The Indian Forest Service is one of the most prestigious civil services in India, with the aim of recruiting individuals to manage and conserve India’s forests, wildlife, and natural resources. The IFS exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, and it is a dream career for many individuals who wish to work in the field of environmental conservation and forest management.
In the year 2025, as every year, the UPSC will conduct the IFS examination of forest service officers appointed in large numbers to fulfill their role in making sure that the management of forests and resources of wildlife is sustainable across India. Here is a complete guide on the IFS exam, its eligibility criteria, application process, syllabus, and selection procedure.
Eligibility Criteria for IFS Exam 2025
To be eligible for the IFS exam, candidates must meet certain criteria regarding their nationality, age, and educational qualifications.
1. Nationality:
- Indian Citizens: A person who is an Indian national is eligible to apply for the IFS exam.
- Citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees: Candidates from these countries can also apply, provided they meet other criteria.
2. Age Limit:
The age limit for the IFS exam is as follows:
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 32 years (for General category)
- There are age relaxations for candidates from reserved categories:
- OBC: 35 years
- SC/ST: 37 years
- PWD: 42 years
3. Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree: The candidate must possess a degree from a recognized university. Candidates with a degree in Engineering, Veterinary Science, Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, or any other science-related subject are highly preferred for the IFS exam.
- Subjects for the Exam: The candidate must have at least one of the following subjects as their degree discipline: Botany, Zoology, Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Forestry, or Agriculture. However, candidates from other fields can also apply if they meet the age and educational criteria.
IFS Exam 2025: Important Dates
Event | Date |
Notification Release | February 2025 (Tentative) |
Application Start Date | February 2025 (Tentative) |
Application End Date | March 2025 (Tentative) |
Preliminary Exam Date | May 2025 (Tentative) |
Main Exam Date | November 2025 (Tentative) |
Interview Date | January 2026 (Tentative) |
Subject List for IFS Exam
Candidates need to choose a subject for the Main Exam, and it should be one of the following:
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Engineering
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Forestry
- Geography
- Geology
- Indian History
- Law
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Veterinary Science
- Zoology
Candidates are advised to choose a subject based on their background and interest.