Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has just unveiled the UPSC Forest Service Exam 2026 notification, opening the gateway for aspirants to join the elite Indian Forest Service (IFoS). With 80 coveted vacancies and an online‑application window running 04 February 2026 to 24 February 2026, the race to secure a coveted All‑India Service seat has officially begun.
Recruitment / Exam Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Department/Board | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Officer |
| Exam Name | Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 |
| Total Vacancy | 80 |
| Category | New Recruitment – Central Government / All‑India Services |
| Application Mode | Online |
| State | All India (Central/State Cadres) |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 04 February 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 February 2026 (18:00 hrs) |
| Preliminary Exam (CSE) | 24 May 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Late May 2026 (approximately the last week) |
| Result / Answer Key (to be announced) | — |
Application Fee details
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹ 100 |
| Female / SC / ST / PwBD | Nil (exempted) |
| Payment Mode | Online (UPI / Card / Net‑Banking) |
Vacancy & Eligibility Criteria
- Age Limit: Candidates must be 21 years to 32 years as on 1 August 2026 (i.e., born between 02‑08‑1994 and 01‑08‑2005). Age relaxations apply as per government rules (SC/ST + 5 years, OBC + 3 years, Defence + 3 years, Ex‑Servicemen + 5 years, PwBD + 10 years).
- Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least one of the following subjects or a degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering is mandatory:
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
- Zoology
| Post Name | Total Posts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Officer | 80 | Bachelor’s degree with any of the listed science/engineering subjects, or degree in Agriculture, Forestry, Engineering |
| — | — | — |
Category‑wise Vacancy Distribution
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR (Unreserved) | 33 |
| OBC (Other Backward Classes) | 21 |
| SC (Scheduled Castes) | 12 |
| ST (Scheduled Tribes) | 06 |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | 08 |
| Total | 80 |
Note: Vacancies are subject to change. PwBD reservation follows the prevailing Government of India guidelines.
How to Apply Online?
Follow these six steps to submit your UPSC IFoS 2026 application without a hitch:
- Open the official portal – go to https://upsconline.nic.in.
- One‑Time Registration (OTR): If you have never registered, click “OTR”, fill in the required details, and create a unique OTR ID. Existing users can directly log in using their email/mobile/OTR ID.
- Locate the notification – under “Latest Notifications”, select “Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026”.
- Choose the service – tick “Indian Forest Service (IFoS)” (you may also select the general Civil Services option if you wish to appear for both).
- Enter personal & academic data – carefully fill in name, DOB, address, education, and preferred examination centres. Upload a recent passport‑size photograph (2 × 2 cm) and a digital signature as per the specifications.
- Pay the fee – pay ₹ 100 (or skip if you belong to an exempted category) via UPI, credit/debit card, or net‑banking. After successful payment, submit the form and download/print the confirmation page for future reference.
Documents you’ll need in digital format (PDF/JPEG, max 200 KB each):
- Recent passport‑size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.)
Important Links
| Link Name | Direct Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online – UPSC IFoS 2026 | Apply Here |
| Download Notification (PDF) | Notification PDF |
| Official UPSC Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
| Join WhatsApp Group | Join Now |
| Join Telegram Channel | Join Now |
Conclusion
The UPSC Forest Service Exam 2026 offers a rare chance to serve the nation as an IFoS officer. With 80 posts, a competitive salary, and a clear career ladder, the window closes on 24 February 2026. Verify every eligibility point, complete the application before the deadline, and keep the confirmation slip safe.
Q1. Who can apply for the UPSC Forest Service Exam 2026?
Ans: Any Indian citizen who holds a bachelor’s degree in the specified science subjects, Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering, and meets the age criteria (21‑32 years as of 1 Aug 2026) can apply.
Q2. Is there any age relaxation for candidates belonging to the Defence Services?
Ans: Yes. Defence personnel receive a 3‑year relaxation, and Ex‑Servicemen enjoy a 5‑year relaxation over the general upper age limit.
Q3. Can final‑year graduates submit the application?
Ans: Final‑year students may apply provisionally, but they must furnish proof of passing the degree before the Main Examination stage; otherwise, the application will be rejected.
Q4. What is the fee structure for female candidates?
Ans: Female applicants, as well as candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwBD categories, are exempted from paying the ₹ 100 application fee.
Q5. How many attempts are allowed for a General category candidate?
Ans: General/EWS candidates are permitted six attempts for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination.
