UPSC Indian Forest Service Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 80 Posts
The Union Public Service Commission has released the official notification for the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026.
This recruitment provides a prestigious opportunity for science and engineering graduates to serve the nation through forest conservation, environmental protection, and sustainable resource management.
UPSC Indian Forest Service Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Organisation | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoSE) 2026 |
| Post Name | Indian Forest Service Officer |
| Total Posts | 80 (Approximate) |
| Salary | Pay Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) plus allowances |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree with specified subjects |
| Age Limit | 21 to 32 years (as on 01 August 2026) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date | 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Official Website | https://www.upsc.gov.in |
Why Apply for UPSC Indian Forest Service Recruitment 2026?
- Prestigious All India Service with constitutional backing
- Opportunity to work in forest conservation and environmental governance
- Excellent salary structure with government allowances
- Job security with structured promotions
- Postings across India with leadership responsibilities
- Social respect and administrative authority
About Indian Forest Service (IFoS)
The Indian Forest Service is one of the three All India Services of the Government of India.
Officers of the Indian Forest Service play a crucial role in managing forest resources, wildlife conservation,
implementation of environmental laws, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development initiatives.
After selection, candidates undergo professional training and are appointed to senior administrative roles
in state forest departments, central ministries, wildlife institutions, and international environmental bodies.
Vacancy Details – Category Wise
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 33 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 21 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 12 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 06 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 08 |
| Total | 80 |
Eligibility Criteria Explained in Detail
Nationality
The candidate must be a citizen of India. Certain other nationality conditions as per UPSC rules may apply,
but Indian citizenship is mandatory for appointment to the Indian Forest Service.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or equivalent qualification with
at least one of the following subjects:
- Botany
- Zoology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Geology
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Engineering
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
Final year students may apply provided they can submit proof of qualification before the main examination.
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
- Ex-Servicemen: As per government rules
Application Fee Details
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100/- |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women | Nil |
The fee can be paid online through net banking, credit card, debit card, or offline through SBI challan.
Salary Structure and Service Benefits
Indian Forest Service Officers are appointed at Pay Level 10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission.
- Pay Scale: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance
- Medical facilities
- Leave Travel Concessions
- Pension and retirement benefits
With promotions, officers can reach senior positions such as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and
Secretary-level posts in the Government of India.
Selection Process – Complete Explanation
- Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026
- Indian Forest Service Main Examination
- Interview / Personality Test
- Medical and Physical Standards Test
Preliminary Examination Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | CSAT (Qualifying) | 200 | 2 Hours |
CSAT is qualifying with 33% marks. There is negative marking of one-third for incorrect answers.
Preliminary marks are not counted in the final merit list.
IFoS Main Examination Pattern
| Paper | Marks |
|---|---|
| General English | 300 |
| General Knowledge | 300 |
| Optional Subject – Paper I | 200 |
| Optional Subject – Paper II | 200 |
| Optional Subject – Paper III | 200 |
| Optional Subject – Paper IV | 200 |
Interview / Personality Test
The interview carries 300 marks. The total merit marks are 1400.
The interview assesses leadership, integrity, awareness, and suitability for public service.
How to Apply Online – Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit the official UPSC website
- Go to upsconline.nic.in
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR)
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF)
- Select Indian Forest Service Examination 2026
- Upload photograph, signature, and documents
- Pay the application fee if applicable
- Submit the application before 24 February 2026
- Download the confirmation page for reference
Documents Required
- Photograph and signature
- Educational qualification certificates
- Date of birth proof
- Caste / category certificate (if applicable)
- PwBD certificate (if applicable)
- Valid photo identity proof
Important Dates
- Notification Release Date: 04 February 2026
- Application Start Date: 04 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 24 February 2026
- Preliminary Examination: 24 May 2026
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Disclaimer: Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official notification and website before applying.
CareerFocusNow provides information for guidance purposes only.