The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released UPSC IFoS 2026 Notification 2026. The commission has announced approximately 80 vacancies for the Indian Forest Service this year. In this article eligibility, the new “Smart Apply” system, and the critical UPSC 2026 New Photo Signature Upload Rule,Age limit,Last Date,Fee,UPSC IFSE Notification PDF 2026 Official Direct Download Link covert everything.
UPSC IFSE Recruitment 2026
UPSC Forest Service Exam 2026
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Important Dates
Application Fee & Refund Rules
UPSC IFoS 2026 Recruitment Vacancy Details
The UPSC Forest Service 2026 Vacancy Breakdown indicates a slight adjustment in numbers compared to previous trends becouse of encouraging women candidates to apply.
| Post Name | Number Of Post |
|---|---|
| UPSC Forest Service Vacancies | 80 Posts |
UPSC Forest Service 2026 Total Vacancy Category Wise Distribution
There is Category wise distribution of UPSC IFoS 2026 vacancy according to official notice.
| Category | Number of Vacancies |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 12 |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 06 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 21 |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 08 |
| Unreserved (UR) | 33 |
| Total | Approx. 80 |
UPSC IFoS 2026 Educational Qualifications
The UPSC IFoS 2026 Eligibility for Engineers and science graduates is distinct. You must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the following subjects:
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
- Zoology
- OR a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering.
Important Que: Can final year student apply for UPSC IFoS 2026 ? Yes, candidates who have appeared for an examination that would render them educationally qualified can apply for the Preliminary Exam. However, they must produce proof of passing the requisite examination when applying for the Main Examination .
UPSC IFS 2026 Age Limits As On August 1, 2026
The UPSC IFS age limit 2026 requires candidates to be between 21 and 32 years old as of 1st August 2026.
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
- Birth Date Range: Not earlier than 2nd August 1994 and not later than 1st August 2005.
- SC/ST: Up to 5 years.
- OBC: Up to 3 years.
- PwBD: Up to 10 years.
UPSC IFS Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern
Understanding the IFS exam pattern 2026 is vital for your ifs preparation roadmap 2026.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (400 Marks)
This is the same as the Civil Services Prelims.
- Paper I (GS): 200 Marks (Merit).
- Paper II (CSAT): 200 Marks (Qualifying, 33% required).+1
- Negative Marking: There are strict upsc forest exam negative marking rules. One-third (0.33) marks are deducted for every wrong answer.
Stage 2: Main Examination (Written + Interview)
Candidates selected via Prelims will face the written Mains.
- Paper I: General English (300 Marks).
- Paper II: General Knowledge (300 Marks).
- Papers III, IV, V, VI: Two optional subjects (2 papers each, 200 marks each) .
- Interview: 300 Marks.
For the detailed syllabus, including the forest service optional subject list (Agriculture, Forestry, Geology, etc.), candidates should refer to Appendix I of the UPSC IFSE Notification PDF 2026 Official Notification.
Popular Optional Subjects
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Zoology
- Note: Certain combinations like Agriculture + Forestry are NOT allowed.
UPSC IFoS 2026 Exam Center List PDF
The notification provides a specific list of centers for Prelims and Mains.
- Prelims Centers: Includes Agra, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Dispur, etc..
- Mains Centers: Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi, Dispur, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Nagpur, Port Blair, Shimla.
IFS Exam Centre Change Process: The commission states that “No request for change of centre will be entertained”. Centers are allotted on a “first-apply-first-allot” basis, so complete your Indian Forest Service form 2026 early.
Important Guidelines for Documents & PwBD
- ID Proof: You must upload a scanned copy of the Photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID) details provided in the application.
- PwBD Scribe: Candidates requiring a scribe must adhere to the new appendix formats. The notification details the guidelines for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities using a Scribe, including the need for medical certificates (Appendix IV/VI/VII).
Ensure you read the upsc caf form forest service guide section in the notification to handle these documents correctly, especially regarding the UPSC 2026 New Photo Signature Upload Rule.
IFS 2026 New Photo Signature Upload Rule: Critical Update
This year, the Commission has introduced a significant change: the UPSC 2026 New Photo Signature Upload Rule.
The “Live Photo” Requirement
Unlike previous years where you only uploaded a scanned file, the UPSC 2026 New Photo Signature Upload Rule mandates a Live Photo Capture.
- Applicants must capture their live photograph while filling up the Common Application Form (CAF).
- Ensure the webcam or mobile camera works perfectly.
- The live photo must be clear and match the instructions provided on the UPSC IFSE Notification PDF 2026 Official Direct Download Link portal.
Signature Uploads
Under the UPSC 2026 New Photo Signature Upload Rule, candidates must sign three times (one below the other) on a plain white paper using black ink and upload this specific file. This is a unique requirement for 2026.
Many aspirants face the ifs 2026 photo signature upload problem. To resolve this, ensure your scanned ID and signature are legible and the live photo environment is well-lit. The UPSC 2026 New Photo Signature Upload Rule is strictly enforced, and non-compliance can lead to rejection.
How to Apply For UPSC IFS 2026 CAF Registration Process
The Indian Forest Service 2026 Smart Apply System via the OTR (One Time Registration) platform simplifies the process. Here is your UPSC IFS 2026 Live Form Filling Strategy:
- OTR Registration: Visit
upsconline.nic.inand complete the One Time Registration if not done already. - Login: Use your Email/Phone/OTR ID.
- Fill CAF: Proceed to the UPSC IFS 2026 CAF Registration Process.
- Live Photo: Execute the UPSC 2026 New Photo Signature Upload Rule by capturing your live image.
- Signature: Upload the “triple signature” file as per the UPSC 2026 New Photo Signature Upload Rule.
- Fee Payment: Pay the Indian Forest Service 2026 Form Fee for OBC and General candidates, which is ₹100. Women, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are exempt.+1
- Center Selection: Choose your center carefully from the UPSC IFoS 2026 Exam Center List PDF embedded in the notification.
Important: The UPSC IFS 2026 apply online link is valid only until 6:00 PM on Feb 24. Do not wait for the last minute to avoid server issues or errors with the UPSC 2026 New Photo Signature Upload Rule.
Also Visit : UPSC CSE 2026 Notification Out Apply Online
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SOME USEFUL IMPORTANT DIRECT OFFICIAL LINKS
| Topics | Direct Link |
|---|---|
| UPSC IFoS 2026 Official Apply Link | Click Here To Apply |
| UPSC IFoS 2026 Official Notification PDF | Click Here To Download |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in/ |
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Where can I find the UPSC IFSE Notification PDF 2026 Official Direct Download Link ?
A: The link is available on the official website upsc.gov.in. Always refer to the official source to ensure you have the correct file.
Q2: What is the IFS 2026 New Photo Signature Upload Rule ?
A: You must capture a live photo via webcam during registration and upload a scan of your signature signed three times vertically. This is mandatory for the Indian Forest Service form 2026.
Q3: Is the UPSC IFoS 2026 Exam Center List PDF different from CSE ?
A: The Prelims centers are the same, but the Mains centers are limited to specific cities like Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi, etc. Check the notification for the exact list.
Q4: What should I do if I face the ifs 2026 photo signature upload problem ?
A: Ensure your browser permissions allow camera access for the live photo. For the signature, ensure the file size and format match the UPSC IFS 2026 CAF Registration Process guidelines.
Q5: Can I change my optional subject later ?
A: No. The optional subjects chosen during the Mains Detailed Application Form (DAF) submission are final. Choose wisely from the forest service optional subject list.
Author’s Suggestions & Strategy
To clear the exam, specifically how to clear ifs in first attempt, follow these strategic points:
- Download the Notification: Use the UPSC IFSE Notification PDF 2026 Official Direct Download Link immediately to read the fine print.
- Master the Uploads: Do not mess up the UPSC 2026 New Photo Signature Upload Rule. A rejected photo means a rejected year.
- Cut-off Awareness: The IFoS Prelims cut-off is generally higher than the Civil Services cut-off. Your accuracy in GS Paper I needs to be impeccable.
- Admit Card: Keep an eye out for the UPSC forest service admit card 2026 roughly three weeks before the exam.
- Interview: Start working on your personality early. ifs interview personality test tips include staying updated on environmental issues and having a deep understanding of your DAF (Detailed Application Form).
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes based on the UPSC IFSE Notification PDF 2026. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) before applying. The UPSC 2026 New Photo Signature Upload Rule and other criteria are subject to the Commission’s final interpretation.