Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Indian Forest Service Officer Recruitment 2026 – 80 Vacancies | Prelims on 24 May 2026

Job Introduction

The UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination 2026 offers a prestigious opportunity for candidates aspiring to serve in India’s environmental and forest administration. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, this recruitment aims to select capable professionals for managing forest resources, wildlife conservation, and sustainable development across the country. A total of 80 IFoS Officer vacancies have been announced for the 2026 cycle.

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Organization Overview

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s premier constitutional body responsible for conducting competitive examinations for All India Services and Central Government positions. The Indian Forest Service is one of the elite All India Services, playing a critical role in environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and forest governance at both State and Central levels.

Important Dates

• Notification Release Date: 04 February 2026
• Online Application Start Date: 04 February 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 24 February 2026
• Civil Services Preliminary Examination: 24 May 2026
• Admit Card Release: May 2026 (Tentative)

Vacancy Details

• Post Name: Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Officer
• Total Vacancies: 80 (Approximate)
• Job Location: All India (State & Central Cadres)
• Employment Type: Permanent Central Government Job

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university in any of the following disciplines:

• Agriculture or Forestry
• Engineering (any branch)
• Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics
• Geology, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science

Final-year students are eligible to apply, subject to successful completion of their degree before the Main Examination stage.

Age Limit (as on 01 August 2026)

• Minimum Age: 21 Years
• Maximum Age: 32 Years

Age relaxation is applicable for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, and Defence Personnel as per Government of India rules.

Number of Attempts

• General / EWS: 6 Attempts
• OBC: 9 Attempts
• SC / ST: Unlimited Attempts
• PwBD candidates receive additional relaxation as applicable.

Salary / Pay Scale / Benefits

Indian Forest Service Officers are placed under the 7th Pay Commission.

• Pay Level: Level 10
• Basic Pay: ₹56,100 per month
• Gross Salary: Includes Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and Transport Allowance

Additional Benefits:

• Government accommodation or HRA
• Medical facilities for self and dependents
• Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
• Official vehicle (as per eligibility)
• Pension under the National Pension System (NPS)

With promotions, officers can progress up to the Apex Scale with a maximum salary of ₹2,25,000 per month.

Selection Process

The UPSC IFoS 2026 selection process consists of the following stages:

1. Civil Services Preliminary Examination
2. Indian Forest Service Main Examination
3. Interview / Personality Test

Examination Pattern

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination

• Paper I (General Studies): 200 Marks (Merit-based)
• Paper II (CSAT): 200 Marks (Qualifying – minimum 33%)
• Negative Marking: 1/3rd marks deducted for incorrect answers

Stage 2: IFoS Main Examination

• Written Examination: 6 Descriptive Papers
• Interview / Personality Test: 300 Marks

Application Fee

• General / OBC / EWS Candidates: ₹100
• SC / ST / PwBD / Female Candidates: No Application Fee

How to Apply

1. Visit the official UPSC online application portal.
2. Complete One Time Registration (OTR) if not already registered.
3. Log in using OTR ID or registered credentials.
4. Select Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026.
5. Choose Indian Forest Service (IFoS) as your preferred service.
6. Fill in personal, educational, and examination details.
7. Upload photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
8. Pay the application fee, if applicable.
9. Submit the form and download the confirmation page.

Important Documents Required

• Recent passport-size photograph
• Scanned signature
• Valid photo identity proof (Aadhaar Card / PAN Card / Voter ID)
• Educational qualification certificates (for later verification)

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is Civil Services Preliminary Examination mandatory for IFoS?
Yes, qualifying the Civil Services Prelims is compulsory to appear for the IFoS Main Examination.

Q2. Can engineering graduates apply for Indian Forest Service?
Yes, candidates holding an engineering degree are eligible.

Q3. Is IFoS a permanent government job?
Yes, Indian Forest Service is a permanent All India Service under the Government of India.

This content is created purely for informational purposes. Applicants must verify all details from the official UPSC notification and website. We are not affiliated with UPSC or any government organization.