UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) 2026 – Application, Correction Window & Exam Details
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is currently conducting the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination 2026 recruitment process. The exam is held in three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (common with Civil Services)
- IFoS Main Examination (separate)
- Personality Test / Interview
If you are planning to appear for IFoS 2026, here is the complete and updated schedule including the correction window details.
📅 UPSC IFoS 2026 – Complete Timeline
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | 4 February 2026 | Released |
| Application Start Date | 4 February 2026 | Started |
| Application Deadline | 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) | Closed |
| Correction Window | 25 February – 3 March 2026 (Approx.) | Opens |
| Prelims Exam | 24 May 2026 (Sunday) | Confirmed |
| Mains Exam | 22 November 2026 onwards | Tentative |
| Final Result | Early 2027 | Expected |
🛠 Correction Window – Important Update
After the application deadline closes on 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM), UPSC will activate the correction window from 25 February to 3 March 2026 (approx.).
During this period, candidates can:
- Edit personal details (as permitted)
- Correct errors in the application form
- Modify certain uploaded information
However, major details like exam selection or eligibility conditions may not be editable. Therefore, candidates should review their form carefully before final submission.
🌐 Official Application Portal
Candidates must apply online through the official UPSC portal:
➡️ https://upsc.gov.in
➡️ https://upsconline.nic.in
Applications submitted through any other website will not be accepted.
📢 Vacancy Details
- Approximate Vacancies: 80 posts
- Final category-wise distribution will be mentioned in the official notification.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility conditions.
Age Limit (As on 1 August 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years
- Age relaxation applicable as per government rules
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the following subjects:
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Zoology
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Engineering
- Or other notified science disciplines
📝 Prelims Common with Civil Services
The IFoS Preliminary Examination is exactly the same as the Civil Services (IAS) Preliminary Exam.
Therefore:
- Candidates fill a common application form.
- You must tick the “Indian Forest Service” option while applying.
- If you do not select IFoS in the form, you will not be considered for this service.
🧾 Selection Process
1st Stage: Preliminary Examination
- Objective type (MCQs)
- Same as Civil Services Prelims
- Qualifying for IFoS Mains
2nd Stage: IFoS Main Examination
- Separate written examination
- Subjective papers
3rd Stage: Interview / Personality Test
- Conducted by UPSC
- Final merit prepared based on Mains + Interview
Important Reminder
Since the application deadline is 24 February 2026 at 6:00 PM, candidates who have not yet applied must complete the process immediately.
Additionally, if any mistake is made during submission, the correction window from 25 February to 3 March 2026 provides a final opportunity to rectify errors.
FAQs:
The exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
The application deadline is 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM).
The correction window will be available from 25 February to 3 March 2026 (approx.) after the application process closes.
Approximately 80 vacancies have been notified for the Indian Forest Service.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering, with subjects like Botany, Chemistry, Agriculture, Forestry, or related disciplines.
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