UPSC conducts the Indian Forest Service (IFS) examination to recruit officers for the Indian Forest Service. IFS examination is a prestigious opportunity for those passionate about the environment, wildlife, and forestry. Let’s explore the essential details of the UPSC IFS Notification 2025, covering everything from the application process to the exam pattern and beyond.
What is the UPSC IFS Examination?
UPSC IFS Examination is a prestigious civil services exam conducted by the UPSC to select candidates for the Indian Forest Service. The exam aims to recruit officers responsible for managing and conserving the country’s forest resources and wildlife. It consists of three stages: the Preliminary Exam, which tests general knowledge; the Mains Exam, which evaluates in-depth knowledge of forestry, environment, and other related subjects; and the Personality Test (Interview). Successful candidates are appointed as Forest Officers, contributing to India’s environmental protection and biodiversity conservation efforts.
UPSC IFS Notification 2025
UPSC IFS Notification 2025 was released on February 22, 2025, outlining the details regarding the eligibility criteria, important dates, application process, and exam pattern. Candidates interested in applying for IFS must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria as defined by the UPSC, which includes age limits, educational qualifications, and nationality requirements.
Key Dates
- Notification Release: February 22, 2025
- Last Date to Apply: February 11, 2025 (until 6:00 PM)
- Application Correction Window: February 12–18, 2025
- Preliminary Exam Date: 25 May 2025
- Mains Exam Date: 16 November 2025
IFS Eligibility 2025
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Nationality:
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- A citizen of India
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1962 with the intention to settle permanently
- A person of Indian origin from specific countries (Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African nations, etc.) with the intention to settle in India, provided they have a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
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Age Limit:
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- Minimum age: 21 years
- Maximum age: 32 years as of 1st August 2025
- Relaxations:
- 5 years for SC/ST candidates
- 3 years for OBC candidates
- 5 years for ex-servicemen
- 10 years for persons with benchmark disabilities
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Educational Qualification:
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- Bachelor’s degree in specified subjects (e.g., Animal Husbandry, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering) from a recognized university.
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Number of Attempts:
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- General category: 6 attempts
- SC/ST candidates: No limit
- OBC candidates: 9 attempts
- Persons with benchmark disabilities: Same as other candidates in their category
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Medical and Physical Standards:
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- Must meet the physical standards as per regulations given in the official notification for 2025.
IFS Application Form 2025
IFS application Form 2025 is now available on the official UPSC website. The form is available for online submission only, and applicants will need to complete the application process by filling out their personal details, educational qualifications, and preferences. It is crucial to provide accurate information, as any discrepancies may lead to disqualification.
Along with the application form, candidates will need to upload scanned copies of documents such as educational certificates, Photo ID Card, a photograph, and a signature. There will be a fee for the application, which can be paid online.
The Commission has decided to provide candidates with the option to make corrections to any section(s) of their submitted online application form for this examination. This correction window will open from 12th February 2025 to 18th February 2025. If a candidate wishes to update their OTR (Registration) profile during this period, they must log into the OTR Profile (Registration) platform and make the necessary changes. Please note that no updates to the OTR Profile (Registration) can be made through the application form modification window.
UPSC IFS Notification 2025 pdf
IFS Application Form Last Date 2025
The last date for submitting online applications for the IFS 2025 exam is 11th February 2025, 18:00 hours. After this, the application link will be disabled. Candidates are advised to complete all four parts of the application (Part-I, Part-II, Part-III, and Part-IV) between 22nd January and 11th February 2025.
It is crucial to provide a valid and active email address as communication from the Commission will be conducted electronically. Applicants should regularly check their emails to avoid missing important updates.
IFS Vacancy 2025
For the year 2025, the IFS exam is expected to fill approximately 150 vacancies, though the final number may vary depending on various factors. These vacancies are subject to changes, and candidates should stay updated for any official notifications from UPSC regarding the exact number.
As with all UPSC exams, the IFS examination will follow the government’s reservation policies. Vacancies will be reserved for candidates from various categories, including SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PWD. These reservations are in line with the government’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all segments of society, ensuring diversity and representation in the services.
IFS Exam Pattern 2025
UPSC IFS exam is a competitive three-stage process comprising the Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Personality Test (Interview). The Preliminary Exam consists of two papers—General Studies Paper-I and CSAT Paper-II, which are qualifying in nature.
The Main Examination includes written papers that assess candidates’ knowledge on various subjects, such as General Knowledge, Forestry, and various electives. The Personality Test evaluates the candidate’s overall personality, their ability to handle complex situations, and their understanding of the responsibilities they will undertake as forest officers.
Candidates must familiarize themselves with the exam syllabus, which is updated regularly. Proper preparation across all stages is key to succeeding in the IFS exam and ultimately securing a position in the Indian Forest Service.
Preliminary Exam: Consists of two papers – General Studies and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test).
Mains Exam: Includes 6 papers, including General English, General Knowledge, and subjects related to forestry.
Interview: The final round is a personality test.
Here’s a quick overview of the exam pattern:
| Stage | Paper Type | Duration | Marks |
| Preliminary | General Studies | 2 hours | 200 |
| CSAT | 2 hours | 200 | |
| Mains | Paper 1 (General English) | 3 hours | 300 |
| Paper 2 (General Knowledge) | 3 hours | 300 | |
| Paper 3 (Optional Subject) | 3 hours | 200 | |
| Paper 4 (Optional Subject) | 3 hours | 200 | |
| Paper 5 (Optional Subject) | 3 hours | 200 | |
| Paper 6 (Optional Subject) | 3 hours | 200 | |
| Interview | Personality Test | – | 300 |
The final result for the IFS exam is the total of Mains exam marks (1400) and Personality Test marks (300), resulting in a combined total of 1700 marks for the candidate.
UPSC IFS Notification 2025 FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC IFS 2025?
Ans. The last date to apply for UPSC IFS 2025 is February 11, 2025.
Q2. What is the age limit for the UPSC IFS exam 2025?
Ans. The minimum age is 21 years, and the maximum age is 32 years as of August 1, 2025.
Q3. Can I edit my UPSC IFS application after submission?
Ans. Yes, a correction window will be available from February 12 to 18, 2025, for modifying the application.
Q4. How many papers are there in the UPSC IFS Mains Exam?
Ans. The UPSC IFS Mains Exam includes 6 papers, including General English, General Knowledge, and optional subject papers.
Q5. What is the total mark for the UPSC IFS exam?
Ans. The total marks for the UPSC IFS exam are 1700, combining Mains (1400 marks) and the Personality Test (300 marks).
