UPSC Indian Forest Service Recruitment 2026 Notification Released
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC Forest Service Exam 2026 notification, inviting applications from brilliant and dedicated aspirants to join the prestigious Indian Forest Service (IFoS). This is a premier opportunity for candidates seeking high-profile Government jobs in the Environment and Forest sector. With 80 vacancies announced, the commission is looking for candidates with a strong background in Science or Engineering to manage the country’s natural resources. The online application window is now open from 04th February 2026 until 24th February 2026.
Candidates must note that the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 acts as the screening test for the Indian Forest Service Main Examination. Aspirants must appear for and qualify in the CSP to proceed to the second stage of the IFoS selection process. This article serves as a complete guide on IFoS Vacancy 2026, offering detailed insights into the Indian Forest Service Syllabus, Eligibility Criteria, and the lucrative IFoS Salary. Read on to ensure you have all the necessary information before submitting your application.
Key Highlights: UPSC IFoS Recruitment 2026
The Indian Forest Service (IFoS) is one of the three All India Services, placing officers in critical roles within State and Central governments. Selected candidates play a vital role in environmental conservation and forest management.
- Examination Name: Indian Forest Service Examination, 2026
- Recruiting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Post Name: Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Officer
- Total Vacancies: Approximately 80
- Job Location: All India (Central/State Cadres)
- Application Dates: 04 February 2026 to 24 February 2026
- Preliminary Exam Date: 24 May 2026
- Category: Central Government Jobs / All India Services
UPSC IFoS Vacancy Breakdown 2026
The Commission has notified approximately 80 vacancies for the 2026 examination. The category-wise distribution is crucial for applicants claiming reservation benefits.
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR (Unreserved) | 33 |
| OBC (Other Backward Classes) | 21 |
| SC (Scheduled Castes) | 12 |
| ST (Scheduled Tribes) | 06 |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | 08 |
| Total | 80 |
Note: Vacancies are liable to alteration. Reservation for PwBD and other categories is applicable as per Government of India rules.
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Forest Service Exam 2026
To avoid rejection, candidates must strictly satisfy the eligibility conditions laid out in the UPSC IFoS Notification 2026.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess 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
- Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture
- Bachelor’s degree in Forestry
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
Note: Final year students can apply provisionally but must produce proof of passing the requisite examination at the time of the Main Examination application.
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
- Cut-off Date: Age is calculated as of 1st August, 2026. (Born between 02-08-1994 and 01-08-2005).
Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- Defence Personnel: 3 years
- Ex-Servicemen: 5 years
- PwBD: 10 years
Number of Attempts
- General/EWS: 06 Attempts
- OBC: 09 Attempts
- SC/ST: Unlimited Attempts
- PwBD: 09 Attempts (Unlimited for SC/ST PwBD)
Indian Forest Service Salary and Benefits
The Indian Forest Service Salary structure is highly attractive, governed by the 7th Pay Commission. IFoS officers enjoy a status equivalent to IAS and IPS officers.
- Pay Level: Junior Time Scale starts at Pay Level 10.
- Basic Pay: ₹56,100 per month (Entry Level).
- Gross Salary: Including DA, HRA, and TA, the gross monthly salary at the start is significantly higher.
Perks and Allowances:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Revised semi-annually to counter inflation.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Provided if official accommodation is not availed (ranges from 9% to 27%).
- Transport Allowance (TA): For commuting expenses.
- Facilities: Medical coverage, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), Official Vehicle, and Driver (based on rank).
- Pension: Coverage under the National Pension System (NPS).
Career progression includes promotions to Senior Time Scale, Junior Administrative Grade, and up to the Apex Scale (PCCF) with a salary of ₹2,25,000.
Selection Process: Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The UPSC Forest Service Selection Process is rigorous and comprises two stages.
Stage 1: Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination
- Type: Objective Type (Screening Test)
- Date: 24th May 2026
- Paper I (General Studies): 200 Marks. Merit determines qualification for Mains.
- Paper II (CSAT): 200 Marks. Qualifying nature (Min. 33% required).
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd of the marks assigned to the question are deducted for wrong answers.
Stage 2: Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination
- Written Exam: 6 Papers (Conventional/Descriptive).
- Paper I: General English (300 Marks)
- Paper II: General Knowledge (300 Marks)
- Paper III & IV: Optional Subject 1 (200 Marks each)
- Paper V & VI: Optional Subject 2 (200 Marks each)
- Interview/Personality Test: 300 Marks. Assesses leadership, tactical ability, and intellectual curiosity.
How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this guide to submit your UPSC IFoS Application Form 2026 correctly.
- OTR Registration: Visit upsconline.nic.in. Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) if you haven’t already.
- Login: Use Email/Mobile/OTR ID to log in.
- Find Notification: Go to “Latest Notifications” and select Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination.
- Choose Service: Explicitly select “Indian Forest Service” (or both Civil Services & IFoS) in the application.
- Fill Details: Enter personal, educational, and centre choices accurately.
- Upload Photos: Upload a clear Photograph and Signature as per the specific dimensions mentioned in the portal.
- Payment: Pay the ₹100 fee (if applicable) via UPI/Card/Net Banking.
- Submit & Print: Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.
Documents Required: Scanned Photo, Signature, and Photo ID Card (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID).
Important Dates for UPSC IFoS 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 04 February 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (18:00 Hours) |
| Prelims Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | May 2026 (Last week approx.) |
Application Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹ 100/- |
| Female / SC / ST / PwBD | Exempted (Nil) |
Essential Links for UPSC Forest Service Exam 2026
- Official Notification PDF: Download Notification Here
- Apply Online: Click Here to Apply
- Official Website: Visit UPSC Website
- WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs: Join Here
- Telegram Channel for Government Jobs: Join Here
The UPSC Forest Service Exam 2026 is a prestigious gateway for dedicated individuals to serve the nation in the field of forestry and environment. With the application window closing on 24th February 2026, aspirants are advised to apply early to avoid last-minute congestion. Verify your eligibility, prepare with the syllabus in mind, and take the first step towards a rewarding career in the Indian Forest Service.