UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026: 80 Posts – Complete Guide to Apply!
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam 2026 notification for 80 prestigious officer posts. This national-level recruitment targets science graduates for forest conservation roles, with applications open until February 24, 2026.
About the Vacancy
UPSC IFS recruits Group A officers for forest management, wildlife protection, and environmental roles under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The 2026 cycle includes 80 vacancies filled via a three-stage process shared partially with Civil Services Exam prelims.
Total Vacancy Category-Wise
Total posts: 80, with category-wise breakup ensuring reservations.
| Category | Vacancies |
| UR | 33 |
| EWS | 8 |
| OBC | 21 |
| SC | 12 |
| ST | 6 |
Qualification
Candidates need a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least one of: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Agriculture, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Forestry, Mechanical Engineering. Nationality: Indian citizen or specified equivalents; physical standards apply post-exam.
Selection Procedure
Three stages: (1) Prelims (objective, common with CSE: GS Paper I 200 marks, CSAT Paper II qualifying); (2) Mains (6 descriptive papers: 2 English qualifying, 4 optional subject papers @300 marks each = 1200 marks); (3) Interview (300 marks). Total merit: 1400 marks (Mains + Interview); medical/physical tests mandatory. Syllabus covers standard UPSC IFoS topics—detailed on upsc.gov.in (Prelims same as CSE; Mains optional-specific).
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | 04 Feb 2026 |
| Application Start | 04 Feb 2026 |
| Last Date (6 PM IST) | 24 Feb 2026 |
| Prelims Exam | 24 May 2026 |
| Mains Exam (tentative) | 22 Nov 2026 |
Salary
Junior Time Scale starts at Level 10 (7th CPC): Rs 56,100–1,77,500 basic pay, plus DA, HRA, perks (total ~Rs 15-18 LPA initially). Career progression to Apex Scale (Rs 2,25,000) over time.
Important Links
- Official Website: upsc.gov.in
- Apply Online: upsconline.nic.in
- Notification PDF: Available at upsc.gov.in under “What’s New”[upsc.gov]
- Prelims Notice: upsc.gov.in (IFoS through CSE)[upsc.gov]
Form Fill-Up Step-by-Step
- Visit upsconline.nic.in; complete One-Time Registration (OTR) for URN if new.[
- Log in, select “Indian Forest Service Examination 2026” in Common Application Form (CAF).
- Fill details, choose IFoS (along with CSE if desired); upload photo (20-300 KB), signature (10-20 KB), photo ID proof.
- Pay fee (Rs 100 for Gen/OBC/EWS; exempt SC/ST/PwBD/Females) via net banking/card.
- Submit, take printout; corrections allowed later via edit window.
Important Guidelines
- Age: 21-32 years as on 01 Aug 2026 (relaxations: OBC 3 yrs, SC/ST 5 yrs, PwBD etc. up to 10+ yrs).
- One application covers CSE + IFoS; multiple forms rejected. No TA/DA for exam; verify eligibility before applying.
- Physical standards: Minimum height (men 163 cm, women 150 cm), chest expansion; checked post-Mains.
- Keep 12th photo for consistency; apply early to avoid glitches. Check upsc.gov.in for updates!
