The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC Recruitment 2026 notification for 80 Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer posts. Candidates holding a B.Sc degree or an equivalent qualification are eligible to apply for this prestigious service.
The online application process begins on 04 February 2026 and will remain open until 24 February 2026. Eligible candidates must submit their applications online only through the official UPSC website at https://www.upsc.gov.in.
Interested applicants are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria before applying. This recruitment drive provides a detailed overview of important aspects such as educational qualification, age limit, pay scale, selection process, application procedure, and important dates. Direct links to the official notification and the online application form are also available for the convenience of candidates.
Candidates are encouraged to complete the application process well before the closing date to avoid any last-minute issues.
Highlights :
| Organization / Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoSE) 2026 |
| Post Name | Indian Forest Service Officer |
| Total Number of Vacancies | 80 Posts (Approximate, subject to change) |
| Job Category | Central Government Job |
| Service Cadre | All India Service |
| Exam Stages / Selection Process | Preliminary Examination (Civil Services Prelims), Indian Forest Service Main Examination, Personality Test / Interview |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree in relevant subjects as specified by UPSC from a recognized university |
| Age Limit | Minimum: 21 Years Maximum: 32 Years |
| Age Calculation Date | As on 01 August 2026 |
| Age Relaxation | Applicable for SC / ST / OBC / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen as per Government of India rules |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Online Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 24 February 2026 (up to 6:00 PM) |
| Application Fee Payment Mode | Online / Offline as per UPSC norms |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Official Website | https://www.upsc.gov.in |
Total Vacancies :
Total Posts : 80
| Category | Number of Vacancies |
| UR (Unreserved / General) | 33 |
| OBC (Other Backward Classes) | 21 |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 12 |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 06 |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | 08 |
| Total Vacancies | 80 |
Age Limit :
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Age Relaxation Details |
| General / UR | 21 Years | 32 Years | No relaxation |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 21 Years | 35 Years | 3 Years relaxation |
| SC / ST | 21 Years | 37 Years | 5 Years relaxation |
| PwBD (General) | 21 Years | 42 Years | Up to 10 Years relaxation |
| PwBD (OBC) | 21 Years | 45 Years | Up to 13 Years relaxation |
| PwBD (SC / ST) | 21 Years | 47 Years | Up to 15 Years relaxation |
Application Fee :
| Category | Application Fee | Fee Exemption Details |
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100/- | Fee must be paid during online application |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | Nil | Fully exempted from fee payment |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | Nil | Fully exempted from fee payment |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) | Nil | Fee exemption as per UPSC norms |
| Women Candidates (All Categories) | Nil | Exempted from application fee |
Mode of Fee Payment:
- Online: Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking / UPI
- Offline: Cash payment at SBI branch (as per UPSC guidelines)
Important Notes :
Fee exemption is applicable only to candidates who claim reservation or exemption correctly during the application process.
Application fee once paid is non-refundable.
Educational / Eligibility Qualification :
| Post Name | Educational Qualification Required | Eligible Subjects / Streams |
| Indian Forest Service Officer | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University or Institution | Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Geology, Agriculture, Forestry, Engineering (any discipline), Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science |
Selection Process :
| Stage No. | Selection Stage | Details |
| Stage 1 | Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 | Objective-type examination conducted by UPSC. It consists of two papers (General Studies Paper I & CSAT). This stage is qualifying in nature for IFoS candidates to shortlist applicants for the Main Examination. |
| Stage 2 | Indian Forest Service Main Examination (Written) | Descriptive written examination consisting of multiple papers related to General English, General Knowledge, and optional subjects chosen by the candidate. Marks obtained in this stage are counted for final merit. |
| Stage 3 | Interview / Personality Test | Conducted by UPSC to assess the candidate’s personality, leadership qualities, decision-making ability, and suitability for the Indian Forest Service. Marks obtained are added to the final merit list. |
| Stage 4 | Medical & Physical Standards Test | Candidates must meet the prescribed medical fitness and physical standards as laid down by UPSC and Government of India rules for appointment to the Indian Forest Service. |
Important Dates :
| Official Notification Release Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 24 February 2026 |
| Application Fee Last Date | 24 February 2026 |
| Admit Card for Preliminary Exam | May 2026 (Tentative) |
| Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Indian Forest Service Main Exam Date | To be Notified |
| Interview / Personality Test | To be Notified |
| Final Result Declaration | To be Notified |
Important Links :
| Apply Online | Click here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click here |
| Official Website | Click here |
| Daily Visit Our Website & Check Latest Job Notification | Click here |
How to Apply ?
| Visit Official Website | Go to the official website of the Union Public Service Commission at https://www.upsc.gov.in |
| Complete One Time Registration (OTR) | Click on One Time Registration (OTR) and register using a valid mobile number, email ID, and personal details. OTR is mandatory for all applicants. |
| Login to UPSC Portal | Log in using your OTR ID and password to access the online application dashboard. |
| Select IFoSE 2026 Examination | Choose Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoSE) 2026 from the list of active examinations. |
| Fill Online Application Form | Enter personal details, educational qualifications, exam centre preferences, and other required information carefully. |
| Upload Documents | Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, and photo identity proof in the prescribed format and size. |
| Pay Application Fee | Pay the application fee online/offline as applicable. SC / ST / PwBD / Women candidates are exempted from fee payment. |
| Review Application Form | Carefully review all entered details before final submission. Incorrect details may lead to rejection. |
| Submit Application | Submit the application form before 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM). |
| Print Application Form | Download and print the final submitted application form for future reference. |
FAQs :
Q1. What is the UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoSE)?
The Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoSE) is a national-level competitive examination conducted by UPSC to recruit officers for managing and conserving India’s forests, wildlife, and environmental resources.
Q2. How many vacancies are announced for IFoSE 2026?
A total of 80 vacancies (approx.) have been announced for the Indian Forest Service Officer post.
Q3. Who can apply for UPSC IFoSE 2026?
Candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree with at least one prescribed subject such as Science, Agriculture, Engineering, or Forestry from a recognized university are eligible to apply.
Q4. What is the age limit for IFoSE 2026?
The age limit is 21 to 32 years as on 01 August 2026, with relaxation for reserved categories as per UPSC rules.
Q5. Is age relaxation available for reserved categories?
Yes. SC/ST candidates get 5 years, OBC candidates get 3 years, and PwBD candidates get up to 10 years age relaxation.
Q6. What is the mode of application for IFoSE 2026?
The application process is online only through the official UPSC website.
Q7. What are the important dates for IFoSE 2026?
The online application starts on 04 February 2026, and the last date to apply is 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM).
Q8. What is the application fee for IFoSE 2026?
General/OBC/EWS candidates have to pay ₹100, while SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates are exempted from fee payment.
Q9. Can final-year students apply for IFoSE 2026?
Yes, final-year students can apply, provided they submit proof of qualification at the time specified by UPSC.
Q10. What is the selection process for IFoSE 2026?
The selection process includes Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam, IFoS Main Exam, Interview/Personality Test, and Medical & Physical Standards Test.
Q11. Is the Civil Services Preliminary Exam common for CSE and IFoSE?
Yes, the Preliminary Examination is common for both Civil Services Examination and Indian Forest Service Examination.
Q12. Is the Preliminary Exam marks counted in the final merit?
No, the Preliminary Exam is qualifying in nature for IFoSE; marks are not included in the final merit list.
Q13. What is the exam date for the Preliminary Examination 2026?
The Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination is scheduled for 24 May 2026.
Q14. How many stages are there in the IFoSE selection process?
There are four stages: Prelims, Mains (Written), Interview, and Medical & Physical Standards Test.
Q15. What documents are required while applying online?
Candidates need a recent photograph, signature, valid photo ID, and educational details for online submission.
Q16. Can I edit my application form after submission?
UPSC may provide a correction window for limited fields. Once the window closes, no changes are allowed.
Q17. Where can I download the official notification?
The official IFoSE 2026 notification can be downloaded from the UPSC official website.
Q18. Are women candidates eligible for IFoSE?
Yes, women candidates are fully eligible and are also exempted from the application fee.
Q19. What happens if I miss the last date to apply?
If the application is not submitted before 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM), it will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Q20. Is medical fitness mandatory for final selection?
Yes, candidates must meet the medical and physical fitness standards prescribed by UPSC to be finally appointed.