UPSC IFS 2026 Notification: Apply Online, Vacancy, Eligibility, Exam Date

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026 to recruit officers for forest and environmental services under the Government of India. Candidates interested in wildlife conservation, forestry, and environmental management can apply for this prestigious examination.

UPSC IFS 2026: Total Number of Posts (Vacancies)

The UPSC has not officially announced the exact number of vacancies for IFS 2026 yet.

Based on previous years’ trends, the expected number of vacancies is around 150 to 200 posts. The category-wise vacancy details (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS) will be released along with the official notification.

UPSC IFS 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)

• Application Start Date: February 2026 (Expected)

• Last Date to Apply: To be announced (Generally 3–4 weeks after notification)

• Preliminary Examination Date: 24 May 2026

• Admit Card Release: 2–3 weeks before the exam

• Main Examination Date: November–December 2026 (Tentative)

UPSC IFS 2026 Eligibility Criteria

1. Educational Qualification

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in at least one of the following subjects:

• Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science

• Botany

• Chemistry

• Geology

• Mathematics

• Physics

• Statistics

• Zoology

• Forestry

• Agriculture

• Engineering (Civil / Mechanical / Chemical / Agricultural, etc.)

2. Age Limit (as on 1 August 2026)

• Minimum Age: 21 years

• Maximum Age: 32 years

Age Relaxation:

• OBC: 3 years (Up to 35 years)

• SC/ST: 5 years (Up to 37 years)

• Ex-Servicemen: 5 years

• PwBD: 10 years (Up to 42 years)

3. Application Fee

• General / OBC / EWS (Male): ₹100

• Women / SC / ST / PwBD: Exempted (No Fee)

UPSC IFS 2026 Selection Process

The selection process consists of three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination – Objective type (Qualifying)

2. Main Examination – Descriptive written examination

3. Personality Test (Interview) – 275 Marks

UPSC IFS 2026 Exam Pattern

Preliminary Examination

The Preliminary Examination is qualifying in nature. Marks are not counted in the final merit list.

Main Examination

The Main Examination consists of 6 descriptive papers, each of 250 marks and 3 hours duration.

• General English

• General Knowledge

• Optional Subject Paper I

• Optional Subject Paper II

• Optional Subject Paper I (Second Subject)

• Optional Subject Paper II (Second Subject)

List of Optional Subjects for UPSC IFS

Candidates must select two optional subjects from the list below:

• Agriculture

• Botany

• Chemistry

• Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science

• Geology

• Mathematics

• Physics

• Statistics

• Zoology

• Forestry

• Agricultural Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Chemical Engineering

How to Apply for UPSC IFS 2026? (Step-by-Step)

1. Visit the official website: upsconline.nic.in

2. Click on “Online Application for Various Examinations”

3. Select IFS Examination 2026 and click on Apply Now

4. Complete Part-I Registration (basic details)

5. Fill Part-II Registration (education, exam centre, uploads)

6. Upload required documents (photo, signature, ID proof)

7. Pay the application fee (if applicable)

8. Submit the form and download the confirmation page

UPSC IFS 2026 FAQs

Q1. UPSC IFS 2026 notification kab aayegi?

Answer: February 2026 (Expected).

Q2. UPSC IFS aur IAS exam same hote hain?

Answer: Preliminary exam same hota hai, lekin Mains aur Optional subjects alag hote hain.

Q3. Engineering students UPSC IFS ke liye eligible hain?

Answer: Haan, Engineering graduates eligible hain.

Q4. UPSC IFS me kitni attempts milti hain?

Answer: Attempts UPSC Civil Services ke rules ke according hote hain.

Conclusion

UPSC IFS 2026 is a golden opportunity for candidates aiming to serve in environmental and forest conservation services. Interested candidates should regularly check the official UPSC website for updates and start their preparation early.

Stay tuned for official notification updates.