UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 Recruitment – Eligibility, Vacancy, Salary, Exam Pattern & Apply Online Details
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 Recruitment. This national-level examination is conducted to recruit officers responsible for forest conservation, wildlife protection, and environmental administration across India.
This SarkariSnap article explains the official recruitment details including eligibility, vacancy information, age criteria, selection stages, exam process, and application instructions in simple English based strictly on the official UPSC notification.
Recruitment Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 |
| Recruitment Type | Central Government Group A Service |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | All India |
| Selection Stages | Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, Interview |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 04 February 2026 |
| Application Start | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 25 February 2026 |
| Prelims Exam | 24th May 2026 |
| Main Exam | Not Mentioned in Notification |
Organization & Service Role
Selected candidates will join the Indian Forest Service under the Government of India. Officers manage forest resources, environmental policies, biodiversity protection, and wildlife conservation programs.
Vacancy Details
| Service | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Forest Service | 80 |
Category-wise and state-wise distribution: Not Mentioned in Notification.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree with at least one of the following subjects:
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
- Zoology
- Agriculture / Forestry / Engineering
Age Limit (as on 01-08-2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
- SC/ST: 5 Years Relaxation
- OBC: 3 Years Relaxation
- PwBD: Up to 10 Years Relaxation
Selection Process Explained
- UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination
- Indian Forest Service Main Examination
- Personality Test / Interview
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The Preliminary examination is objective type and acts as a screening test. The Main examination includes descriptive papers followed by an interview.
Detailed syllabus structure: Not Mentioned in Notification.
Salary Structure
| Pay Level | Salary |
|---|---|
| Level 10 (7th CPC) | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
In-hand salary estimate: Not Mentioned in Notification.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Female | Nill |
Documents Required
- Graduation Certificates
- ID Proof
- Category Certificate
- Photograph & Signature
- Email & Mobile Number
Posting Location
Selected candidates may be posted anywhere in India.
Reservation Rules
Reservation benefits applicable as per Government of India norms.
How to Apply Online
- Visit UPSC official website
- Open IFoS 2026 notification
- Complete One Time Registration
- Fill application form
- Upload documents
- Pay fee
- Submit and save application
Official Notification: Click Here
Additional Notes
- Applications accepted online only
- False information leads to disqualification
- Admit cards issued online
FAQs
Q1: Is IFoS a Group A service?
Yes.
Q2: Is prelim common with Civil Services?
Yes.
Q3: Is interview mandatory?
Yes.
Q4: Is physical test required?
Not Mentioned in Notification.
Q5: Can final year students apply?
Refer official rules.
Q6: Is negative marking present?
Not Mentioned in Notification.
Q7: Are women eligible?
Yes.
Apply Early – SarkariSnap Advice
Candidates preparing for central government jobs should apply early and begin preparation for all stages of the examination.
Disclaimer: Information sourced from official UPSC IFoS 2026 notification PDF and UPSC website.