The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoSE) 2026 notification for the recruitment of 80 Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officers. This is a prestigious opportunity for candidates with a science or engineering background who aspire to serve in forest conservation and environmental management roles.
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official UPSC portal. The online application process begins on 04 February 2026 and will close on 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM).
UPSC Indian Forest Service Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Details | 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.) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Age Limit | 21 to 32 Years |
| Selection Stages | Prelims, IFoS Mains, Interview |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC IFS 2026 Vacancy Details (Category-wise)
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR | 33 |
| OBC | 21 |
| SC | 12 |
| ST | 06 |
| EWS | 08 |
| Total | 80 |
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC IFS 2026
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold a 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
📌 Degrees from recognized universities or equivalent qualifications are accepted.
Age Limit (as on 01 August 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 32 years
Age Relaxation
- SC/ST – 5 years
- OBC – 3 years
- PwBD – Up to 10 years
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women | No Fee |
UPSC IFS 2026 Selection Process
The selection process consists of the following stages:
- Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026
- Indian Forest Service Main Examination (Written)
- Interview / Personality Test
- Medical & Physical Standards Test
⚠️ The Civil Services Preliminary Exam serves as the screening test for IFS candidates.
UPSC IFS Preliminary Examination Pattern (Common with CSE)
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | CSAT (Qualifying) | 200 | 2 Hours |
Key Points:
- CSAT is qualifying (33% required)
- Negative marking: 1/3rd marks deducted
- Prelims marks are not counted in final merit
UPSC IFS Main Examination Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General English | 300 |
| Paper II | General Knowledge | 300 |
| Paper III–VI | Optional Subject (4 Papers) | 800 |
Written Examination Marks: 1400
Interview / Personality Test
| Stage | Marks |
|---|---|
| Interview | 300 |
📊 Total Merit Marks: 1400 (Written) + 300 (Interview)
Important Dates – UPSC IFS 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 04 February 2026 |
| Application Start | 04 February 2026 |
| Application End | 24 February 2026 |
| Preliminary Exam | 24 May 2026 |
How to Apply for UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026
- Visit upsconline.nic.in
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR)
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF)
- Select Indian Forest Service Examination
- Upload photograph, signature, and documents
- Pay the application fee (if applicable)
- Submit the form before 24 February 2026
UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026 – FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC IFS 2026?
👉 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM)
Q2. How many vacancies are announced?
👉 Approximately 80 posts
Q3. Is UPSC IFS conducted separately from CSE?
👉 No, the Civil Services Preliminary Exam acts as the screening test.
Q4. What is the qualification required for IFS?
👉 Bachelor’s degree with specified science/engineering subjects.
Q5. What is the age limit for UPSC IFS 2026?
👉 21–32 years with category-wise relaxation.
