Union Public Service Commission releases IFS 2026 notification – Check eligibility, age limit, attempts, fees, and important dates
| Feature | Details |
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam 2026 |
| Notification No. | 06/2026-IFoSE |
| Total Vacancies | 80 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Official Website | upsconline.nic.in |
| Last Date | 24/02/2026 |
UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026 to recruit 80 officers into one of India’s most prestigious environmental and administrative services.
Candidates can apply for both the Civil Services Preliminary Examination and the IFS Examination through a single online application form, making the process streamlined and efficient for aspirants across the country.
Category-wise Vacancy Breakdown
The 80 available positions are distributed among various categories as follows:
- UR (Unreserved): 33
- OBC: 21
- SC: 12
- EWS: 08
- ST: 06
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC IFS 2026
1. Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university 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 Engineering.
2. Age Limit (As of August 1, 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
- Relaxations: Standard age relaxation applies for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), and PwBD/Ex-servicemen candidates as per Government of India rules.
3. Number of Attempts
- General/EWS: 06 Attempts
- OBC: 09 Attempts
- SC/ST: No Limit
Examination Centers in Assam
For the convenience of candidates from the Northeast, UPSC has designated two primary centers in Assam for the Preliminary examination:
- Dispur (Guwahati)
- Jorhat
Application Fee Structure
| Category | Prelims Fee | Mains Fee |
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100/- | ₹200/- |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Female | Exempted | Exempted |
Note: Fees can be paid online via Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI.
How to Apply for UPSC Indian Forest Service 2026
Candidates can follow these steps to complete their application on the official portal:
- Visit Official Portal: Go to upsconline.nic.in.
- One-Time Registration (OTR): If not already registered, complete your Universal Registration Profile.
- Common Application Form (CAF): Log in and fill out the form for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam, ensuring you select “Indian Forest Service” in the exam selection tab.
- Upload Documents: Upload a scanned photograph, signature, and a valid Photo ID card.
- Fee Payment: Pay the applicable fee through the online gateway.
- Submit & Print: Review all details carefully, submit the form, and download the confirmation page.
Important Dates for UPSC IFS 2026
- Application Commencement: 04 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 24 February 2026 (Till 6:00 PM)
- Preliminary Exam Date: 24 May 2026
- Main Exam Date: To be announced later.
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Conclusion
The UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 offers a prestigious career in environmental governance, wildlife conservation, and forest administration. With 80 vacancies, clear eligibility criteria, and a transparent selection process, this is a golden opportunity for science and agriculture graduates aiming for a top-tier central government service.
Interested candidates should complete the online application before 24 February 2026 and begin focused preparation for the Preliminary Exam scheduled on 24 May 2026.
