The Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The commission releases a notification every year regarding the IFos exam 2026. It is Important for aspiring candidates to go through the UPSC IFoS exam pattern 2026. The Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 consists of:
- Prelims- Two papers
- Mains- Six papers.
In this article, we will look into the UPSC IFoS exam pattern 2026.
UPSC IFoS Exam Pattern 2026
The Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 is conducted in three steps. The candidates have to clear all three stages in order to clear the examination. Below is the detailed UPSC IFoS exam pattern 2026:
a. IFoS Prelims Exam
- There are two papers, GS I and CSAT, both of which are objective in nature.
- The prelims exam for IFoS is the equivalent of the UPSC IAS Prelims exam.
- The cut-off for the IFoS exam is more leading than for the IAS exam because the number of vacancies is less.
b. IFoS Mains Exam
- There are a total of 6 papers in the IFoS mains examination.
- All are descriptive, and each paper is for a duration of 3 hours.
- Candidates get to choose two optional subjects for their mains examination
1. UPSC IFoS Prelims Exam Pattern
The UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFS) Prelims 2026 is a preliminary screening test. Candidates will be evaluated based on their performance in two objective-type papers. There will be two papers, each lasting 2 hours. Each paper will consist of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). This is important in understanding the overall UPSC IFoS exam pattern 2026. Moreover, it is important to note that the scores from this stage will not contribute to the final merit list. To be considered for advancement, candidates must secure at least 33% in Paper 2.
Below is the UPSC IFoS Prelims exam pattern:
| UPSC IFoS Prelims Exam Pattern | |||
| Paper | Total Questions | Total Marks | Negative Marking |
| General Studies Paper I | 100 | 200 | -0.66 marks |
| General Studies Paper II (CSAT) | 80 | 200 | -0.83 marks |
2. UPSC IFoS Mains Exam Pattern
Candidates who clear the Prelims Indian Forest Service Exam 2026 will move on to the mains exam. The Mains exam includes six descriptive papers. The Indian Forest Service Syllabus 2026 for Mains is very important. The scores obtained in this phase significantly influence the final merit list.
- There are six papers, each lasting three hours.
- Papers I and II are worth 300 marks each, while Papers III, IV, V, and VI are worth 200 marks each.
- For Papers III to VI, candidates need to choose two optional subjects from the approved list, following the guidelines about which subjects can be combined as stated in the official notification.
| UPSC IFoS Mains Exam Pattern | ||
| Paper | Subject | Total marks |
| Paper I | General English | 300 |
| Paper-II | General Knowledge | 300 |
| Paper III | Optional I | 200 |
| Paper IV | Optional I | 200 |
| Paper V | Optional II | 200 |
| Paper VI | Optional II | 200 |
UPSC IFoS Exam Pattern 2026: Interview
Candidates who clear the written exam will be invited for the UPSC IFS Interview 2026. This interview assesses their suitability for the Indian Forest Service. It carries 300 marks and includes twice the number of candidates based on the UPSC IFS Result 2026 PDF. The final merit list totals 1700 marks. This total combines scores from both the written exam and the interview.
Preparation should focus on current events, geography, and practical knowledge of the UPSC IFoS Syllabus 2026. Solving previous years’ papers can help candidates prioritise high-yield topics.
Beyond understanding the exam pattern, many aspirants are also curious about the Indian Forest Service Officer’s salary and career prospects. For a detailed breakdown of the ranks, allowances, and growth opportunities within the forest service, refer to the link provided.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the UPSC IFoS exam pattern 2026 not only tests intellectual ability but also assesses your scientific temperament and passion for environmental protection. While the preparation journey is intense, your hard work will pay off. With structured planning, clarity on eligibility, awareness of the syllabus, and timely application, success in the Indian Forest Service exam 2026 can be a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The IFoS exam consists of two papers in the Prelims and six papers in the Mains, plus an interview.
The Prelims include two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT), each carrying 200 marks.
Yes, there is a negative marking of 1/3rd of the total marks for each incorrect answer in both papers.
The stages of the IFoS Exam 2026 include the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test (Interview).
The total marks for the Mains examination are 1400, and the interview carries 300 marks, making a total of 1700 marks.
