What 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.
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.
- Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the subjects as Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science.
- Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the subjects as Botany.
- Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the subjects as Chemistry.
- Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the subjects as Geology.
- Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the subjects as Mathematics.
- Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the subjects as Statistics.
- Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the subjects as Physics.
- Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the subjects as Zoology.
- Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture.
- Bachelor’s degree in Forestry.
- 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.
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 –
- 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.
- Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination (Objective type) for the selection of candidates for the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination
- 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?
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.
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?
Aditya says
yes u can.any person with an engineering background can apply.
Samyuktha says
Yes you can
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
Vriddhi says
Hey can I have your contact number please, I have so many queries.
Vishal choudhary says
Sir I’m doing bsc (physics) from ignou can I apply for IFS.
somu lodhi says
I’ve done my B.A in Economics, History and Political Science. In last semester I had stuided STATISTICS as one subject. S o please tell me that am I eligible for IFos?
Fasi says
Yes you can even I’m doing BSC (botny, zoology, geography) from IGNOU and will try for IFS
Borish Malangmei says
Iam doing B.sc Geology Hons. Form Dhanamanjuri University,Imphal, Manipur
And i wana be IFS so can i ??
Tejaswini Kinjarapu says
Is it a merged attempts count for ias and ifos
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
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.
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 ?
ANKIT YADAV says
Thanku very much
KARTHIKEYAN ANDI says
Sir i had completed my degree in fisheries (B.F.Sc) am I eligible to apply for IFS.
Jagadeesh says
Me to Thinking about this iam joined degree 1 st year BFSC U Not getted job ? After BFSC Is Good Course?
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
kalyan says
yes you can appear mains and interview in Telugu ……….
but in IFoS There is only English medium ……
Kamlesh gupta says
Sir,i have completed b pharm can i apply for ifs exam
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
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
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
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.
Aditi says
It’s technical post which need technical background and calibre so humanity not eligible
Arpita says
I have done my bachelors with chemistry and biotechnology (zoology till 2nd year of graduation). Can I apply for IFS??
Sai Sree says
Is a b pharmacy student eligible for this test??
Sunil Kumar says
I’ve done Bachelor of Computer Application. Can I also apply for this ??
Manjusha says
I m a MBBS student can I appear for ifos exam?
Omnath says
I am botany student 2nd year for ifos
exam eligible
Sam says
Sir what are number of attempts for IFS
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.
Demetrious sahoo says
Sir I am a itm graduate can I apply for the exam
Jaydeep Bariya says
I’m in BE automobile-2nd year.can I give IFS exam ?
Pranju says
I had completed Msc microbiology can I apply for this exam???
sagar says
can an MBBS graduate write this exam? please reply
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?
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
Basith says
I am completed plus two examination
Can I apply for this exam ?
Narayan says
I have completed Bachelor Degree in Economics and one paper having statics. Can I apply Indian Forest Service?
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
Army patoliya says
Sir horticulure degree can included in ifs…….???
Siddharaj khuman says
Yes
Mayank says
Sir anyone who has done his bachelor degree in architecture (B. Arch) can apply?
Swathi says
Is life sciences graduates are eligible for indian foreign service exam?
Swathi says
I am a life sciences student…
Am i eligible to write IFS exam?
Hari says
Sir i am studying 12th std. I want more information about IFS &eligiblity creteria
Jalla Vicky says
I’m a Arts Student in English Literature Can I apply for IFS ?
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 ?
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
Sagar says
I’m in none of these departments, so can’t i become IFS
Monalisha says
I have done B.Sc. Horticulture…. Can I apply for IFS
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.
Dinesh says
Sir i finished my bsc nursing if iam eligible for indian forest Service
Sucharita panja says
B. SC in environmental science can I eligible for Indian Forest Service exam?
Tendulkar says
Interested I n Wildlife
RIyas vkr says
have done Bcom (from calicut university )and MSW (From bharathiyar university,tamil nadu) .
Can I apply for the IFS?
Karthi says
IAM fisheries graduate am I eligible for IFS
Preethi says
Sir I’m studying imbsc final year can I apply
Ashish says
Sir, what is the writting medium for ifs mains?
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…
Amey Deshmane says
I have done bachelors in Microbiology and masters in Biotechnology , am i eligible for IFS .
Manikanta says
Respected sir or madam my name is Manikanta I’m a engineering student should I can apply this exam
Anjali twari says
Sir my height is 149cm ,can I eligible for ifos exam,, please reply sir
Sejal Deshmukh says
I have done Bachelor’s degree in BCom. Can I apply for IFS?
Sugan says
Are doctors eligible for the ifos examination..?
Manisha says
Hello sir, I’m b.sc microbiology students.. Can I apply UPSC in field IFS exam
Hunny baba says
I m doing b.sc. 6th semester can I apply for ifs…
Plz tell me
Bhawana meena says
Sir/mam…i have done my Bsc (CBZ) from private college(medium-hindi)Can i apply for IFS exam….?
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??
Sidhant says
Can one become An IFS( Indian Forest Service ) while having a Bachelor’s Degree in BSc Environmental Science
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?
Basil Khan says
BSc in Wildlife…. am i eligible for IFS exam???
Somya says
I’m doing my bachelor’s degree in in Microbiology. Can I apply for the same?
Vanlalhmuaka says
Sir, I’m being study B. Sc Environmental Science 3 yrs. Can I apply for IFoS ?
P.V.Shankar says
degree holders like B.A sociology(distance edu.) are eligble?
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?
SUJI says
sir ,i completed BE in Electronics and communication engineering …i can eligible to apply for this IFS EXAM
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
Shivani bahtt says
Hey sir am doing b. sc biotechnology can i apply for ifs exam
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.
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.
Rahul Sharma says
Sir, I am pursuing B. Sc. in Value education and spirituality. Can i prepare for Indian Forest Service
Sona says
Can a physiotherapist give IFS exam?
Shakir Ahmad says
Can a Bsc horticulture student
prepare for ifs exam
shrijaa says
i am completed b.sc biochemistry. i am eligible for upsc ifs exam 2020
Ajay says
Can ifos exam can also be given for non-technical entry?
Helvin says
Sir,I am a mbbs graduate. Am I eligible for IFS ?
Midhun mani says
Sir, bsc.geography degree can included in ifs…….?
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
Nisha says
I did my B.Sc in Biotechnology , Biochemistry and Microbiology. Can I apply for IFoS exam ?
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.
B.kiran says
B.pharmacy students are eligible or not for IFS job
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?
KIRAN says
B.pharmacy students also eligible for IFS
Gayatri says
Sir, I have completed B. Sc Horticulture. Can I apply for IFS.
Zama says
A person who have commerce background can apply for this
Abc says
Is the syllabus in Indian forest Service(IFS) Mains examination is same as IAS Mains exam?
Sharmistha dey says
Sir i am sharmistha dey. My date of birth is10/ 01/1989.it is my first and last attempt.iwil not be able to execute the ias and ifs form success fully. I will not get the chance again to sit for ias exam. Pls sir help me.can i get any contact number.
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
Yogesh says
I have finished B.sc(information technology) am i eligible to appear for indian forest service examination? Kindly clear my doubt guys..
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
Ankita says
Can a bams student apply this
Vaibhavi says
Sir , I have done b.tech in food technology
Can i apply for ifos???
Vaibhavi says
I have done b.tech in food technology , can i apply for ifos ??
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.
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?
Aditay says
Sir me BA kel Maharashtra forest service exam deu sakto ka
M ASHOK says
sir, i’m completed Bachelor of vocational degree(Bvoc in manufaturing technology). can i eligible this exam
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…???
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?
Chavalam kameswararao says
B.sc agriculture student I can apply
Gayathri says
I completed Bsc nursing.. Shall I apply for upsc forest service
Namgial Dorje says
Sir me graduated B. A HON’S IN GEOGRAPHY AND M. A. ALSO GEOGRAPHY MAI ES EXAM KO DE SAKTA HU???
Preethika says
Sir I have completed B.DC(IT) I’am I eligible
Neha vashisht says
Am doing bba bachelor’s in business administration…is there any chance for me to be a part of forest depending?
Tushar says
I had completed Bfsc ( fisheries ) can I eligible for IFS
Priyam Chowdhury says
Can I student who has a bachelor degree in Geography with the pass paper of math can apply for this?
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??
Bhagavant singre says
What is the height required for the IFS
Shital says
Sir I have competed my post graduation in sociology then can I apply for IFS exam?
Jerome Xavier says
can able to apply tnfusrc candidate for ifs?
Bhavana says
I have completed b.com n I had the subject called quantitative techniques. Am I eligible for the exam?
ratul says
are minimum height and other physical standards required for upsc’s Indian Forest Service ?
Mukesh says
I have geography honours .can I apply for indian forest service
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?
Shraboni says
CSE exam conducted by UPSC. And for it you have to be an Indian citizen
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😊
Saurabh bharti says
Presently i am in class 11th. I want to become an IFS officer . What I do
Md fakruddin says
Sir, i have completed b.sc horticulture.
Can i apply in ifs exam.
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?
Divya says
Is B.Sc Horticulture students eligible for IFoS or not
Sharmistha dey says
Sir my date of birth is10/01/1989 and it is my first and last attempt but i am not able to execute my ias and ifs form success fully. Iwill not get the chance again to sit for exam.i am general. What can i do
Sabu says
Can a humanities student become IFS officer?
Athili says
Is Economics subject not eligible?
Lakshmi h says
hi sir i am electrical student can i apply IFS /IFos exam
Danveer Singh says
I’m doing Bsc.Physics (Hons)
Can I apply for IFoS??
Riya says
Is it a mandate that centers for both prelims and mains are same or can we choose differently as per our convenience?
Vaibhavi says
I have done b.tech in food technology
, am i eligible for indian forest service conduct bt y upsc ??
Ankit Yadav says
Sir can MBBS graduates give IFoS exam
Manisha Chaudhary says
I have done B.Sc and M.Sc in biotechnology. Am i eligible for IFS?
Abhijit Sharma says
Am I eligible for Indian Forest Service exam if I am a bachelor of science in general stream?
Balasingam says
Hi sir,
Is Fisheries science (BFsc) eligible for this exam?It is also comes under the agricultural University. Please reply as soon as possible.
Humaira says
I have done msc from botany so I am eligible for ifs exam
Sharmistha dey says
Sir my date of birth is10/01/1989 and it is my first and last attempt but i am not able to execute my ias and ifs form success fully. Iwill not get the chance again to sit for exam.i am general. What can i do
Gladis says
ഞാൻ bsc (hons)agriculture 2nd year ആണ്… പഠിക്കുന്നതിനൊപ്പം എനിക്ക് ifs പരീക്ഷ എഴുതാൻ കഴിയുമോ?
Balasingam says
Hi sir,
Is Fisheries science (BFsc) eligible for this exam?It is also comes under the agricultural University. Please reply as soon as possible.
harini says
I have completed my bachelors in biotechnology and masters in environmental science and technology. Am I eligible to apply for ifs exam
Rachna says
Can A BSC Pass Home Science student apply for IFS Exam
PV says
I have completed my B.Sc.(Hons.) in Computer Science from Delhi University. I took my subsidiary subject as Mathematics for all four semesters (max).
Kindly tell me if I am eligible for Indian Forest Service examination academically.
Koganti.meghana says
Can I apply for upsc ifs exam if i graduate bsc agriculture from a college which is ugc recognised?
Priya says
Hi,
Can flat footed person can get selected in IFS ?
Priya says
I hv done BDS can i eligible for this exam
Ravi says
Sir/ Madam,
I am a BHMS graduate. Am I eligible to apply for IFoS ?
Suraj Kumar says
Sir I did my graduation as BSC hons(geography) with maths and physics as subsidiary subjects, am I eligible for IFoS ?
Parveen Kumar says
I’ve done Bachelor of Computer Application. Can I also apply for IFS ??
Sriram says
Is there any specific group want to take in 11th to become a IFS Officer ?
Niru says
Hi!
I did my B.E ( C S ) and MBA ( HR + IT) having 4 years of experience in HR can I apply for IFS or IPS. But my running age is 31
Ananya says
Currently I’m in my last year of Bsc biotechnology. Am I eligible for Indian forest services exam?
Mehak Sharma says
I have done my bachelor’s in analytical chemistry can i apply for Indian forest service??
Buny says
Bsc microbiology is eligible for Indian forest Service exam?
evag says
sir, i have completed my M.A in Geography can i apply for IFS?