UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026:
Apply Online for IFS Recruitment
1. Detailed Overview of UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026
UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released Examination Notice No. 06/2026-IFOSE for the Indian Forest Service Examination, 2026. This competitive examination is conducted to select officers for the Indian Forest Service (IFS), which is one of the three All India Services alongside IAS and IPS.
A crucial requirement for all aspirants is that they must appear in the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026. There is no separate preliminary exam for IFS; the Civil Services Prelims serves as the screening test. Only those who qualify in the Prelims will be eligible to appear for the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination.
2. Important Dates UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026
3.UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details
The approximate number of vacancies to be filled on the results of the examination is expected to be approximately 150. This number is tentative and subject to change. Reservation will be made for candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwBD categories as per Government of India rules.
4. Eligibility Criteria & Qualifications
Candidates must ensure they fulfill the following eligibility norms as of 1st August 2026.
Educational Qualification
A candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least one of the following subjects:
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
- Zoology
OR a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering.
Age Limit (As on 01.08.2026):
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
- Upper Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 Years
- OBC: 3 Years
- PwBD: 10 Years
- Ex-Servicemen: 5 Years
5.UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
6. Selection Process
The Indian Forest Service Examination consists of two successive stages:
- Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination: This is an objective type exam consisting of two papers (GS I and CSAT). It serves as the screening test for selection to the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination.
- Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination:
- Written Examination: Consists of 6 papers (General English, General Knowledge, and two optional subjects with two papers each).
- Personality Test (Interview): For candidates who qualify the written exam.
7. How to Apply Online
Candidates are required to register themselves on the OTR platform available on the Commission’s website upsconline.nic.in. OTR is mandatory.
Login with OTR ID and fill the application form for Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination. Carefully indicate your preference as “Both” or “IFS” if eligible.
Upload scanned photograph and signature as per the specifications mentioned in the notification.
Pay the examination fee of ₹100/- via online mode or by cash at SBI branches (if applicable).
Preview and final submit the form. Candidates can modify OTR profile once in a lifetime and the application form during the correction window (25 Feb – 03 Mar).