UPSC IFoS (Indian Forest Service) 2026 notification is expected to be announced by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) soon. The UPSC IFoS is conducted to recruit forest officers in the elite forestry cadres in India, tasked with the responsibility of protecting wildlife, managing forests, ecological security and governance of natural resources nationwide.
Key points of Indian Forest Service Exam 2026:
Applicants must understand the following highlights carefully before submitting the application form:
| Organisation | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post | Indian Forest Service officer |
| Notification (expected) | January 2026 |
| Prelims Exam date(expected) | May or June 2026 |
| Selection process | Prelims,Mains and interview |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in science / agriculture / forestry / engineering or related subjects |
| Age limit | 21 to 32 years |
| Official website | Click here |
Major dates to remember: (Expected)
The important dates for application process are:
| Notification release | January 2026 |
| Application date | Late Jan – Mid feb 2026 |
| Preliminary Exam | May or June 2026 |
| Mains Written exam | November 2026 |
| Interview or personality Test | Early 2027 |
Who can apply for UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026?
The candidates who fulfill the following eligibility criteria can apply:
| Nationality | The candidate must be: A citizen of India |
| Age limit | 21 years to 32 years Relaxations for upper age limit: SC / ST- +5 years OBC- +3 years PwBD categories- |
| Education | The candidate should have a Bachelor degree qualification with any one of the following subjects: Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science. Botany Chemistry Geology Mathematics Physics Statistics Zoology OR a Bachelor’s degree in: Agriculture Forestry Engineering (any of the recognised branches) |
| Attempts and other Conditions. | General or EWS- 6 attempts OBC 9- attempts SC / ST- unlimited attempts (till age limit) PwBD (Gen or EWS or OBC)- 9 attempts PwBD (SC/ST)- Unlimited |
How are the candidates selected in UPSC Indian Forest Service 2026 ?
The selection process of IFoS includes four stages:
- Preliminary Examination
- Mains examination
- Interview
- Physical and medical test
What is the UPSC IFoS 2026 exam pattern?
| Preliminary exam | Two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper-I CSAT (General Studies Paper-II is qualifying only ) Note: Prelims Marks are not counted in final merit preparation. |
| Main Examination (Written) | The test will be in the form of descriptive papers: Paper-I – General English Paper-II – General Knowledge Paper-III & IV -Optional Subject-1 (two papers) Paper-V- VI – Optional Subject-2 (two papers) The optional subjects should be selected out of the approved list of IFoS subjects given in the notification as optional. |
| Interview | Conducted by UPSC in Delhi Examines aptitude, environmental awareness, leadership orientation, judgment, ethics, decision-making and outlook towards a career in the field of public service. |
How to apply for the UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026?
- Go to the UPSC website.
- Then Go to apply online and complete One-Time Registration (OTR).
- Create or Login to OTR account and verify your email & mobile number.
- Open the form for Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam.
- Fill your personal, education & category details.
- Select IFoS option and then upload documents like photo, signature and photo-ID.
- Choose exam centre for Prelims.
- Pay fee of Rs 100 of General or EWS or OBC and no fee for SC or ST PwBD/Female.
- Submit the form & download application PDF.
Important links
| Official website | Click here |
| Official notification | Available soon |
| Apply online | Available soon |
Conclusion
The UPSC IFoS Exam 2026 is a government exam where you actually work for forests, wildlife and nature on a daily basis. The competition is high and hence candidates are advised to be consistent and patient in preparation. Keep visiting the official website for related updates, apply carefully on time once notification is released and prepare smartly instead of randomly studying everything.
FAQs- UPSC IFoS (Indian Forest Service) 2026
Not exactly same, Prelims is common, but after that IFoS has separate Mains and its own selection list.
Yes, you must have graduation in Science / Agriculture / Forestry / Engineering or related subjects that are listed by UPSC.
Attempts are same like UPSC rules- URor EWS: 6, OBC: 9, SC/ST: Unlimited (within age).
No, you will apply through UPSC Civil Services Prelims form, and then IFoS selection continues after Prelims.
Yes, it is an All India Service with strong career stability, field work and administrative roles with training at IGNFA Dehradun.
