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The Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026 notification was released by UPSC for recruitment into the prestigious Indian Forest Service. The online application process has now closed. Candidates can still check eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, and other important information on this page.
Important Dates (IFS 2026)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start | February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | March 2026 |
| Exam Date | To be announced |
| Current Status | Application Closed |
Status: The application window for IFS Examination 2026 is now closed.
About Indian Forest Service (IFS)
The Indian Forest Service (IFS) is one of the prestigious All India Services, responsible for forest conservation, wildlife protection, environmental governance, and climate change implementation across India.
IFS officers work under:
- Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change
- State Forest Departments
Vacancy Details (Category-Wise)
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR | 33 |
| OBC | 21 |
| SC | 12 |
| ST | 6 |
| EWS | 8 |
| PwBD | 5 (included above) |
| Total | ~80 |
(Vacancies may change as per government decision)
Notif-IFSP-26-Engl-040226
🎓 Eligibility Criteria for IFS 2026
Nationality
Candidate must be:
- Citizen of India
- OR subject of Nepal / Bhutan
- OR Tibetan refugee (before 1 Jan 1962)
- OR PIO with eligibility certificate
Age Limit (as on 1 August 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
- DOB Range: 2 Aug 1994 – 1 Aug 2005
Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 Years
- OBC: 3 Years
- PwBD: Up to 10 Years
- Ex-Servicemen: As per rules
Notif-IFSP-26-Engl-040226
Educational Qualification
Bachelor’s degree with at least one subject from:
- Agriculture / Forestry
- Engineering
- Botany, Zoology
- Chemistry, Physics
- Mathematics, Statistics
- Geology
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
Final-year candidates can also apply.
Selection Process – IFS Examination 2026
Stage 1: Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam
- Acts as screening test
- Must qualify to appear for IFS Mains
Stage 2: IFS Main Examination
- Written examination
- Optional subjects (2)
Stage 3: Interview / Personality Test
- 300 Marks
Final merit based on Mains + Interview
Notif-IFSP-26-Engl-040226
Physical & Medical Standards
Candidates must meet IFS-specific medical & physical fitness standards, including:
- Vision standards
- Physical endurance
- Medical examination by authorized boards
Detailed standards are published in UPSC Appendix-III.
Notif-IFSP-26-Engl-040226
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women | ₹0 |
Payment Modes:
- UPI
- Debit/Credit Card
- Net Banking
How to Apply Online for IFS 2026
- Visit https://upsconline.nic.in
- Complete Universal Registration Number (URN)
- Fill Common Application Form (CAF)
- Upload photo + live photo capture
- Pay application fee
- Submit before 24 Feb 2026
No correction or withdrawal allowed after submission.
Notif-IFSP-26-Engl-040226
Exam Centres
IFS Preliminary Exam will be held in 80+ cities, including:
- Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata
- Jaipur, Lucknow, Patna, Bhopal
- Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi
- Guwahati, Shillong, Port Blair
Important Links
- Official Notification (PDF): clik here
- Apply Online: Application Closed
- UPSC Helpdesk: upscsoap@nic.in | 011-24041001
IMPORTANT TOPICS
- Government Job Eligibility Criteria in India
- How to Apply for Government Jobs Online
- Documents Required for Government Job Application
- Government Job Medical Test Rules
- Government Job Selection Process Explained
