UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination 2025: Notification, Syllabus, and Exam Process

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination 2025. This examination is conducted annually to recruit officers for the forest services of India. Candidates aspiring for this prestigious examination must clear the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination first and then proceed to the IFoS Main Examination.

Important Dates

• Notification Release Date: January 22, 2025
• Online Application Start Date: January 22, 2025
• Last Date to Apply: February 11, 2025 (till 6:00 PM)
• Preliminary Exam Date: May 25, 2025
• Main Exam Date: To be announced

Key Highlights of Recruitment 2025

• Exam Name: Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination 2025
• Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Mode of Examination: Offline (Written and Interview)
• Official Website: https://upsconline.gov.in
• Vacancies: Approximately 150 (subject to change)
• Selection Process: Prelims, Mains, and Personality Test (Interview)

Vacancy Details

• Total Vacancies: Approximately 150 (subject to change).
• Reservation: SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD categories as per government norms.
• PwBD Vacancies: 09 (Low Vision: 02, Hard of Hearing: 03, Locomotor Disability: 04).

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality:

• Indian citizen or candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees who migrated before January 1, 1962.

Age Limit:

• Minimum: 21 years
• Maximum: 32 years (Relaxation for reserved categories as per government norms)

Educational Qualification:

Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in one of the following subjects:

• Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
• Botany
• Chemistry
• Geology
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Statistics
• Zoology
• Agriculture/Forestry/Engineering

Exam Pattern

The selection process comprises three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination (Objective Type - Common with Civil Services Exam)
2. Main Examination (Written Test)
3. Personality Test (Interview)

Preliminary Examination Pattern

Paper	Subject	Marks
Paper I	General Studies	200 Marks
Paper II	Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) - Qualifying	200 Marks

Both papers are objective-type and will be conducted in multiple-choice format.

Main Examination Pattern

The IFoS Main Examination consists of six papers:

Paper	Subject	Marks
Paper I	General English	300 Marks
Paper II	General Knowledge	300 Marks
Paper III & IV	Optional Subject 1	200 Marks Each
Paper V & VI	Optional Subject 2	200 Marks Each

List of Optional Subjects:

• Agriculture
• Agricultural Engineering
• Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
• Botany
• Chemistry
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Forestry
• Geology
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Physics
• Statistics
• Zoology

Note: Candidates are not allowed to choose certain subject combinations such as Agriculture & Forestry, Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, etc.

Interview Process

The Personality Test carries 300 marks and evaluates the candidate’s suitability for the role based on communication skills, leadership qualities, and general awareness.

Syllabus

Preliminary Examination:

• General Studies (History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Environment, Science & Technology, etc.)
• CSAT (Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Analytical Ability, Quantitative Aptitude)

Main Examination:

• General English & General Knowledge
• Optional Subjects as per candidate’s choice

Salary & Benefits

Pay Scale: Level 10 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix (Approx. Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500)

Perks & Allowances: House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), Dearness Allowance (DA), Medical Benefits, Pension Scheme, etc.

How to Apply

• One-Time Registration (OTR): Register on UPSC OTR Portal.
• Fill Application: Select "IFoS 2025" and complete Part I to IV.
• Upload Documents: Scanned photo (10-300 KB), signature (50-300 KB), and Photo ID proof.
• Submit Fee: Pay online (if applicable).
• Final Submission: Save the confirmation for future reference.

Application Fees

• General/OBC/EWS: Rs. 100/-
• SC/ST/PwBD/Female Candidates: Exempted

Payment Mode: Online (Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, UPI) or Offline (SBI Challan)

Exam Centers

The Preliminary Exam will be conducted at 80 centers across India. The Main Exam will be conducted at 10 designated centers.

Final Selection & Appointment

Candidates will be selected based on their combined scores in the Main Examination and Interview. The final merit list will determine appointments in various state and central forest services.

Preparation Tips

• Thoroughly go through NCERT books for basic concepts.
• Solve previous years' question papers.
• Practice mock tests for time management.
• Stay updated with current affairs and environmental news.

❓ FAQs

Q1. Can I apply for both Civil Services and IFoS?

Yes, use the same application form and select both exams.

Q2. Is there negative marking in the Main Exam?

No, negative marking applies only to the Preliminary Exam.

Q3. How many attempts are allowed?

• General: 6
• OBC: 9
• SC/ST: No limit.

📢 Conclusion

The UPSC IFoS 2025 is a golden opportunity for candidates passionate about environmental conservation. Ensure eligibility, apply before February 11, 2025, and start preparing strategically. For updates, visit UPSC Official Website.

👉 Apply Now

Best of Luck! 🌳