Apply for UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026 – 80 Indian Forest Service Vacancies. Check Eligibility, Age Limit, Salary, Exam Date & Download Official Notification PDF here. Last Date: 24 Feb 2026.
Latest Update On: 9 February 2026
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UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026 – 80 Indian Forest Service Vacancy | Apply Online, Notification PDF &
Exam Date
Exam Date
Introduction
Dreaming of a prestigious permanent government job protecting India's forests and wildlife?
UPSC has released the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026 notification for 80 exciting vacancies!
Freshers with a science background can apply. High salary + respect + adventure in the field. No separate prelims – same as CSE Prelims!
Read full eligibility & apply before 24 February 2026!
Recruitment Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Indian Forest Service Officer (IFoS) |
| Total Vacancies | 80 Posts |
| Job Location | All India (Forest Departments) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Category | Central Govt Jobs |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates
- Notification Release Date: 04 February 2026
- Application Start Date: 04 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 24 February 2026 (till 6:00 PM) ← Hurry!
- Prelims Exam Date: 24 May 2026 (Common with CSE)
- Mains Exam Date: To be announced later
- Admit Card: 2-3 weeks before exam
Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹100
- SC / ST / PwBD / Female: Nil
- Payment Mode: Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, UPI
Vacancy Details & Reservation Policy
Total: 80 Posts
- UR: 33
- OBC: 21
- SC: 12
- ST: 06
- EWS: 08
Reservation Policy Vertical reservation for SC/ST/OBC/EWS + Horizontal reservation for Women, PwBD & Ex-Servicemen as per Government of India rules.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the following subjects:
Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Geology, Agriculture, Forestry, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science OR Bachelor’s in Engineering/Forestry/Agriculture.
Age Limit (as on 01.08.2026)
- Minimum: 21 Years
- Maximum: 32 Years Age Relaxation
- SC/ST: +5 years
- OBC: +3 years
- PwBD: +10 years
- Ex-Servicemen: +5 years
Selection Process & Exam Pattern
3 Stages
- Civil Services Prelims 2026 (Screening – Qualifying)
- IFS Mains Examination (1400 Marks)
- Personality Test / Interview (300 Marks)
Prelims Exam Pattern (Same as CSE)
- GS Paper I: 200 Marks
- CSAT Paper II: 200 Marks (Qualifying – 33% needed)
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd
Mains Exam Pattern (1400 Marks)
- Paper I: General English – 300 Marks
- Paper II: General Knowledge – 300 Marks
- Paper III & IV: Optional Subject I (2 papers) – 400 Marks
- Paper V & VI: Optional Subject II (2 papers) – 400 Marks
Popular Optionals: Forestry, Agriculture, Botany, Zoology, Geology, etc.
Salary Structure & Benefits
Pay Level-10 (7th CPC)
- Basic Pay: ₹56,100
- In-Hand Salary (approx): ₹80,000 – ₹90,000 per month (including DA, HRA, TA & Forest Allowance) Perks: Government accommodation, medical facility, LTC, pension, vehicle, field allowance, and huge respect as a forest protector!
Preparation Tips for UPSC IFS Exam
- Start with NCERTs + standard books for Prelims (same as CSE)
- Focus on Forestry & optional subject from Day 1
- Solve last 10 years IFS Mains papers
- Attempt free mock tests daily on our portal
- Revise Current Affairs monthly
How to Apply Online for UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026?
- Visit https://upsconline.nic.in
- Click “Apply Now” → One Time Registration (OTR)
- Fill Part-I (Personal & Educational Details)
- Pay Application Fee (if applicable)
- Upload Photo, Signature & Documents
- Fill Part-II & submit
- Download & print the final application form
Important Links
| Link Description | Direct Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Download Detailed Syllabus PDF | Available inside Notification |
| Official Website | Click Here |
FAQs regarding UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026
Q1. Is there any exam or direct recruitment? → Through written exam (Prelims + Mains + Interview).
Q2. Can final-year students apply? → Yes, if you pass before Mains.
Q3. What is the application fee for female candidates? → Nil.
Q4. Is negative marking there in Prelims? → Yes, 1/3rd for every wrong answer.
Q5. What is the in-hand salary of IFS officer? → Approx ₹80,000–₹90,000 per month initially.
Q6. Can I choose any optional subject? → Only from the list given in notification.
Q7. How many attempts for General category? → 6 attempts (up to age 32).
Conclusion
This is your golden chance to join the elite Indian Forest Service and serve the nation while enjoying a high-paying, adventurous career.
80 vacancies, last date 24 Feb 2026 – don’t miss it!
Start your preparation today, download the notification, and apply right now.
All the very best – See you as an IFS Officer in 2027!
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