Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026. The commission is inviting online applications from eligible candidates for approximately 80 Indian Forest Service Officer vacancies. Candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree in specified subjects can apply online through the official UPSC portal. The online registration started on 04 February 2026 and will close on 24 February 2026 at 6:00 PM. Don’t miss this golden opportunity to serve the nation as an IFS Officer!
UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026 – Complete Details
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the prestigious Indian Forest Service Examination annually to recruit officers for managing and conserving India’s forest resources. The IFS Examination 2026 offers a total of 80 vacancies across various categories. This article provides comprehensive information about UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026 including eligibility criteria, age limit, educational qualification, application fee, selection process, exam pattern, important dates, and how to apply online.
UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoSE) 2026 |
| Post Name | Indian Forest Service Officer |
| Total Vacancies | 80 (Approximate) |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Registration Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (Till 6:00 PM) |
| Prelims Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026
UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details
The Union Public Service Commission has announced a total of 80 vacancies for Indian Forest Service Officer posts. The category-wise breakup of UPSC IFS vacancies 2026 is as follows:
| Category | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 33 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 21 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 12 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 06 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 08 |
| Total | 80 |
Educational Qualification for UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026
To apply for the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university with at least one of the following subjects:
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Zoology
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Geology
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Engineering (Any discipline)
Note: Candidates appearing in the final year/semester of their Bachelor’s degree can also apply for UPSC IFS 2026.
Age Limit for UPSC IFS Officer Recruitment 2026
The age limit for UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 is calculated as on 01 August 2026:
| Category | Age Criteria |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 21 Years |
| Maximum Age (General/EWS) | 32 Years |
| SC/ST Category | 37 Years (5 years relaxation) |
| OBC Category | 35 Years (3 years relaxation) |
| PwBD Candidates | Up to 10 years relaxation |
Number of Attempts Allowed
- General/EWS: 6 attempts
- OBC: 9 attempts
- SC/ST: Unlimited attempts (within age limit)
UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
The application fee structure for Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 is as follows:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | Rs. 100/- |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women (All Categories) | No Fee (Exempted) |
Payment Mode: Candidates can pay the fee through Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI.
UPSC IFS Selection Process 2026
The selection process for UPSC Indian Forest Service Officer Recruitment 2026 consists of the following stages:
- Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 – Screening Test
- Indian Forest Service Main Examination – Written Test (6 Papers)
- Interview / Personality Test – 300 Marks
- Medical Examination & Physical Standards Test
UPSC IFS Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The Preliminary Examination is common with the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 and consists of two papers:
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) | 200 | 2 Hours |
Important Points:
- Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying in nature with minimum 33% marks required
- Negative marking of 1/3rd for each wrong answer
- Prelims marks are NOT counted for final merit list
UPSC IFS Mains Exam Pattern 2026
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General English | 300 |
| Paper II | General Knowledge | 300 |
| Paper III | Optional Subject – Paper I | 200 |
| Paper IV | Optional Subject – Paper II | 200 |
| Paper V | Optional Subject – Paper III | 200 |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject – Paper IV | 200 |
| Interview | Personality Test | 300 |
| Total | 1700 |
Final Merit: The final merit list is prepared based on Mains + Interview = 1400 Marks (Excluding General English).
How to Apply for UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026?
Follow these simple steps to apply online for Indian Forest Service Examination 2026:
Step 1: Visit the official UPSC website at upsconline.nic.in
Step 2: Click on “Online Application for Various Examinations of UPSC”
Step 3: Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) to generate your Unique Registration Number (URN)
Step 4: Login with URN and fill the Common Application Form (CAF)
Step 5: Select “Indian Forest Service Examination 2026”
Step 6: Upload recent photograph, signature, and required documents
Step 7: Pay the application fee (if applicable)
Step 8: Submit the application and take a printout for future reference
Last Date: 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM)
Important Dates for UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | 04 February 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Civil Services Prelims Exam | 24 May 2026 |
| IFS Mains Examination | To be notified |
| Interview / Personality Test | To be notified |
Important Links – UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026
- Apply Online: Click Here
- Official Notification PDF: Download Here
- Official Website: Visit Here
- Join WhatsApp Group: Click Here
UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC IFS 2026?
The last date to submit online applications for Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 is 24 February 2026 till 6:00 PM.
Q2. How many vacancies are available for UPSC IFS 2026?
UPSC has announced approximately 80 vacancies for Indian Forest Service Officer posts in 2026.
Q3. What is the educational qualification required for IFS 2026?
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree with subjects like Forestry, Agriculture, Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, or related fields.
Q4. Is the IFS exam conducted separately from UPSC CSE?
No, candidates must first clear the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, which serves as a screening test for IFS.
Q5. What is the age limit for UPSC Indian Forest Service 2026?
The age limit is 21-32 years as on 01 August 2026, with relaxations for reserved categories.
Q6. How many attempts are allowed for IFS exam?
General/EWS: 6 attempts | OBC: 9 attempts | SC/ST: Unlimited attempts (within age limit).
Q7. What is the application fee for UPSC IFS 2026?
General/OBC/EWS male candidates: Rs. 100/- | SC/ST/PwBD/Women: No fee.
Q8. When will the IFS Preliminary Exam be conducted?
The Civil Services Preliminary Examination (common for IFS) will be held on 24 May 2026.
Q9. What is the selection process for Indian Forest Service 2026?
The selection includes CSE Prelims, IFS Mains (6 papers), Interview (300 marks), and Medical/Physical Fitness Test.
Q10. Where can I apply for UPSC IFS Examination 2026?
Candidates can apply online only through the official portal at upsconline.nic.in.