UPSC Forest Service Exam 2026 - Check Details
| Posted on: 09-02-2026 | Ends On: 24-02-2026 |
| Class: Union Public Service Commission | |
| Qualifications: Graduates (All Graduates) | |
| Experience Type: Fresher | |
| Tenure Type: Permanent | |
| States: All States | |
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is inviting online applications for the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 to fill 80 vacancies. The last date to submit the application form is 24-02-2026 (up to 06:00 PM). Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility conditions before applying.
This prestigious role focuses on the management and conservation of forest resources. It requires candidates to have a strong interest in outdoor work, intellectual curiosity, leadership qualities, and the ability to apply practical knowledge effectively in the field.
Vacancies & Eligibility Criteria:
| Exam Name | Vacancies | Age Limit as on 01-08-2026 | Qualification | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam 2026 | 80 | 21 to 32 Years (Candidates must have been born between 02-08-1994 and 01-08-2005) | Bachelor's degree with at least one subject from Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, and Zoology; or a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering |
As per Pay Level 10 of 7th CPC (56100 - 177500) Initial salary will be approximately Rs 80,000 per month |
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Dates to Consider:
- Last Date to Apply: 24-02-2026 (06:00 PM)
- Preliminary Exam Date: 24-05-2026
Mode of Recruitment :
The Forest Services Examination is conducted in three stages: Preliminary Examination (CSAT), Main Examination, and Interview.
Preliminary Examination
Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) is conducted as the Preliminary Examination to shortlist candidates for the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Main Examination.
It consists of two objective-type papers carrying a combined total of 400 marks. CSAT serves only as a screening test, and the marks obtained are not included in the final merit list. Candidates must appear in both papers for evaluation. Around twelve to thirteen times the total number of vacancies are shortlisted for the Main Examination.
| Paper | Marks | Duration | Syllabus Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | 200 | 2 Hours | Current events, History of India and National Movement, Physical, Social and Economic Geography, Polity and Governance, Economic and Social Development, Environmental Ecology, and General Science. |
| Paper II | 200 | 2 Hours | Comprehension, Interpersonal skills, Logical reasoning, Decision making, General mental ability, and Basic numeracy (Class X level). |
- Paper II is qualifying in nature, with minimum qualifying marks fixed at 33%. Paper I cut-off marks will be decided later.
- Negative marking applies for incorrect answers, with one-third (0.33) of the marks allotted to a question deducted as penalty.
Notably, CSAT is also conducted as a preliminary screening test to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination under the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Main Examination
The Indian Forest Service (IFS) Main Examination consists of a written examination followed by an Interview/Personality Test.
Written Examination Papers
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General English | 300 |
| Paper II | General Knowledge | 300 |
| Paper III | Optional Subject Paper 1 | 200 |
| Paper IV | Optional Subject Paper 2 | 200 |
| Paper V | Optional Subject Paper 1 (Second Paper) | 200 |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject Paper 2 (Second Paper) | 200 |
Each optional subject carries two papers of 200 marks each.
List of Optional Subjects
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Engineering
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Forestry
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Statistics
- Zoology
Not Permitted Optional Subject Combinations
- Agriculture and Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture and Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Mathematics and Statistics
- From Engineering subjects, not more than one can be chosen.
Interview / Personality Test
Candidates who qualify in the written examination will be called for an Interview/Personality Test of 300 marks. The final merit list will be prepared on the basis of the combined performance in the Main Examination and the Interview.
Fee Structure :
The applicable application fee must be paid through online mode. The fee details are as follows:
- General / OBC / EWS candidates are required to pay a fee of Rs 100.
- Female candidates, SC/ST applicants, and Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) are exempted from payment of the fee.
Candidates who qualify Prelims and appear for the Main Examination will be required to pay an additional fee of Rs 200 (except SC/ST, PwBD, and Women candidates). This payment must be made within a 10-day window after the declaration of the Preliminary Examination result.
How to Apply :
Candidates must apply online through the official UPSC application system. Applicants should carefully read all instructions and ensure correct document uploading before submitting the form.
- Apply online for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, which also acts as the screening test for the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination.
- If appearing for both Civil Services and Indian Forest Service examinations, apply only once and indicate both exams in the form.
- Keep all required documents ready, such as educational qualification details and proof of date of birth.
- Complete the Universal Registration Number (URN) profile with accurate Photo ID details.
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF) and complete the Examination Specific Module, including fee and centre details.
- Upload a scanned copy of a valid Photo Identity Card for future reference and examination verification.
- Upload photograph and capture live photo during form submission, ensuring clarity.
- Upload signature by signing three times on plain white paper using black ink.
- One-time modification of URN profile is allowed, but it will not affect already submitted applications.
- Withdrawal of application is not permitted after submission.
- The last date for submission of online applications is 24-02-2026 up to 18:00 hours.
- No printed copy needs to be sent to Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at this stage. However, candidates may keep one copy for future reference.
The Commission has set up a dedicated helpline for application-related support. Candidates may contact 011-24041001 or email ID-upsccsp@nic.in from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on working days during the application window.