Find free study material for UPSC IFS (Indian Forest Service) Mains & all UPSC exams including Online tests, Previous year papers & Sample papers, Notes, Videos, Textbook Solutions, syllabus, mock practice and more on Notopedia

LATEST UPDATE

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has scheduled the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Mains Examination 2025 to commence on 16th November 2025 and continue for 7 days across designated centers in India. The exam will be held in two sessions daily (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM). Only candidates who qualified the Prelims (conducted on 25th May 2025) are eligible to appear. The Detailed Application Form (DAF-I) submission is mandatory, and admit cards for the Mains will be released 1–2 weeks prior to the exam.

OVERVIEW

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination is conducted to recruit officers for the forest cadre under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It is held once every year at the national level and is among the toughest competitive examinations in India. Candidates first appear in the Civil Services Preliminary Examination, and those who qualify are eligible for the IFoS Mains. In recent years, around 10–12 thousand candidates qualified for the Mains stage from lakhs of applicants who registered for the Prelims.

SALIENT FEATURES

The UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Main Examination is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper based) and consists of descriptive-type questions. It includes six papers in total, out of which all are counted for merit. These papers are General English, General Knowledge, and four papers from two Optional Subjects chosen by the candidate. The General English and General Knowledge papers carry 300 marks each, while each Optional paper carries 200 marks, making the written examination a total of 1400 marks. The duration of each paper is 3 hours. Candidates who qualify in the Mains Examination are called for the Personality Test/Interview, which carries 300 marks. The final merit list is prepared on the basis of marks obtained in the Mains Examination (1400 marks) and the Interview (300 marks), making a total of 1700 marks.

NOTIFICATION DETAILS

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Main Examination 2025 starting from 16 November 2025 at various designated centers across the country. Only those candidates who have qualified the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025 under the IFoS category are eligible to appear in the Mains. The IFoS Mains is a descriptive examination consisting of six papers, including General English, General Knowledge, and four papers from two optional subjects chosen by the candidate. The examination aims to test candidates’ academic knowledge, analytical ability, and understanding of subjects related to forestry, environment, and natural sciences. The marks obtained in the Mains, along with the Interview/Personality Test, will determine the final merit list for selection into the Indian Forest Service..

LATEST UPDATE

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has scheduled the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Mains Examination 2025 to commence on 16th November 2025 and continue for 7 days across designated centers in India. The exam will be held in two sessions daily (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM). Only candidates who qualified the Prelims (conducted on 25th May 2025) are eligible to appear. The Detailed Application Form (DAF-I) submission is mandatory, and admit cards for the Mains will be released 1–2 weeks prior to the exam.

OVERVIEW

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination is conducted to recruit officers for the forest cadre under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It is held once every year at the national level and is among the toughest competitive examinations in India. Candidates first appear in the Civil Services Preliminary Examination, and those who qualify are eligible for the IFoS Mains. In recent years, around 10–12 thousand candidates qualified for the Mains stage from lakhs of applicants who registered for the Prelims.

SALIENT FEATURES

The UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Main Examination is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper based) and consists of descriptive-type questions. It includes six papers in total, out of which all are counted for merit. These papers are General English, General Knowledge, and four papers from two Optional Subjects chosen by the candidate. The General English and General Knowledge papers carry 300 marks each, while each Optional paper carries 200 marks, making the written examination a total of 1400 marks. The duration of each paper is 3 hours. Candidates who qualify in the Mains Examination are called for the Personality Test/Interview, which carries 300 marks. The final merit list is prepared on the basis of marks obtained in the Mains Examination (1400 marks) and the Interview (300 marks), making a total of 1700 marks.

NOTIFICATION DETAILS

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Main Examination 2025 starting from 16 November 2025 at various designated centers across the country. Only those candidates who have qualified the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025 under the IFoS category are eligible to appear in the Mains. The IFoS Mains is a descriptive examination consisting of six papers, including General English, General Knowledge, and four papers from two optional subjects chosen by the candidate. The examination aims to test candidates’ academic knowledge, analytical ability, and understanding of subjects related to forestry, environment, and natural sciences. The marks obtained in the Mains, along with the Interview/Personality Test, will determine the final merit list for selection into the Indian Forest Service..

EXAM SYLLABUS

The UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Main Examination is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper based) and consists of six descriptive papers, including General English, General Knowledge, and four papers from two optional subjects chosen by the candidate. The General English and General Knowledge papers carry 300 marks each, while each optional paper carries 200 marks, making a total of 1400 marks for the written examination. Each paper is of 3 hours duration. Candidates who qualify in the written exam are called for the Personality Test/Interview, which carries 300 marks. The final merit is calculated based on the marks obtained in the Mains (1400) and Interview (300), totaling 1700 marks.

Here’s the detailed syllabus for UPSC IFoS Mains Examination:

1. General English (Paper I – 300 marks, Qualifying)

Essay writing (on contemporary issues, environment, society, and forestry topics)

Comprehension and précis writing

Grammar, sentence correction, and vocabulary

Translation (English to Indian language and vice versa)

2. General Knowledge (Paper II – 300 marks)

Current Affairs: National and international events, environment, forestry, wildlife, and biodiversity news

Indian Polity: Constitution, governance, public administration

History: Indian history, Indian National Movement, modern and medieval history

Geography: Physical, social, and economic geography of India; forest and ecological geography

Economy: Indian economy, planning, agriculture, industry, natural resources

Science & Technology: Basic concepts relevant to forestry and environment

Environment & Ecology: Biodiversity, climate change, sustainable development, wildlife conservation

3. Optional Subjects (Papers III–VI – 200 marks each)

Candidates must choose two optional subjects from the UPSC prescribed list. Each subject has two papers.

Optional Subjects include:

Agriculture

Agricultural Engineering

Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science

Botany

Chemistry

Chemical Engineering

Civil Engineering

Forestry

Geology

Mathematics

Mechanical Engineering

Physics

Statistics

Zoology

Paper III & IV: Optional Subject 1

Paper V & VI: Optional Subject 2

Each paper focuses on the theory, practical applications, and problem-solving in the chosen subject.

4. Personality Test / Interview (300 marks)

Conducted for candidates who qualify in the written exam.

Tests overall suitability for the Indian Forest Service.

Focus areas:

Academic knowledge

Awareness of forests, wildlife, and environmental issues

Leadership qualities and decision-making

Social traits, communication skills, and mental alertness

Current affairs and analytical thinking

5. Marks Distribution & Language

Written Exam: 1400 marks (General English + General Knowledge + Optional Subjects)

Interview: 300 marks

Grand Total: 1700 marks

Language: Question papers in English & Hindi; answers can be written in English or any of the 22 scheduled languages

IMPORTANT LINKS

For Official Website: Click Here

For Official Notification: Click Here 

LATEST UPDATE

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has scheduled the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Mains Examination 2025 to commence on 16th November 2025 and continue for 7 days across designated centers in India. The exam will be held in two sessions daily (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM). Only candidates who qualified the Prelims (conducted on 25th May 2025) are eligible to appear. The Detailed Application Form (DAF-I) submission is mandatory, and admit cards for the Mains will be released 1–2 weeks prior to the exam.

OVERVIEW

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination is conducted to recruit officers for the forest cadre under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It is held once every year at the national level and is among the toughest competitive examinations in India. Candidates first appear in the Civil Services Preliminary Examination, and those who qualify are eligible for the IFoS Mains. In recent years, around 10–12 thousand candidates qualified for the Mains stage from lakhs of applicants who registered for the Prelims.

SALIENT FEATURES

The UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Main Examination is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper based) and consists of descriptive-type questions. It includes six papers in total, out of which all are counted for merit. These papers are General English, General Knowledge, and four papers from two Optional Subjects chosen by the candidate. The General English and General Knowledge papers carry 300 marks each, while each Optional paper carries 200 marks, making the written examination a total of 1400 marks. The duration of each paper is 3 hours. Candidates who qualify in the Mains Examination are called for the Personality Test/Interview, which carries 300 marks. The final merit list is prepared on the basis of marks obtained in the Mains Examination (1400 marks) and the Interview (300 marks), making a total of 1700 marks.

NOTIFICATION DETAILS

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Main Examination 2025 starting from 16 November 2025 at various designated centers across the country. Only those candidates who have qualified the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025 under the IFoS category are eligible to appear in the Mains. The IFoS Mains is a descriptive examination consisting of six papers, including General English, General Knowledge, and four papers from two optional subjects chosen by the candidate. The examination aims to test candidates’ academic knowledge, analytical ability, and understanding of subjects related to forestry, environment, and natural sciences. The marks obtained in the Mains, along with the Interview/Personality Test, will determine the final merit list for selection into the Indian Forest Service..

LATEST UPDATE

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has scheduled the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Mains Examination 2025 to commence on 16th November 2025 and continue for 7 days across designated centers in India. The exam will be held in two sessions daily (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM). Only candidates who qualified the Prelims (conducted on 25th May 2025) are eligible to appear. The Detailed Application Form (DAF-I) submission is mandatory, and admit cards for the Mains will be released 1–2 weeks prior to the exam.

OVERVIEW

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination is conducted to recruit officers for the forest cadre under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It is held once every year at the national level and is among the toughest competitive examinations in India. Candidates first appear in the Civil Services Preliminary Examination, and those who qualify are eligible for the IFoS Mains. In recent years, around 10–12 thousand candidates qualified for the Mains stage from lakhs of applicants who registered for the Prelims.

SALIENT FEATURES

The UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Main Examination is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper based) and consists of descriptive-type questions. It includes six papers in total, out of which all are counted for merit. These papers are General English, General Knowledge, and four papers from two Optional Subjects chosen by the candidate. The General English and General Knowledge papers carry 300 marks each, while each Optional paper carries 200 marks, making the written examination a total of 1400 marks. The duration of each paper is 3 hours. Candidates who qualify in the Mains Examination are called for the Personality Test/Interview, which carries 300 marks. The final merit list is prepared on the basis of marks obtained in the Mains Examination (1400 marks) and the Interview (300 marks), making a total of 1700 marks.

NOTIFICATION DETAILS

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Main Examination 2025 starting from 16 November 2025 at various designated centers across the country. Only those candidates who have qualified the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025 under the IFoS category are eligible to appear in the Mains. The IFoS Mains is a descriptive examination consisting of six papers, including General English, General Knowledge, and four papers from two optional subjects chosen by the candidate. The examination aims to test candidates’ academic knowledge, analytical ability, and understanding of subjects related to forestry, environment, and natural sciences. The marks obtained in the Mains, along with the Interview/Personality Test, will determine the final merit list for selection into the Indian Forest Service..

EXAM PATTERN

The UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Main Examination is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper based) and consists of six descriptive papers, including General English, General Knowledge, and four papers from two optional subjects chosen by the candidate. The General English and General Knowledge papers carry 300 marks each, while each optional paper carries 200 marks, making a total of 1400 marks for the written examination. Each paper is of 3 hours duration. Candidates who qualify in the written exam are called for the Personality Test/Interview, which carries 300 marks. The final merit is calculated based on the marks obtained in the Mains (1400) and Interview (300), totaling 1700 marks.

Here’s a detailed version of the UPSC IFoS Mains Exam Structure:

1. Mode of Examination

The IFoS Mains Examination is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper based).

All papers are descriptive type, requiring written answers.

The duration of each paper is 3 hours.

2. Number of Papers

The examination consists of six papers in total:

Paper I – General English (300 marks)

Tests the candidate’s ability to write in English.

Includes essay writing, comprehension, précis writing, and grammar.

Qualifying in nature: Minimum 25% marks required.

Paper II – General Knowledge (300 marks)

Current events of national and international importance.

Indian polity, history, geography, economy, and general science.

Environmental issues, biodiversity, climate change, forestry awareness.

Marks counted for merit.

Papers III & IV – Optional Subject 1 (200 marks each, total 400)

Candidate chooses one optional subject from the UPSC list (e.g., Forestry, Agriculture, Zoology, Botany, etc.).

Paper III: Optional Subject Paper I

Paper IV: Optional Subject Paper II

Papers V & VI – Optional Subject 2 (200 marks each, total 400)

Candidate chooses another optional subject from the UPSC list (different from Subject 1).

Paper V: Optional Subject Paper I

Paper VI: Optional Subject Paper II

Total marks for written exam: 1400 marks

3. Personality Test / Interview

Candidates who qualify in the written Mains are called for the Personality Test/Interview.

Marks: 300

Evaluates:

Intellectual curiosity

Leadership and decision-making ability

Social traits and communication skills

Knowledge of environment, forestry, and current affairs

4. Grand Total & Merit

Written Exam: 1400 marks

Interview/Personality Test: 300 marks

Final Merit Total: 1700 marks

Selection is based on the sum of Mains marks and Interview marks.

5. Language of Examination

Question papers: English & Hindi

Answer scripts: English or any of the 22 scheduled languages

6. Summary of IFoS Mains Papers

Paper I: General English – 300 marks, qualifying

Paper II: General Knowledge – 300 marks, merit

Paper III & IV: Optional Subject 1 – 200 + 200 = 400 marks, merit

Paper V & VI: Optional Subject 2 – 200 + 200 = 400 marks, merit

Personality Test/Interview: 300 marks

Grand Total: 1700 marks

IMPORTANT LINKS

For Official Website: Click Here

For Official Notification: Click Here 

LATEST UPDATE

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has scheduled the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Mains Examination 2025 to commence on 16th November 2025 and continue for 7 days across designated centers in India. The exam will be held in two sessions daily (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM). Only candidates who qualified the Prelims (conducted on 25th May 2025) are eligible to appear. The Detailed Application Form (DAF-I) submission is mandatory, and admit cards for the Mains will be released 1–2 weeks prior to the exam.

OVERVIEW

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination is conducted to recruit officers for the forest cadre under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It is held once every year at the national level and is among the toughest competitive examinations in India. Candidates first appear in the Civil Services Preliminary Examination, and those who qualify are eligible for the IFoS Mains. In recent years, around 10–12 thousand candidates qualified for the Mains stage from lakhs of applicants who registered for the Prelims.

SALIENT FEATURES

The UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Main Examination is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper based) and consists of descriptive-type questions. It includes six papers in total, out of which all are counted for merit. These papers are General English, General Knowledge, and four papers from two Optional Subjects chosen by the candidate. The General English and General Knowledge papers carry 300 marks each, while each Optional paper carries 200 marks, making the written examination a total of 1400 marks. The duration of each paper is 3 hours. Candidates who qualify in the Mains Examination are called for the Personality Test/Interview, which carries 300 marks. The final merit list is prepared on the basis of marks obtained in the Mains Examination (1400 marks) and the Interview (300 marks), making a total of 1700 marks.

NOTIFICATION DETAILS

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Main Examination 2025 starting from 16 November 2025 at various designated centers across the country. Only those candidates who have qualified the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025 under the IFoS category are eligible to appear in the Mains. The IFoS Mains is a descriptive examination consisting of six papers, including General English, General Knowledge, and four papers from two optional subjects chosen by the candidate. The examination aims to test candidates’ academic knowledge, analytical ability, and understanding of subjects related to forestry, environment, and natural sciences. The marks obtained in the Mains, along with the Interview/Personality Test, will determine the final merit list for selection into the Indian Forest Service..

LATEST UPDATE

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has scheduled the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Mains Examination 2025 to commence on 16th November 2025 and continue for 7 days across designated centers in India. The exam will be held in two sessions daily (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM). Only candidates who qualified the Prelims (conducted on 25th May 2025) are eligible to appear. The Detailed Application Form (DAF-I) submission is mandatory, and admit cards for the Mains will be released 1–2 weeks prior to the exam.

OVERVIEW

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination is conducted to recruit officers for the forest cadre under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It is held once every year at the national level and is among the toughest competitive examinations in India. Candidates first appear in the Civil Services Preliminary Examination, and those who qualify are eligible for the IFoS Mains. In recent years, around 10–12 thousand candidates qualified for the Mains stage from lakhs of applicants who registered for the Prelims.

SALIENT FEATURES

The UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Main Examination is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper based) and consists of descriptive-type questions. It includes six papers in total, out of which all are counted for merit. These papers are General English, General Knowledge, and four papers from two Optional Subjects chosen by the candidate. The General English and General Knowledge papers carry 300 marks each, while each Optional paper carries 200 marks, making the written examination a total of 1400 marks. The duration of each paper is 3 hours. Candidates who qualify in the Mains Examination are called for the Personality Test/Interview, which carries 300 marks. The final merit list is prepared on the basis of marks obtained in the Mains Examination (1400 marks) and the Interview (300 marks), making a total of 1700 marks.

NOTIFICATION DETAILS

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Main Examination 2025 starting from 16 November 2025 at various designated centers across the country. Only those candidates who have qualified the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025 under the IFoS category are eligible to appear in the Mains. The IFoS Mains is a descriptive examination consisting of six papers, including General English, General Knowledge, and four papers from two optional subjects chosen by the candidate. The examination aims to test candidates’ academic knowledge, analytical ability, and understanding of subjects related to forestry, environment, and natural sciences. The marks obtained in the Mains, along with the Interview/Personality Test, will determine the final merit list for selection into the Indian Forest Service..

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Here’s the Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination in detail:

1. Nationality

Must be a citizen of India, or

A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or

A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or

A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

2. Age Limit

Minimum age: 21 years

Maximum age: 32 years (as on 1st August of the exam year)

Relaxations in upper age limit:

SC/ST: 5 years (up to 37 years)

OBC: 3 years (up to 35 years)

PwBD (benchmark disability): 10 years (up to 42 years)

Ex-servicemen and certain other categories as per Govt. rules.

3. Educational Qualification

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

Agriculture

Forestry

Engineering (any discipline)

4. Number of Attempts

General category: 6 attempts

OBC: 9 attempts

SC/ST: Unlimited attempts (up to age limit)

PwBD: 9 attempts for General and OBC; Unlimited for SC/ST (within age limit).

5. Physical Standards

Candidates must be physically fit according to prescribed medical standards for admission to the IFoS.

Detailed physical and medical guidelines are issued by UPSC/DoPT and evaluated at the time of medical examination.

IMPORTANT LINKS

For Official Website: Click Here

For Official Notification: Click Here

LATEST UPDATE

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has scheduled the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Mains Examination 2025 to commence on 16th November 2025 and continue for 7 days across designated centers in India. The exam will be held in two sessions daily (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM). Only candidates who qualified the Prelims (conducted on 25th May 2025) are eligible to appear. The Detailed Application Form (DAF-I) submission is mandatory, and admit cards for the Mains will be released 1–2 weeks prior to the exam.

OVERVIEW

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination is conducted to recruit officers for the forest cadre under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It is held once every year at the national level and is among the toughest competitive examinations in India. Candidates first appear in the Civil Services Preliminary Examination, and those who qualify are eligible for the IFoS Mains. In recent years, around 10–12 thousand candidates qualified for the Mains stage from lakhs of applicants who registered for the Prelims.

SALIENT FEATURES

The UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Main Examination is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper based) and consists of descriptive-type questions. It includes six papers in total, out of which all are counted for merit. These papers are General English, General Knowledge, and four papers from two Optional Subjects chosen by the candidate. The General English and General Knowledge papers carry 300 marks each, while each Optional paper carries 200 marks, making the written examination a total of 1400 marks. The duration of each paper is 3 hours. Candidates who qualify in the Mains Examination are called for the Personality Test/Interview, which carries 300 marks. The final merit list is prepared on the basis of marks obtained in the Mains Examination (1400 marks) and the Interview (300 marks), making a total of 1700 marks.

NOTIFICATION DETAILS

The UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Mains Examination 2025 is scheduled to begin on 16 November 2025 and continue over several days, concluding around 22 November 2025. Each paper will have a duration of 3 hours, with examinations conducted in two daily sessions – the forenoon session from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and the afternoon session from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The tentative sequence of papers is as follows: on 16 November, candidates will attempt General English (Paper I, 300 marks); on 17 November, General Knowledge (Paper II, 300 marks); on 18 November, Optional Subject 1, Paper I (200 marks) in the morning and Optional Subject 1, Paper II (200 marks) in the afternoon; on 19 November, Optional Subject 2, Paper I (200 marks) in the morning and Optional Subject 2, Paper II (200 marks) in the afternoon. The remaining days are reserved for buffer, evaluation logistics, or any adjustments by UPSC. After the written examination, candidates who qualify will be called for the Personality Test/Interview, generally scheduled a few weeks later. Candidates are advised to keep checking the official UPSC website for any updates or changes in the timetable.

LATEST UPDATE

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has scheduled the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Mains Examination 2025 to commence on 16th November 2025 and continue for 7 days across designated centers in India. The exam will be held in two sessions daily (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM). Only candidates who qualified the Prelims (conducted on 25th May 2025) are eligible to appear. The Detailed Application Form (DAF-I) submission is mandatory, and admit cards for the Mains will be released 1–2 weeks prior to the exam.

OVERVIEW

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination is conducted to recruit officers for the forest cadre under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It is held once every year at the national level and is among the toughest competitive examinations in India. Candidates first appear in the Civil Services Preliminary Examination, and those who qualify are eligible for the IFoS Mains. In recent years, around 10–12 thousand candidates qualified for the Mains stage from lakhs of applicants who registered for the Prelims.

SALIENT FEATURES

The UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Main Examination is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper based) and consists of descriptive-type questions. It includes six papers in total, out of which all are counted for merit. These papers are General English, General Knowledge, and four papers from two Optional Subjects chosen by the candidate. The General English and General Knowledge papers carry 300 marks each, while each Optional paper carries 200 marks, making the written examination a total of 1400 marks. The duration of each paper is 3 hours. Candidates who qualify in the Mains Examination are called for the Personality Test/Interview, which carries 300 marks. The final merit list is prepared on the basis of marks obtained in the Mains Examination (1400 marks) and the Interview (300 marks), making a total of 1700 marks.

NOTIFICATION DETAILS

The UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Mains Examination 2025 is scheduled to begin on 16 November 2025 and continue over several days, concluding around 22 November 2025. Each paper will have a duration of 3 hours, with examinations conducted in two daily sessions – the forenoon session from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and the afternoon session from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The tentative sequence of papers is as follows: on 16 November, candidates will attempt General English (Paper I, 300 marks); on 17 November, General Knowledge (Paper II, 300 marks); on 18 November, Optional Subject 1, Paper I (200 marks) in the morning and Optional Subject 1, Paper II (200 marks) in the afternoon; on 19 November, Optional Subject 2, Paper I (200 marks) in the morning and Optional Subject 2, Paper II (200 marks) in the afternoon. The remaining days are reserved for buffer, evaluation logistics, or any adjustments by UPSC. After the written examination, candidates who qualify will be called for the Personality Test/Interview, generally scheduled a few weeks later. Candidates are advised to keep checking the official UPSC website for any updates or changes in the timetable.

IMPORTANT LINKS

For Official Website: Click Here

For Official Notification: Click Here 

UPSC IFS ( Indian Forest Services ) Mains Examination 2024:

LATEST UPDATES:

UPSC IFS Annual Calander 2024 has been Released on 14 February 2024, with the Aim Of Filling 150 Vacancies. Application process has Started and the Last Date of Online Application was 06 March 2024. As per the UPSC Annual Examination Calendar 2024, The Union Public Service Commission conducted the CSE Prelims Examination on 16 June 2024, And Declared the Prelims Examination Result on 01 July 2024, After that Application Begin For ( DAF-I ) On 27 August 2024, And Last Date of ( DAF-I ) Application was 5 September 2024, Now UPSC Will Conduct the CSE Mains Examination on 24th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th November & 1st December 2024.

OVERVIEW:

The IFoS (Indian Forest Service) Exam is Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to Appoint Officer for the All India Administrative Civil Service. There are about 24 Services that come under the Civil Services Exam Conducted by UPSC every year. These services include IAS, IFS, IPS, etc. 

IMPORTANT DATES:

EXAM PAPER ANALYSIS:

1. The General English section was of 300 points and consisted of 300 questions that had to be answered in 3 hours.

2. Proper practice and a strong command of the English language would have sufficed to pass this section, as this is what the paper is designed to determine.

3. Along with other language-skill-based questions, an essay in English was required.

4. A passage was set up to serve as a summary or precis.

5. The General Knowledge section was of 300 points and had 300 questions that had to be answered in 3 hours.

6. It required some research as well as keeping up with current events.

7. There were eight optional subjects from which to choose two. Each paper was divided into two sections with four questions each. Five of the eight questions must be attempted.

PAPER- I GENERAL ENGLISH (300 MARKS):

1. Candidates were asked to write an essay in English.

2. Other questions were designed to test their understanding of English and workmanlike use of words.

3. Passages that were to be written usually be set for summary or précis.

Questions Asked:

Essay Topics:

1. Depletion of Natural Resources

2. Impact of Agricultural Reforms on India's Economic Future

3. Virtual teaching

4. New Education Policy

Note :- Candidate had to write an essay on any one of the given topics.

Letter Writing:

1. Letter to newspaper Editor, reporting growing incidents of rowdyism in your locality.

2. Report on COVID-19 Awareness Camp organised by your NGO for the benefit of citizens.

Précis Writing:

The précis writing was based on the topic "Agriculture".

Reading Comprehension:

The Reading Comprehension was based on the theme "Western Scholars and Jawaharlal Nehru".

PAPER- II GENERAL KNOWLEDGE:

Questions were asked on Indian Polity including the political system and the Constitution of India, History of India and Geography of nature.

Questions Asked:

Questions were based on the following topics

UPSC IFS ( Indian Forest Services ) Mains Examination 2024:

LATEST UPDATES:

UPSC IFS Annual Calander 2024 has been Released on 14 February 2024, with the Aim Of Filling 150 Vacancies. Application process has Started and the Last Date of Online Application was 06 March 2024. As per the UPSC Annual Examination Calendar 2024, The Union Public Service Commission conducted the CSE Prelims Examination on 16 June 2024, And Declared the Prelims Examination Result on 01 July 2024, After that Application Begin For ( DAF-I ) On 27 August 2024, And Last Date of ( DAF-I ) Application was 5 September 2024, Now UPSC Will Conduct the CSE Mains Examination on 24th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th November & 1st December 2024.

OVERVIEW:

The IFoS (Indian Forest Service) Exam is Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to Appoint Officer for the All India Administrative Civil Service. There are about 24 Services that come under the Civil Services Exam Conducted by UPSC every year. These services include IAS, IFS, IPS, etc. 

IMPORTANT DATES:

EXAM PAPER ANALYSIS:

1. The General English section was of 300 points and consisted of 300 questions that had to be answered in 3 hours.

2. Proper practice and a strong command of the English language would have sufficed to pass this section, as this is what the paper is designed to determine.

3. Along with other language-skill-based questions, an essay in English was required.

4. A passage was set up to serve as a summary or precis.

5. The General Knowledge section was of 300 points and had 300 questions that had to be answered in 3 hours.

6. It required some research as well as keeping up with current events.

7. There were eight optional subjects from which to choose two. Each paper was divided into two sections with four questions each. Five of the eight questions must be attempted.

PAPER- I GENERAL ENGLISH (300 MARKS):

1. Candidates were asked to write an essay in English.

2. Other questions were designed to test their understanding of English and workmanlike use of words.

3. Passages that were to be written usually be set for summary or précis.

Questions Asked:

Essay Topics:

1. Depletion of Natural Resources

2. Impact of Agricultural Reforms on India's Economic Future

3. Virtual teaching

4. New Education Policy

Note :- Candidate had to write an essay on any one of the given topics.

Letter Writing:

1. Letter to newspaper Editor, reporting growing incidents of rowdyism in your locality.

2. Report on COVID-19 Awareness Camp organised by your NGO for the benefit of citizens.

Précis Writing:

The précis writing was based on the topic "Agriculture".

Reading Comprehension:

The Reading Comprehension was based on the theme "Western Scholars and Jawaharlal Nehru".

PAPER- II GENERAL KNOWLEDGE:

Questions were asked on Indian Polity including the political system and the Constitution of India, History of India and Geography of nature.

Questions Asked:

Questions were based on the following topics

1. Mauryan Period

2. Chola Empire

3. Aurangzeb & Decline of Mughal Empire

4. Popular Revolt of 1857

5. COVID-19 Pandemic

6. Implications of Climate change on Fresh Water Resources

7. Financial Inclusion

8. Non-timber forest products

9. Directive Principles

10. Indian Federal Model

11. Constitution (52) Amendment Act

12. Discretionary powers of President & Governors

13. Shrinkage of Greenland Ice-Sheet due to Global Warming

14. Impact of Bushfire in Australia

15. Cultivation & Way of Life

16. Physiological, Agriculture & Population Density of India

17. Eco- Sensitive Zones (ESZ'z) Ecologically Fragile Zones (EFA's)

18. Organellar Genomes

19. Nanotechnology in Agriculture

20. Three-Model Organisms

21. GPS

IMPORTANT LINKS-

1. For Official Website- click here

2. For Official Notification-  click here

LATEST UPDATE

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has scheduled the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Mains Examination 2025 to commence on 16th November 2025 and continue for 7 days across designated centers in India. The exam will be held in two sessions daily (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM). Only candidates who qualified the Prelims (conducted on 25th May 2025) are eligible to appear. The Detailed Application Form (DAF-I) submission is mandatory, and admit cards for the Mains will be released 1–2 weeks prior to the exam.

OVERVIEW

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination is conducted to recruit officers for the forest cadre under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It is held once every year at the national level and is among the toughest competitive examinations in India. Candidates first appear in the Civil Services Preliminary Examination, and those who qualify are eligible for the IFoS Mains. In recent years, around 10–12 thousand candidates qualified for the Mains stage from lakhs of applicants who registered for the Prelims.

SALIENT FEATURES

The UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Main Examination is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper based) and consists of descriptive-type questions. It includes six papers in total, out of which all are counted for merit. These papers are General English, General Knowledge, and four papers from two Optional Subjects chosen by the candidate. The General English and General Knowledge papers carry 300 marks each, while each Optional paper carries 200 marks, making the written examination a total of 1400 marks. The duration of each paper is 3 hours. Candidates who qualify in the Mains Examination are called for the Personality Test/Interview, which carries 300 marks. The final merit list is prepared on the basis of marks obtained in the Mains Examination (1400 marks) and the Interview (300 marks), making a total of 1700 marks.