UPSC IFS Examination 2026: Apply Online for 80 Indian Forest Service Posts

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the commencement of the recruitment drive for the Indian Forest Service (IFS) 2026. This is a prestigious opportunity for science and engineering graduates to serve the nation in the field of environment, forestry, and wildlife conservation. If you aspire to be a part of India’s elite “Green Bureaucracy,” this is your chance to apply.

Organization Details for UPSC IFS Examination 2026

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s premier central recruiting agency. It is responsible for conducting examinations for appointments to the services of the Union, including All India Services like the IAS, IPS, and IFS.

Post Name in UPSC IFS Examination 2026

The recruitment is for the post of Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer. Candidates selected through this process will start their career as Officers on Probation and undergo rigorous training at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) in Dehradun.

Total Vacancies for UPSC IFS Examination 2026

For the 2026 recruitment cycle, UPSC has announced a total of 80 vacancies. These vacancies are tentative and include reservations for various categories as per Government of India norms.

Age Limit for UPSC IFS Examination 2026

To be eligible, candidates must meet the following age criteria as of August 1, 2026:

• Minimum Age: 21 Years
• Maximum Age: 32 Years
• Birth Date Range: Candidates must have been born between August 2, 1994, and August 1, 2005.

Category-Wise Age Relaxation:

• SC/ST: 5 Years
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 Years
• PwBD: 10 Years

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC IFS Examination 2026

• Nationality: Candidates must be a Citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962.
• Physical Standards: Candidates must be physically fit according to the regulations outlined in the official UPSC IFS 2026 notification.

Salary for UPSC IFS Examination 2026

Selected candidates are placed in the Level 10 pay matrix of the 7th Central Pay Commission.

• Basic Pay: ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 per month.
• Allowances: Includes Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and other medical and field benefits.

Education Qualifications for UPSC IFS Examination 2026

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university with at least one of the following subjects:

• Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, and Zoology.
• OR a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering.

Selection Process for UPSC IFS Examination 2026

The selection is a rigorous three-stage process:

1. Preliminary Examination: Objective type (Common with the Civil Services Exam).
2. Main Examination: Descriptive written test (6 Papers).
3. Personality Test (Interview): Evaluation of leadership and intellectual traits (300 Marks).

Application Fee for UPSC IFS Examination 2026

• General/OBC/EWS (Male): ₹100
• Female/SC/ST/PwBD: Exempted (No Fee)
• Payment Mode: Online via Net Banking, Visa/Mastercard/Rupay, or UPI.

Job Location for UPSC IFS Examination 2026

Since the Indian Forest Service is an All India Service, selected officers can be posted anywhere across India. The cadre is assigned based on merit and preference after the final results.

Vacancy Distribution for UPSC IFS Examination 2026

Last Date to Apply for UPSC IFS Examination 2026

The online application window is strictly time-bound:

• Start Date: February 4, 2026
• Last Date to Apply: February 24, 2026 (until 6:00 PM)
• Preliminary Exam Date: May 24, 2026

Job Description for Indian Forest Service Posts

The role of an IFS officer is vital for India’s environmental security.

• Resource Management: Managing forest timber and non-timber produce.
• Wildlife Protection: Overseeing national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
• Policy Implementation: Implementing the National Forest Policy and environmental laws.
• Sustainability: Working on climate change mitigation and tribal welfare within forest areas.

Important Links and How to Apply for UPSC IFS 2026

Follow these steps to complete your application:

1. Visit the official UPSC portal: upsconline.nic.in
2. Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) if you haven’t done so already.
3. Fill in the application form for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam, selecting “Indian Forest Service” under the examination options.
4. Upload your latest photograph, signature, and a valid ID proof.
5. Pay the application fee and submit the form.
6. Print the final confirmation page for your records.

• Official Website: upsconline.nic.in
• Direct Apply Link: Click Here to Apply