UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination 2025
The UPSC IFoS Examination 2025 aims to select candidates for prestigious positions in India’s forestry sector. To qualify for the main IFoS examination, candidates must first clear the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, which is scheduled for May 25, 2025.
UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination 2025 Overview
| Organization Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Exam Name | UPSC IFoS Examination 2025 |
| Advt. No. | 06/2025-IFoS |
| Total Posts | 150 |
| Post name | IFoS |
Application Fee
The application fee structure is as follows:
- General/OBC/EWS Candidates: Rs. 100/-
- Female/SC/ST/PwBD Candidates: Exempted
Candidates can pay the fee online using Net Banking, UPI, Debit/Credit Cards, or via cash at designated SBI branches (payment via cash must be completed by February 10, 2025).
Important Dates
- Notification Release Date: January 22, 2025
- Last Date to Apply: February 11, 2025, by 6:00 PM
- Correction Window: February 12–18, 2025
- Preliminary Exam Date: May 25, 2025
- Main Exam Date: To be announced
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
- Must be a citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, intending to settle permanently.
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 21 years (as of August 1, 2025)
- Maximum Age: 32 years (born between August 2, 1993, and August 1, 2004)
- Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- PwBD: 10 years
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the following subjects:
- Core Subjects: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology
- Specialized Degrees: Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering
Number of Attempts
- General/EWS: 6 attempts
- OBC: 9 attempts
- SC/ST: Unlimited (within the age limit)
Vacancy Details
Approximately 150 vacancies are announced for IFoS 2025, with reservations for:
- PwBD Categories: 9 vacancies, including those for Low Vision, Hard of Hearing, and Locomotor Disabilities.
Note: The number of vacancies is subject to change.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of three stages:
1. Preliminary Examination
- Two objective-type papers (200 marks each) as part of the Civil Services Exam.
- Candidates must secure at least 33% in General Studies Paper II to qualify.
2. Main Examination
- Six descriptive papers totaling 1400 marks:
- General English: 300 marks
- General Knowledge: 300 marks
- Two Optional Subjects: Four papers, 200 marks each
- Optional subjects include Agriculture, Forestry, Botany, Zoology, and Engineering disciplines.
3. Interview/Personality Test
- Carries 300 marks
- Focuses on intellectual capabilities, leadership qualities, and suitability for the service.
Salary and Benefits
Selected candidates are entitled to competitive salaries:
- Pay Scale: Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 2,25,000 per month (based on rank and seniority).
- Perks and Benefits: Housing, medical facilities, transport allowance, pension, and other government benefits.
How to Apply for UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination 2025
- Visit the official UPSC website: https://upsconline.gov.in
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process.
- Fill out the online application form, providing:
- Recent passport-sized photograph (with the name and date visible)
- Scanned signature
- Valid photo ID proof
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Submit the application and save the confirmation for reference.
Note: Ensure all information is accurate, as no modifications can be made after the correction window closes on February 18, 2025.
FAQs for UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination 2025
1. Can I apply for both IFoS and Civil Services?
Yes, candidates can apply for both exams using a common application form if they meet the eligibility criteria.
2. What is the penalty for wrong answers in the Preliminary Exam?
One-third of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
3. Is there a provision for modifying the application form?
Yes, corrections can be made from February 12 to February 18, 2025.
4. When will I receive my admit card?
Admit cards will be available for download approximately one week before the exam.
5. Can I withdraw my application?
No, once submitted, applications cannot be withdrawn.
I have b.sc in zoology degree, can I eligible??