Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) invites online applications for the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 to fill 80 vacancies. The last date to apply is 27-02-2026. Candidates must be graduates with specific subject qualifications and aged between 21 and 32 years. The recruitment process includes Preliminary (CSAT), Main Examination, and Interview stages. The pay scale is as per Pay Level 10 of 7th CPC with an initial salary around Rs 80,000 per month. Application fee varies by category, and applications must be submitted online via the official UPSC portal.
Vacancy Details
- Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam 2026: 80 vacancies
Qualification: Bachelor’s degree with at least one subject from Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, and Zoology; or a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering
Qualification Requirements
Bachelor’s degree with at least one subject from Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, and Zoology; or a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering
Age Limits
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 32 years
Application Fees
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹100
- Female candidates, SC/ST, PwBD: ₹0
- Main Examination fee (General / OBC / EWS): ₹200
- Main Examination fee (SC/ST, PwBD, Women): ₹0
Selection Process
- Preliminary Examination: Candidates take the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) which is a screening test with two objective papers totaling 400 marks. Marks in CSAT are not counted in final merit.
- Main Examination: Written examination consisting of six papers including General English, General Knowledge, and Optional Subjects.
- Interview / Personality Test: Candidates who pass the written exam are called for an interview/personality test of 300 marks. Final merit is based on combined Main exam and interview scores.
How to Apply
- Apply online for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination which also screens for IFS Main Examination.
- If applying for both Civil Services and IFS, apply once and indicate both exams.
- Prepare required documents including educational qualifications and proof of birth.
- Complete URN profile with accurate Photo ID details.
- Fill Common Application Form and Examination Specific Module including fee and center details.
- Upload scanned Photo ID, photograph, live photo, and signature as per instructions.
- One-time URN profile modification allowed; no withdrawal after submission.
- Submit application before 27-02-2026 6:00 PM.
- No need to send printed copy to UPSC; keep a copy for reference.
Important Links
Important Dates
- Last Date to Apply: 27-02-2026
- Preliminary Exam Date: 24-05-2026
