UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 – 80 Vacancies, Online Application Details
The UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 notification has been officially released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This recruitment drive aims to fill 80 prestigious posts in the Indian Forest Service (IFS) through the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026, which acts as a screening test for IFS aspirants.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Indian Forest Service is one of the most respected All India Services in the country. Officers selected through the UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 play a crucial role in forest conservation, wildlife protection, environmental management, and implementation of sustainable development policies across India.
Eligible and interested candidates can apply online within the given timeline. Below is a detailed and simplified explanation of the recruitment process, eligibility, application steps, important dates, and other key details related to the UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026.
Overview of UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Name | UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Total Vacancies | 80 Posts |
| Exam Mode | Written Examination & Interview |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Notice No. | 06/2026-IFoSE |
| Job Location | Across India |
The UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 is conducted nationwide and attracts candidates with strong academic backgrounds in science, engineering, agriculture, and forestry-related subjects.
Category-wise Vacancy Details
The total number of vacancies announced under the UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 is 80 posts, distributed among different categories as shown below:
| Category | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| SC | 12 |
| ST | 6 |
| OBC | 21 |
| EWS | 8 |
| UR | 33 |
| Total | 80 |
Reservation benefits are applicable as per Government of India rules.
Examination Centres in Assam
Candidates from Assam can appear for the preliminary examination at the following centres:
- Jorhat
- Dispur
Applicants are advised to select their preferred exam centre carefully while filling out the online application form.
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026
Before applying, candidates must ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements specified for the UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026.
Age Limit
A candidate must have:
- Attained 21 years of age
- Not attained 32 years of age as on 1st August 2026
This means the candidate must have been born not earlier than 2nd August 1994 and not later than 1st August 2005.
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| PwBD | 10 Years |
Age relaxation is applicable only if valid documents are provided.
Educational Qualification
To be eligible for the UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree with at least one of the following subjects:
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
- Zoology
OR
A Bachelor’s degree in:
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Engineering
The degree must be obtained from a university recognized by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or declared as a deemed university under the UGC Act, 1956.
Application Fee Details
The application fee for UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 is category-wise as given below:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| SC / ST / Women / PwBD | Nil |
| Other Categories | ₹100/- |
The fee can be paid online using net banking, debit card, or credit card.
UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination Scheme
The selection process for the UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 consists of two successive stages:
Stage I: Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination
- Objective type examination
- Acts as a screening test
- Marks are not counted for final merit
Stage II: Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination
- Written examination
- Followed by Personality Test (Interview)
- Final selection is based on combined performance
Only candidates who qualify the preliminary examination are eligible to appear for the main examination.
How to Apply for UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026
Candidates must apply online through the UPSC portal. The Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination application form also serves as the application for the Indian Forest Service Exam.
Step-by-Step Application Process
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Visit the UPSC official website |
| Step 2 | Click on the Online Application Form |
| Step 3 | Complete new registration |
| Step 4 | Log in using registration credentials |
| Step 5 | Fill personal and educational details |
| Step 6 | Upload required documents |
| Step 7 | Pay application fee (if applicable) |
| Step 8 | Submit the application form |
| Step 9 | Take a printout for future reference |
Candidates applying for both Civil Services Examination and Indian Forest Service Examination must clearly indicate their preference in the application form.
Important Dates – UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Starting Date of Online Application | 4th February 2026 |
| Last Date of Online Application | 24th February 2026 (6 PM) |
| Date of Preliminary Examination | 24th May 2026 |
Applicants are advised not to wait until the last date to avoid technical issues.
Important Web Links
| Online Application Form | Click Here |
| Recommended Books | Click Here |
| Advertisement Details | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
FAQs – UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026
Q1. What is the starting date to apply online for UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026?
The online application process starts on 4th February 2026.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 24th February 2026 up to 6 PM.
Q3. How many vacancies are announced under UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026?
A total of 80 vacancies have been announced.
Q4. Is the Civil Services Preliminary Exam compulsory for IFS candidates?
Yes, the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination is compulsory and acts as a screening test.
Q5. What is the application fee for general category candidates?
General and OBC category candidates need to pay ₹100/- as application fee.
Q6. Can engineering graduates apply for UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026?
Yes, candidates with an engineering degree are eligible to apply.
