
| Salary | As per UPSC IFS Pay Scale (Level-10 and above) |
| Job Type | Central Government Job |
| Location | All India |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date | 24 February 2026 (Till 6:00 PM) |
| Prelims Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
📌 Source: UPSC Official Notification
Company / Organization Details
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s premier recruitment agency responsible for selecting candidates for prestigious central government services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Group-A posts. The UPSC conducts the Indian Forest Service Examination to recruit officers dedicated to forest administration, wildlife conservation, environmental policy, and sustainable development.
Job Role (Indian Forest Service Officer)
The Indian Forest Service (IFS) is considered one of the most respectable services in India. As an IFS officer, your responsibilities will include:
- Forest Protection
- Wildlife Conservation
- Environmental Development
- Climate Change & Biodiversity Programs
- Administration and Law Enforcement Related to Forests
This role is perfectly suited for individuals passionate about nature and looking for a career that blends authority with purpose.
Vacancies Details
According to the official notification, there are approximately 80 vacancies available, distributed as follows:
- UR: 33
- SC: 12
- ST: 06
- OBC: 21
- EWS: 08
- PwBD Reserved Vacancies: 05 (including backlog)
📌 Note: Vacancies are tentative and may change.
Educational Qualification (Eligibility)
To apply for the UPSC IFS Exam 2026, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in at least one of the following subjects:
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
- Zoology
Alternatively, a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering is also acceptable. Candidates who are in their final year of study are eligible to apply but must provide proof of their qualification later.
Age Limit (As of 01 August 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
Candidates must be born between 02 August 1994 and 01 August 2005. Age relaxation rules apply according to UPSC guidelines:
- SC/ST: 5 Years
- OBC: 3 Years
- PwBD: Up to 10 Years
Application Fee
- Prelims Application Fee:
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹100
- SC / ST / PwBD / Women: ₹0 (Exempted)
Candidates qualifying for IFS Mains must pay an additional fee of ₹200 (excluding exempted categories).
Salary Details (IFS Officer Pay Scale)
The UPSC Indian Forest Service is classified as a Group-A Central Government Job. IFS officers receive salaries based on the 7th Pay Commission, starting from:
- Level-10
Additional benefits include:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Travel Allowance
- Medical Benefits
- Government Accommodation (in many postings)
- Official Vehicle Facilities (dependent on posting)
Job Responsibilities (Work of IFS Officer)
As an IFS officer, your duties will encompass:
- Forest Conservation and Protection
- Wildlife and Biodiversity Management
- Forest Law Enforcement & Administration
- Implementation of Climate Change & Environmental Projects
- Management of National Parks / Sanctuaries
- Policy Implementation and Reporting
- Coordination with District Administration and Police
This is an adventurous career that provides opportunities for leadership and personal growth.
Other Benefits
IFS Officers enjoy a variety of benefits, including:
- Job Security (Permanent Government Service)
- All India Posting Opportunities
- High Respect and Authority
- Promotions to Senior Ranks
- Government Quarters
- Pension Benefits (in accordance with NPS rules)
- Medical Facilities for Self and Family
Selection Process (UPSC IFS Exam 2026)
The selection process consists of multiple stages:
- Civil Services Preliminary Exam – Screening
- Objective type exam (MCQs) containing two papers (200 marks each).
- Note: General Studies Paper-II is qualifying with a minimum of 33%.
- Indian Forest Service Main Exam (Written)
- General English (300 marks)
- General Knowledge (300 marks)
- Two Optional Subjects (two papers each, 200 marks per paper).
- All papers are descriptive/essay type.
- Personality Test / Interview
- The interview is worth 300 marks.
- The final merit is based on Mains + Interview marks.
Important Dates
- Notification Release Date: 04 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 24 February 2026 (Till 6:00 PM)
- Exam Date (Prelims): 24 May 2026
Exam Centers Highlights
The UPSC Preliminary Exam will be conducted across various cities in India, including:
- Hyderabad
- Vijayawada
- Visakhapatnam
- Tirupati
- Chennai
- Bengaluru
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Kolkata
- Jaipur
- Lucknow
📌 Note: Exam centers are allocated on a first-apply-first allot basis, so early application is recommended!
How to Apply for UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 (Step-by-Step)
This section is crucial for those interested in applying:
- Step 1: Click the Apply Link Provided
Use the link to access the UPSC Online Portal:
APPLY NOW - Step 2: Complete One-Time Registration (URN)
Create your Universal Registration Number (URN) profile by filling in your details. - Step 3: Fill Common Application Form (CAF)
Upload the necessary documents including a photograph and signature. - Step 4: Fill Exam-Specific Form
Choose your exam preferences including optional subjects for the mains. - Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
Process the payment through the available online methods. - Step 6: Submit Final Application
After submission, remember to download and save your application form and fee receipt.
Please note: UPSC does not allow application withdrawal post-submission.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Applications must be submitted online; no offline applications will be accepted.
- Admit cards will be available online only.
- Mobile phones and electronic devices are banned in the exam hall.
- Negative marking applies in the Prelims phase.
Important Links
Conclusion
This is a prestigious opportunity from UPSC, and if you meet the eligibility criteria, do not wait until the last moment to apply. Mark your calendars for the application deadline on 24 February 2026, and prepare for the exam on 24 May 2026.
Disclaimer: We do not charge any fees for this information, and all details have been sourced from official websites.