UPSC IFS Recruitment Notification 2026 – Apply Online for 80 Indian Forest Service Examination Posts

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026. This recruitment drive aims to fill approximately 80 posts of Indian Forest Service Officers. The UPSC IFS exam is one of the most prestigious competitive examinations in India, offering a rewarding career in forest management and conservation.

As per official information, the online application process begins on 04 February 2026 and closes on 24 February 2026. Candidates interested in serving the nation through forestry and environmental protection should apply through the official UPSC website. This article provides a detailed guide about the recruitment process, eligibility, selection stages, and important guidelines.

Overview of the Notification / Result / Job

Detail	Information
Organization	Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Name	Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoSE) 2026
Post Name	Indian Forest Service Officer
Total Vacancies	80 (Approx.)
Exam Stages	Preliminary (Civil Services Exam), IFS Mains, Interview
Qualification	Bachelor’s degree with specified subjects
Age Limit	21–32 years (as on 01 August 2026)
Application Mode	Online
Official Website	https://www.upsc.gov.in

Important Dates & Timeline

Event	Date
Notification Release Date	04 February 2026
Online Application Start Date	04 February 2026
Last Date to Apply Online	24 February 2026 (6:00 PM)
Preliminary Exam Date (Civil Services Exam)	As per UPSC Calendar (Tentative: May/June 2026)
IFS Mains Exam Date	As per UPSC Calendar (Tentative: November 2026)
Interview/Personality Test	To be announced
Final Result Declaration	To be announced

Eligibility Criteria

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Must be a citizen of India, Nepal, Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee (as per UPSC rules)
Age Limit (as on 01 August 2026)	Minimum: 21 years Maximum: 32 years (Age relaxation for reserved categories as per government norms)
Educational Qualification	Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the following subjects: – Botany – Zoology – Chemistry – Physics – Mathematics – Statistics – Geology – Agriculture – Forestry – Engineering – Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
Physical Standards	Candidates must meet the physical standards specified by UPSC for the IFS exam

Application / Checking Process (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Visit the Official UPSC Website

Go to the official UPSC portal: https://www.upsc.gov.in. Ensure you are on the correct website to avoid fraudulent links.

Step 2: Register for the Exam

Click on the “Online Application for Various Examinations” link. Select the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026. Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) if you are a new user. Existing users can log in with their credentials.

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

After logging in, fill in the required details such as personal information, educational qualifications, and contact details. Double-check all entries for accuracy.

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other required documents. Ensure the files meet the specified size and format guidelines.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

Pay the application fee online using net banking, credit card, or debit card. The fee details are as follows:

• General/OBC: ₹100
• SC/ST/Female/PWD: Exempted

Step 6: Submit the Application

Review the application form carefully before final submission. Once submitted, take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.

Selection Process / Evaluation Method

The UPSC IFS selection process consists of three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination (Civil Services Exam)

This is a common exam for both Civil Services and Indian Forest Service candidates. It consists of two objective-type papers:

• Paper I: General Studies (200 marks)
• Paper II: CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) (200 marks)

Only candidates who qualify in the Preliminary Exam are eligible for the IFS Mains.

2. Indian Forest Service Mains Examination

The IFS Mains exam consists of six descriptive papers:

• Paper I: General English (300 marks)
• Paper II: General Knowledge (300 marks)
• Paper III to VI: Optional Subjects (200 marks each)

Candidates must choose two optional subjects from the list provided by UPSC.

3. Interview/Personality Test

Candidates who qualify the Mains exam are called for the interview. The interview carries 300 marks and assesses the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and suitability for the role.

Documents Required

Document	Details
Photograph	Recent passport-size photograph (scanned copy)
Signature	Scanned copy of the candidate’s signature
Educational Certificates	Mark sheets and degree certificates of qualifying exams
Age Proof	Birth certificate or Class 10 mark sheet
Category Certificate (if applicable)	SC/ST/OBC/EWS certificate issued by competent authority
Disability Certificate (if applicable)	Certificate for Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
Photo ID Proof	Aadhar card, PAN card, or passport

Salary / Benefits / Career Scope (if job-related)

The Indian Forest Service (IFS) offers a prestigious and rewarding career with attractive salary and benefits. Here are the key details:

Salary Structure

As per the 7th Pay Commission, the salary for an IFS officer ranges from ₹56,100 to ₹2,25,000 per month, depending on the rank and experience. The pay scale includes:

• Basic Pay: ₹56,100
• Grade Pay: Varies by rank
• Dearness Allowance (DA): As per government norms
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): Based on posting location
• Travel Allowance (TA): For official travel

Benefits

• Job security and pension benefits
• Medical facilities for self and family
• Accommodation or housing allowance
• Leave travel concession (LTC)
• Opportunities for professional growth and training

Career Scope

IFS officers play a crucial role in managing and conserving India’s forests and wildlife. They work under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and are responsible for:

• Forest management and conservation
• Wildlife protection and biodiversity preservation
• Implementation of environmental policies
• Afforestation and sustainable development projects

With experience, IFS officers can rise to senior positions such as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Chief Wildlife Warden, and even Secretary-level roles in the government.

Important Rules & Guidelines (Table Prefered)

Rule/Guideline	Details
Application Submission	Only online applications are accepted. No offline forms will be entertained.
Multiple Applications	Candidates can apply for both Civil Services and IFS exams but must appear for separate Mains exams if qualified.
Correction Window	UPSC provides a limited window for correcting application details. Candidates must use this opportunity carefully.
Admit Card	Admit cards are issued online. Candidates must download and print them from the official website.
Exam Conduct	Candidates must follow the exam day guidelines, including carrying valid ID proof and admit card.
Negative Marking	The Preliminary Exam has negative marking for incorrect answers. One-third of the marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
Physical Standards	Candidates must meet the physical standards specified by UPSC. Medical examination is mandatory for final selection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	How to Avoid
Incorrect Application Details	Double-check all entries before submitting the application form. Use the correction window if needed.
Missing Deadlines	Note down all important dates and set reminders for the last date of application and exam dates.
Uploading Wrong Documents	Ensure all documents are scanned clearly and meet the specified size and format requirements.
Ignoring Eligibility Criteria	Read the eligibility criteria carefully before applying. Ensure you meet all requirements, including age and educational qualifications.
Not Preparing for All Stages	The IFS exam is a multi-stage process. Prepare thoroughly for Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages.
Overlooking Physical Standards	Check the physical standards required for the IFS exam. Start preparing early if you need to meet specific fitness criteria.
Relying on Unofficial Sources	Always refer to the official UPSC website for accurate and updated information. Avoid relying on unverified sources.

Who Should Apply / Check This?

The UPSC IFS exam is ideal for candidates who:

• Have a passion for environmental conservation and forestry.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree in subjects like Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Forestry, or related fields.
• Are looking for a challenging and prestigious career in government service.
• Meet the age and physical standards specified by UPSC.
• Are willing to work in diverse and often remote locations across India.

Students who are in their final year of graduation and meet the eligibility criteria can also apply, provided they submit their degree certificate before the specified date.

How to Use the Official Website https://www.upsc.gov.in

Task	Steps to Follow
Find the IFS Notification	1. Visit https://www.upsc.gov.in. 2. Click on “Examinations” in the top menu. 3. Select “Active Examinations.” 4. Find the “Indian Forest Service Examination 2026” link and click on it.
Apply Online	1. Click on “Online Application for Various Examinations.” 2. Register or log in using your credentials. 3. Fill in the application form and upload documents. 4. Pay the application fee and submit the form.
Download Admit Card	1. Go to the UPSC website. 2. Click on “Admit Cards” in the “Examinations” section. 3. Select the IFS exam and enter your registration details. 4. Download and print the admit card.
Check Results	1. Visit the UPSC website. 2. Click on “Written Results” or “Final Results” under the “Examinations” tab. 3. Find the IFS exam result link and download the PDF.
Access Syllabus and Exam Pattern	1. Go to the “Examinations” section on the UPSC website. 2. Click on “Indian Forest Service Examination.” 3. Download the syllabus and exam pattern PDF.
Contact UPSC for Queries	1. Visit the “Contact Us” section on the UPSC website. 2. Find the helpline numbers or email addresses for exam-related queries. 3. Use the provided contact details to reach out for assistance.

Official Links & Verification

For accurate and updated information, always refer to the official UPSC website. Below are the key links:

• Official Website: https://www.upsc.gov.in
• IFS Notification 2026: Available under the “Examinations” section on the UPSC website
• Online Application Link: https://upsconline.nic.in
• Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Download from the UPSC website
• Admit Card Download: Available on the UPSC website before the exam

Students are advised to verify all details from the official sources before applying or making any decisions.

FAQs:

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is based on the official UPSC IFS Recruitment Notification 2026. However, details such as dates, vacancies, and eligibility criteria may change as per UPSC’s discretion. Candidates are strongly advised to visit the official UPSC website for the latest updates and accurate information.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee selection or job placement. The author and publisher are not responsible for any errors or omissions in the content. Always refer to the official notification for the most reliable information.