Are you aspiring to serve as an Indian Forest Service Officer and contribute to forest conservation, environmental protection, and natural resource management in India? The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the recruitment for 80 Indian Forest Service Officer (IFoS) posts for the year 2026. This comprehensive job description provides detailed information about the UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination, including eligibility criteria, application process, exam pattern, and important deadlines. Read on to understand all the essential aspects of this prestigious opportunity and how to apply successfully.
UPSC Indian Forest Service Officer Recruitment 2026 – Detailed Overview
Organization and Exam Details
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoSE) 2026 |
| Post Name | Indian Forest Service Officer |
| Total Vacancies | Approx. 80 |
| Exam Stages | Prelims (CSE), Mains, Interview |
| Eligible Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree in relevant subjects |
| Age Limit | 21 to 32 Years (as on 01-08-2026) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026, 6:00 PM |
| Official Website | https://www.upsc.gov.in |
Vacancy Distribution by Category
| Category | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR (Unreserved) | 33 |
| OBC (Other Backward Classes) | 21 |
| SC (Scheduled Castes) | 12 |
| ST (Scheduled Tribes) | 6 |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) | 8 |
| Total | 80 |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university with specific subjects such as:
- Botany
- Zoology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Geology
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Engineering
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
Age Limit and Relaxation
| Age Limit as on 01-08-2026 | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| 21 Years | 32 Years | |
| Relaxation | SC/ST — 5 Years | |
| OBC — 3 Years | ||
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) — Up to 10 Years |
Application Fee Structure
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 100/- |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women | Nil |
Selection Process for Indian Forest Service Officer
Stage 1: Civil Services Preliminary Examination (CSE) 2026
This is an objective test comprising two papers with the following pattern:
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | CSAT (Qualifying) | 200 | 2 Hours |
Note: CSAT is a qualifying paper with a minimum requirement of 33%. There is negative marking of 1/3rd for wrong answers. The marks obtained in Prelims are not counted in the final merit list.
Stage 2: Indian Forest Service Main Examination
The written examination consists of multiple descriptive papers:
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | General English | 300 |
| General Knowledge | General Knowledge | 300 |
| Optional Subject | Paper I | 200 |
| Optional Subject | Paper II | 200 |
| Optional Subject | Paper III | 200 |
| Optional Subject | Paper IV | 200 |
Stage 3: Personality Test / Interview
Candidates qualifying the Mains exam will be called for a personality interview, which carries 300 marks. This stage assesses the candidate’s overall suitability for the service, including leadership qualities, social traits, and mental alertness.
Stage 4: Medical and Physical Standards Test
A final assessment to ensure candidates meet the prescribed medical and physical fitness standards required for forest service duties.
How to Apply for UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination 2026
- Visit the official UPSC Online portal: https://upsconline.nic.in
- Register for a one-time account if you are a new user and obtain your Unique Registration Number (URN).
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF) selecting the Indian Forest Service Examination.
- Upload scanned copy of your recent passport-sized photograph, signature, and necessary documents such as educational certificates.
- Pay the prescribed application fee via available online payment methods (if applicable).
- Review all details and submit the application before the deadline: 24 February 2026, 6:00 PM.
- Take a printout of the submitted application form for future reference.
Important Dates to Remember
- Notification Release Date: 04 February 2026
- Application Start Date: 04 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 24 February 2026, 6:00 PM
- Preliminary Exam Date: 24 May 2026
Helpful Links
- Official UPSC Website
- Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online
- Join our Arattai Channel for latest updates
- Join our Telegram Channel
- Join WhatsApp Channel for notifications
- Download the Sarkari Result Mobile App
Conclusion
This is a remarkable opportunity for candidates who aspire to serve in the Indian Forest Service, contributing to environmental conservation and forest management. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, prepare well for each stage of the selection process, and submit your application before the deadline. For detailed instructions and official updates, always refer to the official UPSC notifications and website.