UPSC IFS Notification 2026 Released
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Notification 2026, offering a prestigious career opportunity in environmental governance and public administration. The Indian Forest Service is one of the premier All India Services, responsible for forest conservation, wildlife protection, climate action, and sustainable resource management across the country.
Through the UPSC IFS Examination 2026, around 80 vacancies have been announced for eligible candidates from science, agriculture, forestry, and engineering backgrounds. The recruitment process is conducted in multiple stages and is closely linked with the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026, which acts as the screening test for the IFS Main Examination. Only candidates who qualify the Prelims are eligible to appear for the IFS Mains and Interview.
The application process is completely online and requires candidates to complete URN registration, the Common Application Form, and examination-specific details within the given timeline. For aspirants aiming for a challenging, respected, and impactful government career, UPSC IFS 2026 is a golden opportunity.
Overview – UPSC IFS Notification 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | Approx. 80 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | All India |
| Selection Process | Civil Services Prelims + IFS Mains + Interview |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Application Portal | upsconline.nic.in |
Important Dates – UPSC IFS 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 24 February 2026 (06:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Examination Date | 24 May 2026 |
| IFS Main Examination | As per UPSC schedule |
UPSC IFS Vacancy 2026 – Category-wise
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 33 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 12 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 06 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 21 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 08 |
| Total | ~80 |
PwBD reservation is applicable as per Government of India norms.
Application Fee – UPSC IFS Vacancy 2026
| Category | Prelims Fee | Mains Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 | ₹200 |
| Female / SC / ST / PwBD | Exempted | Exempted |
Age Limit – UPSC IFS 2026 (As on 01 August 2026)
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 21 Years |
| Maximum Age | 32 Years |
Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per UPSC rules.
Eligibility Criteria – UPSC IFS 2026
Nationality
Candidate must be a citizen of India or eligible as per UPSC nationality rules.
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, Zoology
OR
A Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering from a recognized university.
Candidates appearing in the final year are also eligible to apply.
Number of Attempts
- General / EWS: 6
- OBC: 9
- SC / ST: No limit
- PwBD (General/EWS): 9
Selection Process – UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026
- Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination – Screening Test
- Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination – Written
- Personality Test (Interview)
Final merit is prepared based on marks obtained in the IFS Mains and Interview.
Salary / Pay Scale – UPSC Indian Forest Service
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level 10 (7th CPC) |
| Basic Pay | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Allowances | DA, HRA, TA & other benefits |
How to Apply Online – UPSC IFS 2026
- Visit upsconline.nic.in
- Register and create a Universal Registration Number (URN) profile
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF) with personal and educational details
- Upload live photograph, signature, and valid photo ID
- Open the Examination Specific Module and select Indian Forest Service Examination 2026
- Choose examination centre and complete the form
- Pay the application fee online (if applicable)
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page
Related Posts
- Bihar BPSC Factory Inspector Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online Before 02 February 2026 for 17 Vacancies
- UGC NET December Result 2025 Declared – Download Score Card
- MP Police ASI & HC (Computer) Recruitment 2026 – Big Opportunity to Apply Online for 89 Technical Posts
- BHU Scientific/Technical and Non-Teaching Recruitment 2026 – Big Opportunity to Apply Online for 59 Project-Based Posts (Advt. No. 04/2024-25)
- SSC MTS Admit Card 2025-26 Released – Download MTS & Havaldar Hall Ticket
- RGNAU Professional Trainee Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online Before 6 March 2026 for 2 Vacancies
- Kalyani University Teaching Recruitment 2026 – Great Chance to Apply Online for 29 Professor, Associate Professor & Assistant Professor Posts
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
Conclusion
UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026 is a prestigious and highly competitive opportunity for candidates interested in forest administration and environmental protection. Aspirants should apply early and prepare with a focused, long-term strategy to succeed.
FAQs – UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC IFS 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 24 February 2026 till 6:00 PM.
Q2. How many vacancies are announced under UPSC IFS 2026?
Approximately 80 vacancies have been announced.
Q3. What is the age limit for UPSC IFS Recruitment 2026?
The age limit is 21 to 32 years with category-wise relaxation.
Q4. Is Civil Services Preliminary Examination compulsory for IFS?
Yes, it is mandatory as a screening test for the IFS Main Examination.
Q5. What is the salary of an Indian Forest Service Officer?
The basic pay starts from ₹56,100 under Level 10 of the 7th Pay Commission.
Q6. What is the selection process for UPSC IFS 2026?
Selection includes Prelims, IFS Mains, and Personality Test.
Disclaimer
The information provided above is for reference purposes only. Candidates must verify all details from the official UPSC notification and website before applying.
