Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2025

1.Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2025: A Prestigious Opportunity to Serve the Environment

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2025, a golden opportunity for nature enthusiasts and professionals passionate about environmental conservation. The IFS is among the most prestigious services in India, with its officers responsible for managing the country’s forests, wildlife, and natural resources.

2.Vacancy Details for Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2025

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced approximately 150 vacancies for the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2025. The exact number of vacancies is subject to alteration by the government.

Category-Wise Vacancy Distribution

• General Category (Unreserved): Expected allocation as per standard government norms.
• Reserved Categories:
  • Scheduled Castes (SC): As per government reservation policy.
  • Scheduled Tribes (ST): As per government reservation policy.
  • Other Backward Classes (OBC): Includes Non-Creamy Layer candidates.
  • Economically Weaker Section (EWS): Allocated as per reservation rules.

PwBD Reserved Vacancies

Out of the total 150 vacancies, 9 positions are reserved for candidates under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category. The breakdown is as follows:

1. Low Vision (LV): 2 vacancies.
2. Hard of Hearing (HH): 3 vacancies (including 1 backlog).
3. Locomotor Disability (Leprosy Cured and Acid Attack Victims): 4 vacancies (including 2 backlog).

Important Note:

• Reservation Policy: The number of reserved vacancies for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwBD candidates is determined by the Government of India guidelines.
• Alteration in Vacancies: The exact number of positions may vary based on additional requirements or adjustments by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change.
• Competitive Selection: Final selection will depend on the Preliminary, Main Examination, and Interview performance.

3.Key Highlights for Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2025

• Exam Name: Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2025
• Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Total Vacancies: Approximately 150 (subject to alteration)
• Reserved Vacancies: 9 vacancies for PwBD candidates across various categories.
• Exam Stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview.

4.Eligibility Criteria for Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2025

1. Nationality:
   • Indian citizens, or individuals from Nepal, Bhutan, and other categories listed under UPSC guidelines.
2. Educational Qualification:
   • A Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the following subjects: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering.
3. Age Limit:
   • General: 21 to 32 years as of August 1, 2025.
   • Relaxations: Up to 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC, and 10 years for PwBD candidates.
4. Number of Attempts:
   • General: 6 attempts.
   • OBC: 9 attempts.
   • SC/ST: Unlimited (subject to age criteria).
5. Physical Fitness:
   • Candidates must meet the physical standards specified for the IFS as outlined in the rules.

5.Salary Details for Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officers

The salary of an Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer is governed by the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission. It includes a basic pay structure along with various allowances and benefits, making it one of the most prestigious government positions.

Pay Structure

1. Starting Pay Scale (Pay Level 10):
   • Basic Pay: ₹56,100 per month
   • Gross Salary: Approximately ₹70,000 to ₹80,000 per month (including allowances).
2. Promotions and Pay Levels:
   • Senior Time Scale (Pay Level 11): ₹67,700 – ₹2,08,700
   • Junior Administrative Grade (Pay Level 12): ₹78,800 – ₹2,09,200
   • Selection Grade (Pay Level 13): ₹1,18,500 – ₹2,14,100
   • Super Time Scale (Pay Level 14): ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200
   • Higher Administrative Grade (HAG, Pay Level 15): ₹1,82,200 – ₹2,24,100
   • HAG+ (Pay Level 16): ₹2,05,400 – ₹2,24,400
   • Apex Scale (Pay Level 17): ₹2,25,000 (fixed, no grade pay).

Allowances

IFS officers receive several allowances based on their posting and rank:

1. Dearness Allowance (DA): Revised quarterly and linked to inflation.
2. House Rent Allowance (HRA): Based on the city of posting:
   • 24% of basic pay in Tier-1 cities.
   • 16% of basic pay in Tier-2 cities.
   • 8% of basic pay in rural areas.
3. Travel Allowance (TA): Covers travel costs for official duties.
4. Special Allowances: For challenging postings in remote or forested areas.

Perks and Benefits

1. Official Vehicle: Provided for fieldwork and official use.
2. Government Accommodation: Luxurious housing in cities and bungalows in forest areas.
3. Medical Benefits: Free medical treatment for officers and their families.
4. Pension: Post-retirement pension and other benefits.
5. Leave Travel Concession (LTC): For personal travel with family.

In-Hand Salary

After standard deductions (tax, PF, etc.), the starting in-hand salary of an IFS officer is around ₹55,000 to ₹65,000 per month, depending on the allowances and deductions.

The Indian Forest Service offers not just financial security but also a highly respected and impactful career. If you’re passionate about environmental conservation, this is your chance to make a difference!

6.Exam Structure for Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2025

The IFS Examination consists of three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination:
   • Conducted alongside the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2025.
   • Two objective-type papers (400 marks in total):
     • General Studies (Paper I)
     • CSAT (Paper II, qualifying with a minimum of 33%).
   • Date: May 25, 2025.
2. Main Examination:
   • Written examination with six descriptive papers (1,400 marks in total):
     • Paper I: General English (300 marks).
     • Paper II: General Knowledge (300 marks).
     • Papers III, IV, V, VI: Two optional subjects, each with two papers (200 marks each).
   • Optional Subjects: Include Agriculture, Botany, Forestry, Physics, Zoology, etc.
3. Personality Test/Interview:
   • 300 marks to assess personality traits, decision-making, and suitability for the service.

7.How to Apply for Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2025

1. Visit the Official Website:
   Go to https://upsconline.gov.in.
2. One-Time Registration (OTR):
   • Register yourself on the OTR platform with basic details and documents.
3. Fill the Application Form:
   • Provide personal, educational, and category details.
   • Select exam centers for both Preliminary and Main examinations.
4. Upload Documents:
   • Photograph, signature, and ID proof (e.g., Aadhaar, Passport).
5. Pay the Fee:
   • ₹100 for General/OBC candidates (No fee for SC/ST/PwBD/Female candidates).
   • Payment can be made online or via SBI branches (for cash).
6. Submit the Form:
   • Review the details and submit the application. Save the confirmation for future use.

8.Important Dates for Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2025

Event	Date
Notification Release	January 22, 2025
Application Start Date	January 22, 2025
Application Deadline	February 11, 2025
Preliminary Exam	May 25, 2025
Main Exam (Tentative)	November 2025

9.Why Choose the Indian Forest Service?

• Purposeful Career: Directly contribute to India’s environmental policies and conservation efforts.
• Attractive Benefits: Competitive pay scales, housing, and allowances.
• Prestigious Position: One of the country’s All India Services, alongside IAS and IPS.

10.FAQs about Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2025

1. What is the application fee for IFS Exam 2025?
   ₹100 for General/OBC candidates. SC/ST, PwBD, and female candidates are exempt.
2. Can I apply for both IFS and Civil Services Exams?
   Yes, you can apply for both using the same application form.
3. What is the salary of an IFS officer?
   An IFS officer starts at Pay Level 10 with a basic salary of ₹56,100, plus allowances.
4. How many attempts are allowed for the IFS exam?
   General: 6, OBC: 9, SC/ST: Unlimited (subject to age limits).
5. What is the syllabus for the Main Exam?
   Includes General English, General Knowledge, and two optional subjects chosen by the candidate.
6. Is the Preliminary Exam only for screening?
   Yes, its marks are not counted in the final selection.
7. What is the age relaxation for PwBD candidates?
   Up to 10 years.
8. Are there reserved vacancies for PwBD candidates?
   Yes, there are 9 reserved vacancies in various categories.
9. When is the Preliminary Examination scheduled?
   May 25, 2025.
10. Where can I download the admit card?
    Admit cards will be available on the UPSC website closer to the exam date.