UPSC IFS Notification 2026: Complete Guide to Eligibility, Exam Pattern & Dates

UPSC IFS Notification 2026: The UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026 notification has been officially released by the Union Public Service Commission. This prestigious examination selects talented candidates for the Indian Forest Service, a key component of the country’s civil services with responsibilities in forest and wildlife management. Candidates applying for the UPSC IFS Notification 2026 must participate in the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination as a screening test before proceeding to the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination and interview. The application process is entirely online, and aspirants must carefully adhere to the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and deadlines specified by the UPSC.

Also read: UPSC CSE 2026: Complete Guide to Exam Dates, Eligibility, and Application Process

Vacancy Details

Note: There are also 5 vacancies reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), distributed among categories such as Blindness or Low Vision, Deaf or Hard of Hearing, and Locomotor Disability including leprosy cured and acid attack victims.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria under UPSC IFS Notification 2026 is given below:

Nationality

• Candidate must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugee (before 1st Jan 1962), or a person of Indian origin migrated from specific countries with intention of permanent settlement in India with a certificate of eligibility.

Age Limit

• Minimum age: 21 years as of 1st August 2026.
• Maximum age: 32 years as of 1st August 2026.
• Age relaxation is applicable for SC/ ST, OBC, Ex-servicemen, PwBD, and defense personnel as per government norms (up to 5-10 years depending on category).

Educational Qualification

• The candidate applying under UPSC IFS Notification 2026 must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the subjects like Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Agriculture, Forestry or Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent qualification.
• Candidates appearing for the final qualifying examination can also apply but must produce passing proof before the Main Examination.

Number of Attempts

• General category candidates are allowed six attempts.
• SC/ ST candidates have no restriction on attempts.
• OBC candidates have nine attempts.
• PwBD candidates have attempts corresponding to their community norms, with nine attempts for General and EWS categories.

Physical and Medical Standards

Candidates must be physically fit as per the regulations specified by the UPSC for the Indian Forest Service Examination to apply under UPSC IFS Notification 2026

Selection Process

• The selection comprises two stages: Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination as a screening test, followed by the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination which includes written tests and an interview/ personality test.
• Candidates must qualify the Preliminary Examination to appear for the Main Examination.
• Final selection is based on combined marks from Main Examination (written + interview).

Exam Pattern

The UPSC IFS 2026 exam follows the same schedule as the Civil Services Preliminary Exam on 24th May 2026. Only successful candidates will advance to the Indian Forest Service Main Examination, which covers compulsory papers, optional subjects, and interview as detailed below.

Preliminary Examination

• Negative marking of one-third for wrong answers.
• Paper II is qualifying with a minimum of 33% marks required.

Main Examination

The Main Examination consists of written papers and an interview.

Documents Required

• Scanned photograph and signature as per guidelines.
• Valid photo identification (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License).
• Educational certificates (Degree, Mark Sheets, Provisional Certificates).
• Category certificates (if applicable: SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD, Ex-servicemen).
• PwBD certificate for claiming scribe or compensatory time.
• Proof of date of birth as per matriculation certificate or equivalent.

Steps to Apply

• The candidate applying under UPSC IFS Notification 2026 must click the link given below
• Fill in Universal Registration Number (URN) profile and Common Application Form (CAF).
• Upload prescribed documents including photograph, signature, and photo ID.
• Choose exam centre, examination preferences, optional subjects, and fee payment.
• Ensure details entered match original documents to avoid candidature cancellation.
• Submit the application before the deadline. No withdrawal or changes after submission.
• Use the live photo capture facility and upload clear images as per instructions.

Fee Structure

• Application fee: Rs. 100 for General and OBC candidates.
• Female candidates, SC, ST, PwBD candidates are exempted from paying the fee.
• For Indian Forest Service Main Examination, candidates need to pay Rs. 200 if applicable.
• Payment must be done online using net banking, credit/debit cards, or UPI.

Key Dates

Important Links

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