UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFS) 2026 — 150 Posts, Online Apply by February 24

Candidates must have Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized university in India. No minimum percentage is required. While Science background (Botany, Zoology, Environmental Science) is preferred, candidates from any stream can apply. Only Indian nationals are eligible.

The general age limit is 21-32 years. Age relaxation is available for OBC candidates (3 years), SC/ST candidates (5 years), PwD candidates (10 years), and Ex-Servicemen (actual service + 3 years, max 50 years). Age is calculated as on January 1, 2026.

150 posts are available for Indian Forest Service in UPSC 2026. Posts are distributed across General (50), OBC (45), SC (30), and ST (25) categories. Selected officers will be posted in various state forest departments and central forest establishments across India.

Application fee is ₹100 for General, OBC, and EWS candidates. SC, ST, PwD, and all Female candidates (regardless of category) are exempted from paying the fee. Fee payment can be made online through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI, or E-Challan.

The Preliminary Examination for IFS is scheduled for June 2, 2026. Admit cards will be released approximately one month before the examination date. Candidates should regularly visit UPSC website to download the admit card using their registration credentials.

IFS candidates can choose optional subject from Science stream subjects including: Botany, Zoology, Geology, Geography, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or from Social Science subjects like History, Geography (Social), Law, Political Science, Economics, Sociology, etc. The optional subject should be chosen based on candidate's strength.

IFS officers are recruited as Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) or equivalent senior positions with starting salary of ₹56,100 per month approximately, plus additional allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Field Area Allowance, and other benefits. With promotion and seniority, salary can reach ₹2,50,000+ per month at senior levels.

IFS officers are responsible for forest management, wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection, policy implementation, forest protection from illegal activities, sustainable resource management, environmental impact assessments, and coordination with state governments and international organizations for conservation efforts.

Yes, negative marking is applicable in the Preliminary Examination. For each incorrect answer, 1/3 of the marks allotted for that question are deducted. No marks are deducted for unanswered questions. Candidates should attempt only questions they are confident about to avoid negative marking penalty.