WhatsApp Group Join Now
Telegram Group Join Now

UPSC Indian Forest Service Recruitment 2026 Notification Overview

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoSE) 2026. This recruitment drive aims to fill approximately 80 vacancies for the post of Indian Forest Service Officer. Eligible candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in relevant disciplines can submit their applications through the official UPSC portal. The selection process involves a common Preliminary Examination with the Civil Services Examination, followed by a dedicated Main Examination and a Personality Test.

Organisation Details

  • Department: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
  • Post Name: Indian Forest Service Officer
  • Total Vacancies: 80 (Approximate)
  • Category: Central Government Jobs

Vacancy Details

Category Number of Vacancies
Unreserved (UR) 33
Other Backward Classes (OBC) 21
Scheduled Caste (SC) 12
Scheduled Tribe (ST) 06
Economically Weaker Section (EWS) 08
Total Vacancies 80

Important Dates

Event Date
Notification Release Date 04 February 2026
Online Application Start Date 04 February 2026
Last Date to Apply Online 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM)
UPSC Prelims Exam Date 24 May 2026

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with at least one of the following subjects:

  • Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Geology, Agriculture, Forestry, Engineering, or Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science.

Age Limit (as on 01-08-2026)

  • Minimum Age: 21 Years
  • Maximum Age: 32 Years
  • Age Relaxation:
    • SC/ST Candidates: 5 Years
    • OBC Candidates: 3 Years
    • PwBD Candidates: Up to 10 Years

Application Fee

Category Fee Amount
General / OBC / EWS Rs. 100/-
SC / ST / PwBD / Female Nil

Salary and Allowances

The selected candidates will be appointed as Indian Forest Service Officers under the Junior Time Scale. The salary structure follows the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) guidelines, starting at Level 10 of the Pay Matrix. In addition to the basic pay, officers are entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other central government benefits.

Selection Process

The recruitment process consists of the following consecutive stages:

  1. Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination: Objective type papers for screening (Common with CSE).
  2. IFoS Main Examination: Conventional (Written) descriptive papers.
  3. Interview / Personality Test: Evaluation of suitability for the service.
  4. Medical and Physical Standards Test: As per official requirements.

How to Apply for UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026

  • Visit the official UPSC recruitment portal at upsconline.nic.in.
  • Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process if not already registered.
  • Login using your credentials and fill out the Common Application Form (CAF).
  • Select the "Indian Forest Service Examination" option.
  • Upload required documents, including your photograph, signature, and ID proof.
  • Pay the application fee through online banking, credit/debit card, or QR code (if applicable).
  • Review all details and submit the application form before the deadline.
  • Print a copy of the submitted application for future reference.

Important Instructions

  • Ensure that the mobile number and email ID provided are active throughout the recruitment cycle.
  • Candidates must check the physical standards required for the Indian Forest Service before applying.
  • Applications submitted after 6:00 PM on 24th February 2026 will not be accepted.
  • Admission to all stages of the examination is provisional, subject to satisfying the prescribed eligibility conditions.

Important Links

Description Link
Apply Online (Registration) Click Here to Apply
Official Notification PDF Download Notification
Official Website Visit Official Website