UPSC IFoS Mains 2026 Exam Date Out: Time Table for 22 to 29 November — Latest Update
📢 Mains Time Table Released: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the time table of the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026. The written exam will be held from 22 November 2026 (Sunday) to 29 November 2026 (Sunday) in two sessions a day — forenoon from 9.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and afternoon from 2.30 PM to 5.30 PM. There is no paper on 24 November 2026 (Tuesday), which the time table marks as a gazetted holiday. This stage is for the 1046 candidates who qualified in the screening result declared on 15 June 2026.
What is the UPSC IFoS Mains 2026 Day-Wise Time Table?
Every candidate writes General English and General Knowledge on the first day. After that, you sit only on the days your two optional subjects are scheduled, so mark those dates first.
| Date & Day | Forenoon Session (9.00 AM to 12.00 Noon) | Afternoon Session (2.30 PM to 5.30 PM) |
|---|---|---|
| 22-11-2026 (Sunday) | General English | General Knowledge |
| 23-11-2026 (Monday) | Mathematics Paper-I / Zoology Paper-I | Mathematics Paper-II / Zoology Paper-II |
| 24-11-2026 (Tuesday) | No paper (Gazetted Holiday) | No paper (Gazetted Holiday) |
| 25-11-2026 (Wednesday) | Civil Engineering Paper-I / Chemical Engineering Paper-I / Mechanical Engineering Paper-I | Civil Engineering Paper-II / Chemical Engineering Paper-II / Mechanical Engineering Paper-II |
| 26-11-2026 (Thursday) | Agricultural Engineering Paper-I / Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Paper-I / Botany Paper-I / Chemistry Paper-I | Agricultural Engineering Paper-II / Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Paper-II / Botany Paper-II / Chemistry Paper-II |
| 27-11-2026 (Friday) | Agriculture Paper-I / Forestry Paper-I | Agriculture Paper-II / Forestry Paper-II |
| 28-11-2026 (Saturday) | Physics Paper-I | Physics Paper-II |
| 29-11-2026 (Sunday) | Geology Paper-I / Statistics Paper-I | Geology Paper-II / Statistics Paper-II |
What is the Exam Pattern for UPSC IFoS Mains 2026?
The written part has six conventional (essay) type papers of three hours each. All papers are set in English only and must be answered in English.
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General English | 300 |
| Paper II | General Knowledge | 300 |
| Papers III & IV | Optional Subject 1 (two papers) | 400 (200 each) |
| Papers V & VI | Optional Subject 2 (two papers) | 400 (200 each) |
| Written Part (Aggregate) | All six papers | 1400 |
| Interview / Personality Test | For candidates called by the Commission | 300 |
The Commission has the discretion to fix qualifying marks in any or all of the papers. Marks are deducted for handwriting that is not easily legible, and an answer script carrying irrelevant marks or anything that could disclose your identity can lose marks or not be evaluated at all.
Where are the UPSC IFoS Mains 2026 Exam Centres?
The notice lists ten centres for the Main Examination: Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi, Dispur (Guwahati), Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Nagpur, Port Blair and Shimla. The centres and dates are liable to be changed at the Commission’s discretion, and no request for a change of centre will be entertained. A candidate who appears at a venue other than the one shown on the e-Admit Card will not be allowed to take the examination.
UPSC IFoS Mains 2026 e-Admit Card and Exam-Day Rules
UPSC has not yet announced a separate download date for the mains e-Admit Card. Under the notice’s general rule, e-Admit Cards are issued on the last working day of the week before the exam on upsconline.nic.in, and none is sent by post or e-mail. Candidates who changed their scribe seven days before the exam get it three days before the exam. Remember these points:
- Mandatory login window: Qualified candidates must log in during the window UPSC provides after the result and submit the application to generate the e-Admit Card, failing which they will not be allowed to participate in further stages.
- Equivalent degree holders: If you hold a qualification equivalent to the prescribed Bachelor’s degree, the university certificate confirming it must be submitted with your Main Examination application, failing which you will not be admitted to the Main Examination.
- Reach early: Reach the venue at least 30 minutes before each session. No late entry is allowed under any circumstances, and face authentication is mandatory.
- Banned items: Mobile phones (even switched off), smart watches, pen drives, cameras and Bluetooth devices are strictly prohibited. Any infringement entails disciplinary action, including a ban from future examinations, and no safe-keeping is arranged at the venue.
- Calculators: Scientific non-programmable calculators are allowed in these conventional papers. A programmable calculator is treated as unfair means, and loaning or exchanging calculators in the hall is not permitted.
- Misconduct: Possessing or using unfair means, impersonation or violating the e-Admit Card instructions makes a candidate liable to criminal prosecution, disqualification from the examination and debarment from UPSC examinations, permanently or for a specified period.
- Scribe: Candidates must write in their own hand. A scribe is allowed only to eligible persons with benchmark disabilities under the notice’s rules.
What Comes After the IFoS Mains 2026
Candidates who obtain the minimum qualifying marks fixed by the Commission in the written part will be called for the Interview / Personality Test of 300 marks, which has no minimum qualifying marks. The number called will be about twice the number of vacancies, and final ranking depends on the written and interview marks together. Selected candidates must also meet the prescribed physical and medical standards.
Those who qualify for the interview get a 15-day window to upload proof of passing the qualifying degree and update their details. Anyone who fails to do so will have the candidature cancelled, and no e-summon letter will be issued. For more exam schedules, follow our Exam Calendar and admit card updates.
Essential Links for UPSC IFoS Mains 2026 Time Table
- UPSC IFoS Mains 2026 Time Table: UPSC IFoS Mains 2026 Time Table PDF
- UPSC Official Website: Visit UPSC IFoS Mains Official Website
- e-Admit Card Portal: UPSC Online Portal for IFoS Mains e-Admit Card
Keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in for the latest UPSC jobs updates and the IFoS Mains 2026 admit card and result.
UPSC IFoS (Prelims) Result 2026 Declared — Check Indian Forest Service Pre Result & Qualified List for Mains
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📢 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. UPSC announces the dates of this online window on its website.
👉 Download UPSC IFoS Prelims 2026 Written Result (Roll Numbers) PDF
👉 Download UPSC IFoS Prelims 2026 Written Result (With Names) PDF
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). The application window has since closed. View official extension noticeUPSC 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 was open from 04 February 2026 to 27 February 2026 and has now closed. 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 the Main Examination.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 |
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
- Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture
- Bachelor’s degree in Forestry
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
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).
- 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.
- 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).
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 for UPSC IFoS 2026: Step-by-Step Submission 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.
Important Dates for UPSC IFoS 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 04 February 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 27 February 2026 (up to 06:00 PM) |
| Prelims Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Prelims e-Admit Card | Last working day of the week before the exam |
| Prelims Result (IFoS Mains Qualifiers) | 15 June 2026 |
| Mains e-Admit Card | Date not yet announced |
| IFoS Mains Exam Date | 22 to 29 November 2026 (no paper on 24 November) |
UPSC Forest Service 2026 Application Fees: Eligibility and Payment Details
| 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
- UPSC Online Portal (applications closed on 27 February 2026): Visit UPSC Online Portal
- Official Website: Visit UPSC Website
- WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs: Join Here
- Telegram Channel for Government Jobs: Join Here