UPSC IFoS (Prelims) Result 2026 Declared — Check Indian Forest Service Pre Result & Qualified List for Mains
📢 Result Declared (15 June 2026): UPSC has announced the result of the Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 — conducted through the screening of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 held on 24 May 2026. The candidates whose roll numbers appear in the official list have qualified for the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026. Check your roll number in the result PDFs below. The result of Roll Number 6300119 has been withheld pending the outcome of an ongoing court case.
Qualified candidates must log in at upsconline.nic.in to fill the Detailed Application Form, pay the Rs. 200 Main exam fee (Female / SC / ST / PwBD candidates are exempted) and submit their cadre preference. The exact dates of this online application window will be announced soon by the Commission.
UPSC Forest Service Exam 2026: Last Date Extended to 27 February 2026 — Latest Update
Good news! UPSC has extended the last date for the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 application by 3 days. New last date: 27 February 2026 (up to 06:00 PM). Hurry up and apply if you haven’t yet! View official extension notice
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 04 February 2026 until 27 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 27 February 2026 (Extended)
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)
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 27 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.