ClearIAS

UPSC Online Preparation

Programs Open for 2020 and 2021Enroll Now

Indian Forest Service (IFS/IFoS) Exam – Eligibility Criteria

Filed Under: UPSC Exams, UPSC Prelims

Indian Forest ServiceWhat is the eligibility criteria for the Indian Forest Service (IFoS)? Who can apply for IFoS exam?

Indian Forest Service (abbreviated as IFS or IFoS) is one of the prestigious All India Services like Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or Indian Police Service (IPS). To get into IFS, a candidate has to sit for the same preliminary exam as civil service aspirants do.

UPSC Books

But what is the minimum educational qualification for Indian Forest Service (IFS/IFoS) Exam? Let’s see.

Minimum Educational Qualification for Indian Forest Service (IFS/IFoS) Exam

The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any of the following subjects/ disciplines.

  1. Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the subjects as Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science.
  2. Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the subjects as Botany.
  3. Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the subjects as Chemistry.
  4. Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the subjects as Geology.
  5. Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the subjects as Mathematics.
  6. Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the subjects as Statistics.
  7. Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the subjects as Physics.
  8. Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the subjects as Zoology.
  9. Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture.
  10. Bachelor’s degree in Forestry.
  11. Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.

Graduation should be from of any of Universities incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification.

Can last year students of graduation also apply?

Candidates who have appeared at an examination the passing of which would render them educationally qualified for the Commission’s examination but have not been informed of the results as also the candidates who intend to appear at such a qualifying examination will also be eligible for admission to the Preliminary Examination.

ClearIAS Prelims Online Test Series

All candidates who are declared qualified by the Union Public Service Commission for taking the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination will be required to produce proof of passing the requisite examination with their application for the Main Examination failing which such candidates will not be admitted to the Indian Forest Service Main Examination.

The applications for the Main Examination will be called sometime in the month of July/August, through online mode.

What is the age limit to apply for Indian Forest Service (IFS/IFoS) Exam?

A candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 32 years on 1st August of the respective year of Preliminary Exam.

But the upper age limit prescribed above will be relaxable –

ClearIAS Prelims Online Test Series
  •  up to a maximum of five years if a candidate belongs to a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe.
  • up to a maximum of three years in the case of candidates belonging to Other Backward Classes who are eligible to avail of reservation applicable to such candidates.
  • up to a maximum of three years in the case of Defence Services personnel disabled in operations during hostilities with any foreign country or in a disturbed area and released as a consequence thereof:
  • up to a maximum of five years in the case of ex-servicemen including Commissioned Officers and
    ECOs/SSCOs who have rendered at least five years Military Service as on 1st August, and have been released (i) on completion of assignment (including those whose assignment is due to be completed within one year from 1st August) otherwise than by way of dismissal or discharge on account of misconduct or inefficiency, or (ii) on account of physical disability attributable to Military Service, or (iii) on invalidment.
  • up to a maximum of five years in the case of ECOs/SSCOs who have completed an initial period of
    assignment of five years of Military Service as on 1st August,  and whose assignment has been
    extended beyond five years and in whose case the Ministry of Defence issues a certificate that they can apply for civil employment and that they will be released on three month’s notice on the selection from the date of receipt of the offer of appointment.
  • up to a maximum of 10 years in the case of:-
    (a) Low Vision
    (b) Hearing Impaired (Partially deaf) and
    (c) Locomotor disability (sub-category : Leprosy cured and Acid attack)

To know about further relaxations, refer the UPSC notification.

The Plan of IFS/IFoS Exam

The Indian Forest Service Examination will consist of two successive stages.

  1. Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination (Objective type) for the selection of candidates for the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination
  2. Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination (Written and Interview) for the selection of candidates for the Indian Forest Service.

How can you make sure that you clear IFoS Exam?

Who can apply for Indian Forest Service (IFS/IFoS) Exam?

Due to limited vacancies, the cut-off score of IFS aspirants for the Main exam is often greater than that of Civil Service Exam Prelims. But once you clear Prelims, your chances of converting are very high due to different factors.

Apply before the last date, if you are eligible. You can apply for Civil Services (IAS, IPS, IRS etc) and IFS on the same online form.

To ensure that you clear Prelims in flying colours to fetch a mains call of IFS exam, we strongly recommend aspirants to enroll in ClearIAS Prelims Online Test Series.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Share175
Tweet
WhatsApp
175 Shares

Integrate Learning With Test-Taking!

130+ Marks in UPSC Prelims is Possible – if you are guided the right way!

Join ClearIAS Test Series 2020 or 2021

Yes, I want ClearIAS to help me score high!

About Alex Andrews George

Entrepreneur, Author, and Mentor: Alex is the founder of ClearIAS and the author of many best-seller books like 'Important Judgments that transformed India'. A trusted mentor and pioneer in online training, Alex has helped thousands of aspirants to become IAS, IPS, and IFS officers.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. rahul says

    i have done B. tech and M. tech in Dairy Technology (JRF in Masters from NDRI, Karnal). Can I apply for the IFS?

  3. Golu says

    If we apply for only ifos exam and appear for prelims will it be counted as CASE attempt? Last year, UPSC desk office said appearing only for ifos exam is also a cse attempt.
    Please confirm

  4. ClearIAS.com says

    No…In the same online application, there are separate options for marking CSE or IFS. If you opt only for IFS, that will not be counted as a CSE attempt.

  6. vikesh says

    sir in options we can apply for both cse and ifos ?
    it will have same paper or seperate paper for ifos and cse ?

  7. Rajiya says

    Sir, i have completed B.Sc in english medium ,i studied 10th in telugu medium,i am fluent in telugu can i choose main exam in IAS telugu language & interview

  9. Nivedita Latkan says

    Respected Sir/ Madam
    In some sites I noticed that bachelor with one subject as statistics is eligible for IFoS…! But here it does not appear….! I am a b.com graduate from IGNOU and studied statistics as one of my core subject in third year…! Am I eligible for
    IFOS exam

  10. Nivedita Latkan says

    I am a bcom graduate with statistics as one of main subject in third year of B.Com Am I eligible for IFOS exam

  12. B. M. Hasnu Umrongso Dima-Hasao,Assam. says

    Where as the candidates from sience stream can apply both the categories in IFS/IAS,students from Arts stream also should have been allowed to appear in the both IFS and IAS examinations because Arts stream students get less chance for applying the UPSC ( IFS). it is being deprived from the view of financial and merit categories.

  13. Arpita says

    I have done my bachelors with chemistry and biotechnology (zoology till 2nd year of graduation). Can I apply for IFS??

  19. Ankita says

    I am eligible for ifos if I am only doing 3yrs course of bvsc not animal husbandary.

    And second question is that I will take only veterinary subject for prelims not animal husbandary shall I take that subject or not.

  24. Sanjay S Paul says

    I have completed my graduation in Botany. I’m very much interested in IFS. I have not moved applications yet for IFS exam. What shall I do now? Should I wait for next year’s test? Or should I go for Msc. Botany?

  25. RAJESHKUMAR says

    Sir I’m willing to IFS (Indian forest service) I’m completely my graduation degree in B.Sc Biotechnology course I’m eligible or I deserve it sir please tell me

  27. Narayan says

    I have completed Bachelor Degree in Economics and one paper having statics. Can I apply Indian Forest Service?

  29. Mukesh Batham says

    sir I have done my BSc in forensic science am i eligible for the exam. I dont have any of the forementioned subjects in eligibility criteria but i had studied the gist of every Subject

  36. Chalapathi says

    Sir,,,,,,
    I have master degree in zoology . Am interested to take Ifos/IFS exams, but i have dowt in physical criteria .
    Is there height required ? Someone says height is required , my hieght is 5.4 so can i apply ?

  37. Deepak Thakur says

    Sir,I’m in last year of my graduation in bsc.medical.with subjects chemistry, zoology and botany..how can apply for ISF

  40. Rinal says

    I am 2015 bscit pass out and have 4 years of experience in IT industry and now I want to change my career path. Can I apply for IFOS ?

    Please do reply as it I am very confused right now.

  45. RIyas vkr says

    have done Bcom (from calicut university )and MSW (From bharathiyar university,tamil nadu) .
    Can I apply for the IFS?

  47. chandana says

    i have completed my intermediate n i completed my master diploma in hotel management can i apply for it

  51. jazz says

    Sir my hons paper is chemistry and optional subject s are zoology and botany what I fill in upsc form…is it graduate with at least chemistry or zoology or botany??? Plz help & reply soon…

  52. Arunima says

    Please I beg to know this anyone pls tell its mentioned bachelors witj at least one subject statistics I have done my ba with one subject elements of statistics will I be eligible to take ifos exams

  53. Amey Deshmane says

    I have done bachelors in Microbiology and masters in Biotechnology , am i eligible for IFS .

  54. Manikanta says

    Respected sir or madam my name is Manikanta I’m a engineering student should I can apply this exam

  60. Bhawana meena says

    Sir/mam…i have done my Bsc (CBZ) from private college(medium-hindi)Can i apply for IFS exam….?

  61. Swapan Dhara says

    Hello sir.. I have completed Master degree in Mathematics… can I apply for IFS?? And what are the posts of this services??

  62. Sidhant says

    Can one become An IFS( Indian Forest Service ) while having a Bachelor’s Degree in BSc Environmental Science

  63. AJIJUL SHAIKH says

    Hlw sir/mam…..
    I’m a Art’s student BA study in Anthropology (Major).Geography. Education. fine Art’s. Assamese and English.so I can apply ifs , officer?

  66. Vanlalhmuaka says

    Sir, I’m being study B. Sc Environmental Science 3 yrs. Can I apply for IFoS ?

  68. Deepanshu says

    I have a bsc in microbiology with botany as a generic subject for 1st 2 years of the course can I apply for ifos?

  69. SUJI says

    sir ,i completed BE in Electronics and communication engineering …i can eligible to apply for this IFS EXAM

  70. Mounika Venuvenka says

    Hii, I have done my degree in Bachelor of arts nd the stream is Economics,political science nd public administration… Is there is any chance that I’m eligible to apply for IFOS

  72. RASHI WADHWA says

    TO BE INTO INDIAN FOREIGN SERVICES , ONE MUST POSSESS A DEGREE IN GRADUATION FROM ANY DISCIPLINE ?
    WHAT IS THE PERCENTILE REQUIRED?
    ANYBODY CAN DO TILL THE AGE OF 32 IN GENERAL CATEGORY ?
    FROM FIELD OF AVIATION & HOSPITALITY INTO IFS, IS IT ACCEPTABLE ?
    KINDLY ACKNOWLEDGE .
    THANKYOU.

  73. Avinash.K says

    I have completed my B.Sc Computer Science with auxiliary subjects as mathematics for 2 semesters and statistics for 2 semesters.So that my doubt is whether i have eligibility for applying Indian Forest Service Exams.

  74. Rahul Sharma says

    Sir, I am pursuing B. Sc. in Value education and spirituality. Can i prepare for Indian Forest Service

  81. Ananya says

    Hello, I am 15 year old girl who wants to become an IFS officer by the intention of keeping animals of our country safe so I am messed up I can’t understand that what should prefer further in my studies

  82. Nisha says

    I did my B.Sc in Biotechnology , Biochemistry and Microbiology. Can I apply for IFoS exam ?

  83. M.sridurai says

    Sir, I am completed M.SC ZOOLOGY, my height is 162 cm,i am eligible or not eligible, IFOS exam,please tell me sir.

  85. sarkar says

    Sir, I have done my B.Com, with Statistics as a subject in 3rd year… and Business Math in 2nd year.
    Am I eligible for the Forest Services?

  90. G.praveen yadav says

    Good morning sir iam completed B.SC.nursing course in 2016 can appli it ifs/ifos pls giveme u r information

  91. Yogesh says

    I have finished B.sc(information technology) am i eligible to appear for indian forest service examination? Kindly clear my doubt guys..

  92. Shivangi says

    Sir I have done btech in computer science..can I apply for IFS?? And can I choose different optional subject without having their degree

  95. Preethi Sridharan says

    I would like to attempt the IFS exam. How ever I have a question. I don’t know the number of exam attempts I am eligible for. I am currently 30 years of age. I turn 32 on August 2nd 2021. In this case, am I eligible for one attempt or two attempts. Please let me know.

  96. R.Ganga says

    I would like to attempt the IFS exam.I study in B.Sc chemistry final year.My question is IFS exam question paper setting,what language?

  98. M ASHOK says

    sir, i’m completed Bachelor of vocational degree(Bvoc in manufaturing technology). can i eligible this exam

  99. Anjali sharma says

    Sir, i have done bachelor in arts… in my b.a..the subject which i was having was- geography,sociology and public administration….!!! I wanted to know that can i apply for IFS…???

  100. Adv Anas Sherwani says

    I am a Law Graduate (LLB Hons), i had a subject “environment law” in 5th year, currently preparing for IAS, so can i apply for Indian Forest Services?

  103. Namgial Dorje says

    Sir me graduated B. A HON’S IN GEOGRAPHY AND M. A. ALSO GEOGRAPHY MAI ES EXAM KO DE SAKTA HU???

  105. Neha vashisht says

    Am doing bba bachelor’s in business administration…is there any chance for me to be a part of forest depending?

  107. Priyam Chowdhury says

    Can I student who has a bachelor degree in Geography with the pass paper of math can apply for this?

  108. Wafa Mariyam says

    Am an LLB student….its an integrated course in which i study BBA too….one of my subjects in BBA is statisticss….so am i eligible for appearing in IFS exam??

  112. Bhavana says

    I have completed b.com n I had the subject called quantitative techniques. Am I eligible for the exam?

  115. Arunava says

    Sir i am a Bangladeshi. My religion is Hinduism. I have completed my Bsc in forestry. Can i get chance into Indian forest service exam?

  116. Manas says

    Hi Sir what does the examination consist of and when should I start preparing for it? I’m currently in my third year of Engineering. Thank you😊

  119. Shraboni says

    I am graduate from arts side with geography hon. And recently pursuing my PG in geography respectively. I wanted to give IFoS exam. Am I eligible or I have to pursue another courses?

  121. Brindha says

    Me also have the same eligibility which u mentioned above .. I’m also confused about ifos bcoz I have interested in ifos more than its so please reply me when u got reply from anyone plzzz I beg u

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Don’t lose out without playing the right game!

Follow the ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains Integrated Approach.

Learn more

About:

Terms and Conditions

Contactus

Featured on

ClearIAS Featured in The Hindu
ClearIAS Featured in the Times of India
ClearIAS Featured in the New Indian Express
ClearIAS Featured in the Yourstory

and many more...