The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFS) Notification 2026 on 4th February 2026. UPSC has announced approximately 80 vacancies for the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026. Interested candidates can apply online from 4th February to 24th February 2026 through the official UPSC website https://upsconline.nic.in. Candidates must appear for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026, which will serve as the screening test for the IFS (Main) Examination.
The Preliminary Exam is scheduled for 24th May 2026.
UPSC IFS Notification 2026
The UPSC IFS Notification 2026 PDF is provided below for candidates’ reference. This PDF contains complete details about vacancies, eligibility criteria, application process, important dates, and selection procedure. Aspirants can refer to it to ensure they meet all requirements before applying. The notification also includes instructions for URN registration, Common Application Form (CAF) filling, live photo capture, document upload, and payment procedures.
Download UPSC IFS 2026 Notification PDF
UPSC IFS 2026: Overview
The UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026 is a prestigious opportunity for candidates to join the forestry services of the country. Below is a detailed overview with all key information for aspirants.
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer |
| Vacancies | Approximately 80 (Subject to change) |
| Advertisement No. | Published in Gazette of India dated 04.02.2026 |
| Application Dates | 4th February to 24th February 2026 (till 18:00 Hrs) |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 24th May 2026 |
| Selection Process | Civil Services (Prelims) + IFS (Mains) Written + Interview |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree with specific subjects |
| Age Limit | 21–32 years (Relaxation as per rules) |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (Prelims) + ₹200 (Mains) (Exempted for Females/SC/ST/PwBD) |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
| Application Portal | https://upsconline.nic.in |
UPSC IFS Vacancy 2026
The UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026 includes approximately 80 vacancies distributed across various categories. The vacancies are provisional and subject to change. Reservation is applicable as per government norms.
| Category | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 33 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 12 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 06 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 21 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 08 |
| Total | ~80 |
PwBD Reservation: 5 vacancies are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (Low Vision: 1, Hearing Impaired: 1, Locomotor Disability: 3).
UPSC IFS Apply Online 2026
The UPSC IFS Apply Online 2026 process is now open. Aspirants must fill the Common Application Form (CAF) and the Examination Specific module on the UPSC Online portal. Candidates must first register and create a Universal Registration Number (URN) Profile. They must upload their photograph (including live capture), signature, and necessary documents. Payment of fee (if applicable) is to be made online. No other mode of application is allowed.
Direct Link to Apply for UPSC IFS 2026
How to Apply for UPSC IFS 2026?
Candidates applying for UPSC IFS 2026 must complete the process online only. A valid personal email ID and mobile number are mandatory for registration and future communication.
| Step | Procedure |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit upsconline.nic.in. |
| 2 | Register and create a URN (Universal Registration Number) Profile. |
| 3 | Complete the Common Application Form (CAF) with personal, educational, and category details. |
| 4 | Upload scanned photograph (and capture live photo), signature, and Photo ID proof. |
| 5 | Fill the Examination Specific Module (select Indian Forest Service Examination, choose exam centre, etc.). |
| 6 | Pay the application fee online (if applicable). |
| 7 | Submit the form and take a printout for future reference. |
| 8 | For queries, contact upscsoap@nic.in or Helpline: 011-24041001. |
Indian Forest Service Application Fee
Candidates applying for UPSC IFS 2026 are required to pay a non-refundable application fee. The fee varies according to the category.
| Category | Preliminary Exam Fee | Main Exam Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 | ₹200 |
| Female / SC / ST / PwBD | Exempted | Exempted |
Note: Fee payment is only through online modes (Net Banking/Credit/Debit Card/UPI).
Also Read: UPSC CSE 2026 Notification Released – Apply Online for 933 Vacancies at Civil Services Examination
UPSC IFS Eligibility 2026
The UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026 has defined clear eligibility criteria for all candidates. Applicants must meet requirements related to nationality, age, educational qualifications, and number of attempts.
Nationality: Candidate must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 01.01.1962, or a person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries.
UPSC IFS Age Limit (as on 01.08.2026):
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 32 years
- Candidate must have been born not earlier than 02.08.1994 and not later than 01.08.2005.
Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: Up to 5 years
- OBC: Up to 3 years
- PwBD (UR/EWS): Up to 10 years (for specific disabilities)
- Ex-Servicemen & Others: As per rules.
UPSC IFS Educational Qualification 2026:
- Bachelor’s Degree with at least one of these subjects: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology.
- OR Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering from a recognized university.
- Candidates appearing in the final year are also eligible to apply.
Number of Attempts:
- General/EWS: 6 attempts
- OBC: 9 attempts
- SC/ST: No limit
- PwBD: 9 attempts for General/EWS category PwBD.
UPSC IFS Exam Pattern & Selection Process 2026
The selection process consists of three stages:
1. Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 (Objective Type):
- Date: 24th May 2026.
- Papers: Two compulsory papers (General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II).
- Marks: 200 marks each (Total 400).
- Nature: Screening test only. Marks are not counted for final merit.
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd marks deducted for wrong answers.
2. Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination (Written):
- Papers: 6 papers (General English, General Knowledge, and 2 optional subjects with 2 papers each).
- Marks: Total 1400 marks.
- Qualifying Papers: General English & General Knowledge.
- Optional Subjects: Choose any two from Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Forestry, Geology, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Statistics, Zoology.
3. Personality Test (Interview):
- Marks: 300 marks.
- Candidates about twice the number of vacancies will be called for the interview.
Final Merit: Based on marks in Main Exam (Written) and Interview.
UPSC Indian Forest Service Salary 2026
Selected candidates for UPSC IFS will be appointed as Indian Forest Service Officers with the following pay scale and benefits:
- Pay Level: Level 10 in the Pay Matrix (7th CPC).
- Basic Pay: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500.
- Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), and other perks as per government rules.
- Career Progression: Opportunities for promotion to higher ranks like Deputy Conservator of Forests, Conservator of Forests, Chief Conservator of Forests, and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC IFS 2026?
Ans: The last date to submit the online application is 24th February 2026 (till 18:00 Hrs).
Q2. How can I apply for UPSC IFS 2026?
Ans: Candidates must apply online only through the UPSC portal https://upsconline.nic.in.
Q3. How many vacancies are there in UPSC IFS 2026?
Ans: Approximately 80 vacancies are announced for various categories.
Q4. What is the eligibility for UPSC IFS 2026?
Ans: Bachelor’s Degree with specific science/engineering subjects, age between 21–32 years (with relaxations).
Q5. Is there an application fee?
Ans: Yes, ₹100 for Prelims and ₹200 for Mains for General/OBC/EWS. Female/SC/ST/PwBD candidates are exempted.
Q6. When is the UPSC IFS Preliminary Exam 2026?
Ans: The Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination for IFS is scheduled for 24th May 2026.
Q7. What is the selection process?
Ans: Preliminary Exam (screening), Main Exam (written), and Personality Test (interview).
