The UPSC Forest Service Exam 2026 notification has been released by the Union Public Service Commission for recruitment to the elite Indian Forest Service (IFoS). This exam provides a high-quality job opening for graduates who are interested in working in the field of environment protection, wildlife conservation, and forest management in India. The UPSC has announced around 80 vacancies in the IFoS, and interested candidates can apply online from 04 February 2026 to 24 February 2026.
The Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 is the screening test for the Indian Forest Service recruitment process. Only candidates who are able to clear the prelims will be allowed to sit for the IFoS Main Exam. This article provides all the information regarding the vacancy breakdown, eligibility criteria, age limit, salary, exam pattern, and application process.
UPSC IFoS Recruitment 2026 – Key Highlights
The Indian Forest Service is one of the three All India Services and is very important for the governance of the environment in the country. The officers are appointed to the central and state cadres.
| Exam Name | Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post | IFoS Officer |
| Total Vacancies | 80 (Approx.) |
| Job Location | All India |
| Application Dates | 04 Feb – 24 Feb 2026 |
| Prelims Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Category | Central Government Job |
Important Dates – UPSC IFoS 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 04 Feb 2026 |
| Apply Online Start | 04 Feb 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 Feb 2026 |
| Prelims Exam | 24 May 2026 |
| Admit Card | May 2026 |
UPSC IFoS Vacancy 2026 Category-Wise Distribution
UPSC has released an estimated 80 vacancies with reservation benefits as per Government rules.
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR | 33 |
| OBC | 21 |
| SC | 12 |
| ST | 06 |
| EWS | 08 |
| Total | 80 |
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC IFoS 2026
Candidates must carefully review the UPSC IFoS eligibility criteria before applying.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least one of these subjects:
Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology
OR a degree in:
- Agriculture / Forestry / Engineering
- Final-year students may apply provisionally.
Age Limit
- Minimum: 21 years
- Maximum: 32 years
- Age calculated on: 01 August 2026
Age Relaxation
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- Defence Personnel: 3 years
- Ex-Servicemen: 5 years
- PwBD: 10 years
Attempt Limit
- General/EWS: 6
- OBC: 9
- SC/ST: Unlimited
- PwBD: 9 (Unlimited for SC/ST)
Indian Forest Service Salary Structure
The IFoS salary follows the 7th Pay Commission and matches the status of IAS/IPS officers.
- Entry Pay Level: Level 10
- Basic Salary: ₹56,100/month
- Gross Salary: Higher with DA, HRA, TA
Benefits and Allowances
- Dearness Allowance
- House Rent Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Medical facilities
- Leave Travel Concession
- Official vehicle (rank-based)
- Pension under NPS
Senior promotions can reach Apex Scale salary of ₹2,25,000.
UPSC Forest Service Selection Process 2026
The IFoS recruitment includes two major stages.
Stage 1 – Civil Services Preliminary Exam
- Objective exam
- 24 May 2026
- GS Paper I: 200 marks (merit-based)
- CSAT Paper II: 200 marks (qualifying)
- Negative marking applies
Stage 2 – IFoS Main Examination
- 6 descriptive papers
- English: 300 marks
- General Knowledge: 300 marks
- Optional Subject Papers: 4 papers
- Interview: 300 marks
Similar Government Job Notifications
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | ₹100 |
| Female/SC/ST/PwBD | Exempted |
How to Apply for UPSC Forest Service 2026 Notification
Follow these steps to complete the online application:
- Visit upsconline.nic.in
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR)
- Log in using credentials
- Select Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam
- Choose Indian Forest Service option
- Fill personal & academic details
- Upload photo and signature
- Pay ₹100 fee (if applicable)
- Submit and print confirmation
Documents Required: Photo, Signature, Photo ID
Official Links – UPSC IFoS 2026
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Download PDF |
| Apply Online | upsconline.nic.in |
| Official Website | Visit Here |
| Join Our WhatsApp Channel | Click to Join |
FAQs
1. What is the total vacancy in UPSC Forest Service 2026?
UPSC has announced approximately 80 vacancies for the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination 2026.
2. What is the last date to apply for UPSC IFoS 2026?
The last date to submit the UPSC Forest Service 2026 online application is 24 February 2026.
3. Who can apply for UPSC Forest Service Exam 2026?
Candidates with a science, agriculture, forestry, or engineering degree from a recognized university can apply.
4. Is UPSC Prelims mandatory for IFoS 2026?
Yes, candidates must qualify the Civil Services Preliminary Exam to appear for the IFoS Main Examination.
5. What is the age limit for UPSC IFoS Recruitment 2026?
Applicants must be between 21 and 32 years as of 1 August 2026, with relaxation for reserved categories.
