Indian Forest Service (Pre) 2026: 14 Jan Notification? Exam Date Out

Breaking News for Nature Lovers: Do you dream of protecting India’s wildlife and forests while serving as a prestigious All India Service officer?

The wait is nearly over! The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is gearing up to release the notification for the Indian Forest Service (Pre) 2026 Exam. According to the UPSC Annual Calendar, the official notification is expected to be released on 14 January 2026.

Crucial Note: While the Prelims exam is common with the Civil Services (IAS), the Eligibility Criteria for IFS are different. If you have a Science or Engineering background, this is your “Golden Opportunity.” Read the complete details below.

Indian Forest Service (Pre) 2026 Overview

Indian Forest Service (Pre) Exam 2026: Latest Update

The Big News: The UPSC conducts the Preliminary Examination for both Civil Services and the Indian Forest Service (IFS) jointly. For the 2026 cycle, the commission has scheduled the notification release for 14 January 2026.

Exam Date Alert: The Preliminary exam is confirmed to be held on 24 May 2026. Candidates who qualify in this Prelims will be eligible to write the specific IFS Mains exam later in the year. Note: The cut-off for IFS Prelims is generally higher than that for the Civil Services (IAS), so your preparation needs to be top-notch.

Read: UPSC Civil Services Pre 2026 Notification.

Important Dates (Mark Your Calendar)

Don’t miss the deadline! Save these dates now:

• Notification Release: 14 January 2026
• Online Application Starts: 14 January 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 03 February 2026
• Correction Window: 2nd Week of February 2026
• Prelims Exam Date: 24 May 2026

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

This is where IFS differs from IAS. Ensure you meet these specific requirements before applying:

• Educational Qualification: A candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree with at least one of the following subjects: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, and Zoology OR a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering.
  • (Note: Arts and Commerce graduates are NOT eligible for IFS).
• Age Limit (As of 1st Aug 2026):
  • Minimum: 21 Years
  • Maximum: 32 Years
  • (Relaxation: 3 Years for OBC, 5 Years for SC/ST).
• Attempts: General (6), OBC (9), SC/ST (Unlimited).

How to Apply for Indian Forest Service 2026

The application process is entirely Online. Follow these steps once the link activates:

1. Visit the official website upsc.gov.in.
2. Complete the “One Time Registration (OTR)” (if not done already).
3. Go to “Active Examinations” and select “Civil Services (Preliminary) & Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2026”.
4. In the application form, carefully select “Both Civil Services & Indian Forest Service” if you are eligible for both.
5. Upload your Photograph, Signature, and ID Proof.
6. Pay the fee of ₹100 (Exempted for Female/SC/ST/PwBD).
7. Submit and print the confirmation page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: When will the IFS 2026 Notification be released?

Ans: As per the UPSC Annual Calendar, the notification is scheduled to be released on 14 January 2026.

Q2: Can Arts students apply for the Indian Forest Service?

Ans: No, candidates must have a degree in Science, Agriculture, or Engineering to be eligible for IFS.

Q3: Is the Prelims exam different for IAS and IFS?

Ans: No, the Preliminary Exam is common for both services. However, the Cut-off marks for IFS are usually higher than for IAS.

Disclaimer: Source: Official Notification details based on UPSC Annual Calendar trends via upsc.gov.in. We are an information portal.