IFS Notification 2026 is expected to be released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on 14 January 2026 for recruitment to the Indian Forest Service (IFoS). The notification will detail the selection process, eligibility criteria, exam dates, and application procedure for one of India’s premier All India Services. Online applications are expected to remain open till 03 February 2026 through the official UPSC portal.
IFS Notification 2026 Overview and Key Highlights
The Indian Forest Service Examination is conducted annually by UPSC to recruit officers responsible for forest conservation, wildlife management, and environmental administration. The examination is held in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
The detailed vacancy information for IFS 2026 is expected to be announced along with the official notification.
IFS 2026 Important Dates and Exam Schedule
Candidates planning to appear for the examination should keep track of the expected schedule shared by UPSC.
The detailed timetable and admit card release dates will be notified separately.
IFS Eligibility Criteria 2026
UPSC prescribes specific eligibility conditions related to nationality, age, and education for IFS aspirants. Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years of age as on 01 August 2025, with age relaxation applicable to reserved categories as per government norms. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university in subjects such as Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Geology, or professional degrees in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering.
IFS Application Process 2026
The IFS 2026 application process is expected to be conducted entirely online. Candidates will need to register, fill out personal and academic details, upload required documents, and submit the application within the deadline. The application fee for IFS 2026 has not yet been announced and will be confirmed in the official notification.
IFS Selection Process 2026
The recruitment process involves three compulsory stages:
- Preliminary Examination consisting of General Studies and CSAT
- Main Examination with written papers including optional subjects
- Interview (Personality Test) conducted by UPSC
Only candidates qualifying each stage will progress to the next
