Table of Contents
- UPSC IFoS Exam Eligibility Criteria
- UPSC IFoS Exam Reservation Policies
- UPSC IFoS Exam Important Dates
- UPSC IFoS Exam Selection Process
- UPSC IFoS Exam Application Process
- UPSC IFoS Exam Procedure
- UPSC IFoS Exam Syllabus
- UPSC IFoS Exam Optional Subjects
- UPSC IFoS Exam Test Centres
- UPSC IFoS Exam Books
- UPSC IFoS Exam Previous Year Question Papers
- UPSC IFoS Exam Mock Test Practice Apps
- UPSC IFoS Exam Preparation Strategies
- UPSC IFoS Exam Online Practice
- UPSC IFoS Exam Youtube Channels
- UPSC IFoS Exam Coaching Centres in India
- UPSC IFoS Exam Success Stories
- UPSC IFoS Exam Interview Preparation
- UPSC IFoS Exam Cut Off
- UPSC IFoS Exam Scorecard Analysis
- UPSC IFoS Exam FAQs
UPSC IFoS Exam Eligibility Criteria
Category |
Eligibility |
UPSC IFoS Nationality Eligibility |
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UPSC IFoS Educational Qualification |
Or
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UPSC IFoS Age Limit |
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UPSC IFoS Number of Attempts |
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UPSC IFoS Exam Reservation Policies
Category |
UPSC Reservation Quota |
Schedule Caste |
15% |
Schedule Tribes |
7.50% |
Other Backward Classes |
25% |
Economically Weaker Section |
10% |
Persons With Benchmark Disabilities |
4% |
UPSC IFoS Exam Important Dates
Events |
Dates |
UPSC IFoS Exam Registration Start |
22/01/2025 |
UPSC IFoS Exam Registration End |
18/02/2025 |
UPSC IFoS Exam Preliminary Exam |
25/05/2025 (Sunday) |
UPSC IFoS Exam Main Exam |
16/11/2025 (Sunday) |
UPSC IFoS Exam Interview |
To be announced |
**dates might change**
UPSC IFoS Exam Selection Process
Stage Name |
Nature |
Total Marks |
Purpose |
UPSC Preliminary Examination |
Qualifying in nature |
200+200 = 400 |
Selected candidates are to appear for UPSC Main Examination |
UPSC Main Examination |
Marks included in the merit list |
1,400 |
Descriptive in nature. Consists of 6 exams: - General English, General Knowledge, and 4 Optional papers. |
UPSC Personality Test |
Scores considered for merit list |
300 |
Evaluation of leadership skills, communication skills, spontaneous decision making etc. |
UPSC IFoS Exam Application Process
The online application form has two parts - Part 1 and Part 2, and the steps involved in filling the application form are as follows:
UPSC Part 1 Registration Process:
- Visit the official website https://upsconline.nic.in or https://upsc.gov.in.
- Click the Apply Online Link on the right-side panel on the home page.
- Click on the Online Application for Various Examinations, then click on Online Application for various UPSC examinations.
- Click on the Part I registration link. Important instructions for completing the online application form will then be displayed on the screen.
- After reading the instructions, click ‘Yes.’ Then, candidates are asked to fill in personal details such as Name, Gender, Date of Birth, Father’s Name, Nationality, Address, etc., in registration.
- After filling out the personal details, fill out the educational qualification and contact details.
- As a next step, candidates have to fill in photo identity details, the number of attempts, marks obtained at graduation level, and the centre for the prelims exam details.
- After these details are filled in, the candidates can preview the details and edit the application at this stage if needed. Candidates are not allowed to edit the application after the final submission.
- After previewing, click submit. After completing Part I registration, the candidate will receive the registration ID. The RID is the Registration ID generated by the system when the applicant completes Part I registration of his application. Candidates should note down the RID for future reference.
UPSC Part 2 Registration Process:
- Use the registration ID you received after completing Part I and proceed to fill out Part II of the application.
- Log on again using the RID and date of birth details to continue Part-II registration.
- In this part, the candidates have to pay the application fees using an online or offline mode or pay by Cash through an SBI Challan.
- Select the prelims exam centre.
- Candidates have to upload all the required documents.
- Photograph in JPG format - 20 KB to 300 KB
- Signature in JPG format - 20 KB to 300 KB
- Photo ID in PDF format - 20 KB to 300 KB
- Click Upload after uploading all the documents in the prescribed size format.
- A final declaration appears on the screen after step 6; check the box and apply.
- After the final submission, a confirmation message for completion of the application is received on the registered mobile number and email address. This way, the candidates can ensure they have completed and applied.
UPSC IFoS Exam Procedure
IFoS Exam Pattern 2024 |
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Stage |
Paper |
Total Marks |
Duration |
Prelims (1/3rd Negative Marking) |
General Studies 1 |
200 |
2 hours |
General Studies 2 (CSAT) |
200 |
2 hours |
|
Mains |
Paper 1 (General English) |
300 |
3 hours |
Paper 2 (General Knowledge) |
300 |
3 hours |
|
Paper 3 (Optional Subject) |
200 |
3 hours |
|
Paper 4 (Optional Subject) |
200 |
3 hours |
|
Paper 5 (Optional Subject) |
200 |
3 hours |
|
Paper 6 (Optional Subject) |
200 |
3 hours |
|
Personality Test |
300 |
|
|
Final Result: IFoS Exam Mains Mark (1400) + Personality Test Marks (300) = 1700 Marks |
UPSC IFoS Exam Syllabus
Part A-Preliminary Examination:
Paper I (200 Marks | Duration: 2 hours)
- Current events of national and international importance
- History of India and the Indian National Movement
- Indian Polity and Governance- Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
- Economic and Social Development- Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
- General issues on Environmental ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialisation.
- General Science.
Paper II (200 Marks | Duration: 2 hours)
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal skills, including communication skills;
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc. - Class X level)
Part B-Main Examination:
The standard of papers in General English and General Knowledge will be as expected of a Science or Engineering graduate of an Indian University. The scope of the syllabus for optional subject papers for the examination is broadly of the honours degree level, i.e., a level higher than the bachelor's degree and lower than the master's degree. Regarding engineering subjects, the level corresponds to the bachelor's degree. There will be no practical examination in any of the subjects.
General English (Paper 1):
- Candidates are required to write an essay in English. Some other questions are also present, designed to test their understanding of English and skilful use of words. Passages are usually set for summary or precis.
General Knowledge (Paper ):
- General knowledge includes knowledge of current events, everyday observations, and experience in their scientific aspects as may be expected of an educated person who has not studied any scientific subject in particular.
- The paper also includes questions on Indian Politics, including the political system and the Constitution of India, History of India, and Geography, which the candidate should be able to answer without special study.
Optional Subjects (Papers 3, 4, 5, and 6):
- The total number of questions in each optional subject question paper is eight, with four questions in Part A and Part B.
- Out of eight questions, five are to be attempted (with at least two questions to be attempted from each part).
- One question in each part will be compulsory (to be mandatorily attempted).
- Three of the remaining six questions must be answered, taking at least one question from each part.
UPSC IFoS Exam Optional Subjects
Agriculture |
Agricultural Engineering |
Forestry |
Geology |
Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science |
Mathematics |
Botany |
Chemistry |
Chemical Engineering |
Civil Engineering |
Mechanical Engineering |
Physics |
Statistics |
Zoology |
Candidates are not allowed to choose certain combination of subjects, which are:
- Agriculture and Agricultural Engineering.
- Agriculture and Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science.
- Agriculture and Forestry.
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Mathematics and Statistics.
- The Engineering subjects namely; Agricultural Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering - not more than one subject.
UPSC IFoS Exam Test Centres
Agartala |
Gorakhpur |
Panaji (Goa) |
Agra |
Gurgaon |
Patna |
Ajmer |
Gwalior |
Portblair |
Ahmedabad |
Hyderabad |
Prayagraj (Allahabad) |
Aizawl |
Imphal |
Puducherry |
Aligarh |
Indore |
Pune |
Almora (Uttarakhand) |
Itanagar |
Raipur |
Ananthapuru |
Jabalpur |
Rajkot |
Bengaluru |
Jaipur |
Ranchi |
Bareilly |
Jammu |
Sambalpur |
Bhopal |
Jodhpur |
Shillong |
Bilaspur (C.G.) |
Jorhat |
Shimla |
Chandigarh |
Kargil |
Siliguri |
Chennai |
Kochi |
Srinagar |
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar [Aurangabad (Mah)] |
Kohima |
Srinagar(Uttarakhand) |
Coimbatore |
Kolkata |
Surat |
Cuttack |
Kozhikode (Calicut) |
Thane |
Dehradun |
Leh |
Thiruvananthapuram |
Delhi |
Lucknow |
Tiruchirapalli |
Dharamshala (HP) |
Ludhiana |
Tirupati |
Dharwar |
Madurai |
Udaipur |
Dispur |
Mandi (HP) |
Varanasi |
Faridabad |
Mumbai |
Vellore |
Gangtok |
Mysuru |
Vijayawada |
Gautam Buddh Nagar |
Nagpur |
Vishakhapatnam |
Gaya |
Nasik |
Warangal |
Ghaziabad |
Navi Mumbai |
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UPSC IFoS Exam Books
NCERT Books for UPSC IFoS Exam Preparation:
History |
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Geography |
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Political Science |
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- |
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Economics |
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- |
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Sociology |
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Arts |
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Science |
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- |
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Chemistry |
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Physics |
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Biology |
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Other Books for UPSC IFoS Exam Preparation:
A Brief History of Modern India (2018-2019) Book by Rajiv Ahir |
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- |
UPSC IFoS Exam Previous Year Question Papers
UPSC IFoS Exam Question Paper 2024 |
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UPSC IFoS Exam Main Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Paper 1 2024 |
UPSC IFoS Exam Main Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Paper 2 2024 |
UPSC IFoS Exam Question Paper 2023 |
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UPSC IFoS Exam Main Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Paper 1 2023 |
UPSC IFoS Exam Main Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Paper 2 2023 |
UPSC IFoS Exam Question Paper 2022 |
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UPSC IFoS Exam Main Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Paper 1 2022 |
UPSC IFoS Exam Main Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Paper 2 2022 |
UPSC IFoS Exam Question Paper 2021 |
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UPSC IFoS Exam Main Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Paper 1 2021 |
UPSC IFoS Exam Main Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Paper 2 2021 |
UPSC IFoS Exam Question Paper 2020 |
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UPSC IFoS Exam Main Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Paper 1 2020 |
UPSC IFoS Exam Main Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Paper 2 2020 |
UPSC IFoS Exam Mock Test Practice Apps
- UPSC Factory
- Exam Xpress
- Examsnet App
- Unacademy
- CivilsDaily
UPSC IFoS Exam Preparation Strategies
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus
- Exam Pattern: 2 papers of Prelims Exam, 6 Exams for Mains and Interview.
- Types of questions: Objective in prelims and Descriptive in Mains.
- Create a Study Plan
- Allocate specific times for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Set daily, weekly, and monthly goals.
- Include regular breaks to avoid burnout.
- Use Quality Study Material
- Refer to NCERT book
- Use online resources and apps like BYJU'S, Unacademy, and Khan Academy.
- Practice with previous years’ UPSC papers and mock tests.
- Refer to standard books
- Use online resources and apps like BYJU'S, Unacademy, and Physics Wala, DhrishtiIAS.
- Practice with previous years’ UPSC papers and mock tests.
- Join Coaching Classes (if needed)
- Consider joining reputed coaching institutes.
- Regular Practice and Mock Tests
- Take regular mock tests to simulate exam conditions.
- Analyse your performance in each mock test to identify areas of improvement.
- Practise sectional tests to strengthen specific areas.
- Time Management
- Practice managing time effectively during your study sessions and mock tests.
- Focus on speed and accuracy.
- Develop strategies for time allocation in each section during the exam.
- Work on Weak Areas
- Identify and focus on your weak areas.
- Seek help from mentors, teachers, or peers if you find certain topics challenging.
- Stay Updated
- Keep yourself updated with current affairs.
- Read newspapers, magazines, and online articles regularly.
- Online courses:
- Byju's UPSC preparation course
- Unacademy UPSC preparation classes
- Physics Wala UPSC preparation course
- Best Coaching Centres in India for UPSC
- Byju's
- Unacademy
- Dristi IAS
- IASbaba
- Clear IAS
- Vajiram and Ravi
UPSC IFoS Exam Online Practice
The following are the online website which give online mock test, coaching and materials for UPSC IFoS Exam preparation:
- Byju's
- Unacademy
- Dristi IAS
- IASbaba
- Clear IAS
- Vajiram and Ravi
UPSC IFoS Exam Youtube Channels
The following are the best Youtube Channels for UPSC preparations:
UPSC IFoS Exam Coaching Centres in India
The Following are the best coaching centres for UPSC in India:
- Byju's
- Unacademy
- Dristi IAS
- IASbaba
- Clear IAS
- Vajiram and Ravi
UPSC IFoS Exam Success Stories
Born in Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, Vennam Anusha's life has been shaped by hardship. Her life has been difficult since her father passed away when she was pretty young. She excelled academically and ranked highest in the class until the 12th grade. Her father's sudden death left a tremendous emotional void that started to influence her concentration, but she continued and graduated from Bapatla Engineering College with a B.Tech in Information Technology in 2014. Anusha worked in the private sector for eighteen months following degree completion. However, her love of public service drove her to quit in 2017 and devote all her time to UPSC preparation. She appeared seven times between 2015 and 2021 for the UPSC Civil Services Exam. She got barely one mark missing from the mains round in 2019. Fresh difficulties in the form of the COVID-19 epidemic awaited the following year. She had given her all, and despite her most excellent preparation, she had just 0.05 marks fewer than needed for the CSAT. She had reached the interview round on her sixth try but was four marks short of selection. Her lowest point came at the end of her last UPSC Civil Services effort. A mentor presented another road—the Indian Forest Service (IFS)—as her goals looked to break before her. Never given it much thought before, but this fresh prospect inspired her. Anusha moved to Delhi in order to study for the IFS. She initially showed up for the UPSC IFS test in 2023 and passed, with an All India Rank of 73.
UPSC IFoS Exam Interview Preparation
- Understand the Interview Format:
- The UPSC interview will analyse your personality, leadership skills, and analytical abilities.
- It is not a retest of your knowledge; the interview panel has reviewed your written exam results.
- The interview typically lasts 20-30 minutes, and you will be asked questions about your background, hobbies, current events, and DAF.
- Current Affairs and General Knowledge:
- Keep up with current events, particularly those relating to your optional subject and home state.
- Read newspapers and magazines and watch news shows regularly.
- Develop Clear Communication Skills:
- Practise speaking fluently and clearly.
- Pay attention to your body language and keep eye contact with the panel.
- Answer enquiries politely and respectfully.
- Interview Etiquette:
- Dress adequately in formal clothing.
- Be on time; arrive at the place well in advance.
- Please greet the panel pleasantly and wait for them to welcome you to sit.
- Maintain a pleasant attitude during the interview.
- Prepare for Common Questions:
- Prepare to answer questions about your abilities, shortcomings, accomplishments, failures, and motivations for joining the civil service.
- Prepare a well-thought-out response to the query, "Tell me about yourself."
- Optional Subject Knowledge:
- Brush your knowledge of your optional subject and be prepared for questions in that area.
- Stay Calm and Composed:
- It's expected to be worried before an interview, but try to remain composed.
- If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath and pay close attention to the panellists' questions.
- Be yourself. The interview panel is interested in getting to know you as an individual, so be honest and trustworthy with yourself.
UPSC IFoS Exam Cut Off
UPSC IFoS Exam Prelims Cut Off Analysis |
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Category |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
General |
93.6 |
103.03 |
110.88 |
110.88 |
EWS |
92.93 |
100.34 |
106.12 |
106.12 |
OBC |
93.6 |
102.36 |
109.53 |
109.53 |
SC |
82.83 |
90.91 |
95.24 |
95.24 |
ST |
78.79 |
88.89 |
93.2 |
93.2 |
UPSC IFoS Exam Mains Cut Off Analysis |
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Category |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
General |
640 |
631 |
633 |
633 |
EWS |
596 |
608 |
584 |
584 |
OBC |
608 |
584 |
566 |
566 |
SC |
577 |
537 |
552 |
552 |
ST |
591 |
569 |
497 |
497 |
UPSC IFoS Exam Scorecard Analysis
UPSC IFoS Exam FAQs
- What is the IFoS Exam at UPSC?
The Indian Forest Service (IFoS Exam) is one of the three All-India Services of the Union Government, the other two being the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS).
- What is the Salary of an IFoS Exam Officer?
The initial monthly salary for an Assistant Conservator of Forests/Assistant Deputy Conservator of Forests in the IFoS Exam begins at Rs 56,100 monthly. The highest IFoS Exam salary of Rs 2.25 lakhs per month is accorded to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
- How many attempts for the UPSC IFoS Exam?
Six attempts are allowed for the General/EWS category, 9 for the OBC/PwBD category, and unlimited attempts for SC/ST.
- What is the highest post of the IFoS Exam?
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
- What is the cutoff for the IFoS Exam 2024?
The UPSC IFS cutoff marks are 93.60 for general, 92.93 for EWS, 93.60 for OBC, 82.83 and 78.79 for SC and ST, respectively.
- How many hours do you work on the IFoS Exam?
You will likely work 5 to 6 days a week and 8 to 9 hours daily.
- Does the IFoS Exam have uniforms?
No Uniform. IFoS Exam officers do not have any uniforms.