UPSC IFoS Notification 2026 – Exam Date, Vacancy, Eligibility, Syllabus & Preparation Tips
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Check the latest UPSC IFoS Notification 2026. Get details on exam dates, vacancies, eligibility, selection process, exam pattern, and preparation tips for the Indian Forest Service Exam.
Overview of UPSC IFoS 2026
The Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Exam 2026 is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit officers for the Group A Forest Service. Selected candidates undergo training at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), Dehradun. The exam is held annually at a national level.
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Exam Name: Indian Forest Service (IFoS)
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Conducting Body: UPSC
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Exam Level: National
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Exam Mode: Offline (Prelims, Mains, Interview)
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Frequency: Annual
UPSC IFoS 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start | 14 Jan 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 3 Feb 2026 |
| Prelims Exam | 24 May 2026 |
| Mains Exam | 22 Nov 2026 onwards (5 days) |
| Interview | To be announced |
UPSC IFoS Vacancy 2026 (Tentative)
| Category | Backlog | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Low Vision | 0 | 2 |
| Hard of Hearing | 1 | 3 |
| Locomotor Disability | 2 | 4 |
| Total | 3 | 9 |
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC IFoS 2026
To appear in IFoS Exam 2026, candidates must meet the following requirements:
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Nationality: Indian
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Education: Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, or Forestry from a recognized university
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Age Limit: 21–32 years (relaxation as per rules)
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Physical Standards: Must meet UPSC standards for IFoS
UPSC IFoS 2026 Selection Process
The IFoS 2026 Selection Process consists of three stages:
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Prelims Exam – Screening test (General Studies + CSAT)
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Mains Exam – Written exam with optional subjects
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Interview / Personality Test
Final Merit = Mains Marks (1400) + Interview Marks (300) = 1700 Marks
UPSC IFoS Exam Pattern 2026
Prelims (CSAT included)
| Paper | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies 1 | 200 | 2 hrs |
| General Studies 2 (CSAT) | 200 | 2 hrs |
Mains
| Paper | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: General English | 300 | 3 hrs |
| Paper 2: General Knowledge | 300 | 3 hrs |
| Paper 3-6: Optional Subject | 200 each | 3 hrs each |
| Personality Test | 300 | – |
UPSC IFoS 2026 Application Form Correction Window
Candidates can edit specific details in the application form during the correction window.
Non-editable details:
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Exam centre
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Optional subject selection
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Medium of examination
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Compulsory Indian language
Preparation Tips for IFoS 2026
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Current Affairs: Focus on environment, wildlife, forests, and conservation
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Answer Writing Practice: Improve clarity and structure for Mains exam
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Guidance: Join coaching, study groups, or consult mentors
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Health: Maintain nutrition, exercise, and stress management
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Consistency: Follow a study plan and track progress
