The official notification of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026 has been released. This recruitment drive from the UPSC aims to fill approximate for 80 Post. The eligible and the interested candidates can apply through the official website of the UPSC within the stipulated time. Before applying the said post candidates are advised to go through the Official Notification.
Job Overview
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Indian Forest Service (IFS) |
| Total Vacancies: | Approx. 80 Posts |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Employment Type | Permanent (Government Job) |
| Salary | As per Level 10 Pay Matrix (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) |
| Application Mode | Online |
Eligibility Criteria UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026
Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the following subjects Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics and Zoology or a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Forestry or in Engineering of any of Universities incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification.
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 Years
- OBC: 3 Years
- PwBD: 10 Years
Skills Required
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Physical fitness and fieldwork readiness
- Decision-making ability
- Leadership and administrative skills
Job Responsibilities
- Forest conservation and management
- Wildlife protection
- Environmental policy implementation
- Forest administration and planning
- Sustainable development of forest resources
Selection Process
The selection process consists of the following stages:
- UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination (Common for IFS & CSE)
- IFS Main Examination (Written Examination)
- Personality Test / Interview
Candidates must qualify each stage to proceed to the next.
Application Fee: The Application Fee for the examination is a part of the UPSC IFS and Civil Services.
| Category | Fee |
| SC/ST/Women/PwBD category | Nil |
| Other category | Rs. 100/- |
How to Apply
- Visit the official UPSC website
- Register through the One Time Registration (OTR) system
- Log in and fill the UPSC IFS application form
- Upload required documents
- Pay the application fee (if applicable)
- Submit the application form and take a printout
Important Dates
- Notification Release Date: 4th February 2026
- Application Start Date: 4th February 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 24th February 2026 upto 6 PM
- Preliminary Examination Date: 24th May 2026
(Candidates should verify dates from the official notification.)
Important Links
- Apply Online: Official UPSC Application Portal
- Official Notification: UPSC IFS 2026 PDF
- Official Website: upsc.gov.in
FAQs – UPSC IFS 2026
Q1. How many vacancies are available in UPSC IFS 2026?
Around 80 vacancies have been announced.
Q2. Is UPSC IFS a permanent government job?
Yes, it is a Group A permanent government service.
Q3. Is the UPSC IFS exam conducted separately?
The Preliminary Exam is common with UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Q4. Can fresh graduates apply for UPSC IFS 2026?
Yes, candidates with the required degree qualifications can apply.
Q5. What is the age limit for UPSC IFS 2026?
The age limit is 21 to 32 years, with relaxation as per rules.
Q6. Where can I apply for UPSC IFS 2026?
Candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website only.