IFS Forestry Syllabus 2026, Subject Wise Download PDF

IFS Forestry Syllabus: The Indian Forest Service Forestry syllabus plays a critical role in the preparation of candidates choosing Forestry as their optional subject. The IFS Forestry optional syllabus is prescribed by UPSC and is designed to test a candidate’s understanding of forest science, ecology, management, conservation, and policy.

A clear understanding of the IFS Forestry exam syllabus helps aspirants plan their studies efficiently, avoid irrelevant topics, and focus only on what is required for the IFS Forestry syllabus for mains. Check the IFS Forestry detailed syllabus, paper-wise topics, and preparation approach in a structured and academic manner below.

Indian Forest Service Examination

The Indian Forest Service Examination is conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It recruits officers for forest administration, wildlife protection, and environmental management. The exam is conducted in three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview.

The UPSC IFS Forestry syllabus is applicable to the Mains stage, where candidates must select two optional subjects. Forestry is a popular optional subject due to its direct relevance to the service and clearly defined syllabus.

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Indian Forest Service Syllabus 

The IFS Forestry mains syllabus forms part of the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination. The written examination consists of six papers, including two compulsory papers and four papers from two optional subjects.

Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination Structure:

• Paper I: General English (300 Marks)
• Paper II: General Knowledge (300 Marks)
• Papers III & IV: Optional Subject 1 (Two papers, 200 Marks each)
• Papers V & VI: Optional Subject 2 (Two papers, 200 Marks each)

For those choosing Forestry, the IFS Forestry optional syllabus is divided into Paper I and Paper II. This ensures a deep understanding of the subject.

Indian Forest Service Syllabus PDF Download

Having the IFS Forestry syllabus PDF is highly beneficial. It provides a complete and official list of topics in one document. This helps students organize their study material and track their progress. Downloading the PDF ensures you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for your preparation. It removes any guesswork about what to study.

IFS Forestry Optional Subject Syllabus

The Forestry optional IFS syllabus is technical, conceptual, and application-based. It focuses on forest ecosystems, management systems, conservation practices, and forest laws relevant to India.

The syllabus is officially released by UPSC, and aspirants are advised to rely only on the IFS Forestry syllabus 2026 as notified.

IFS Forestry Paper 1 Syllabus

The IFS Forestry paper 1 syllabus mainly focuses on biological, ecological, and conservation-related aspects of forestry. Key areas included in Paper 1 are:

Silviculture
This section covers principles of silviculture, regeneration methods, nursery practices, planting techniques, and tending operations. It also includes silvicultural systems such as clear felling, shelterwood, coppice systems, mangroves, and cold desert forestry, along with the silviculture of important Indian tree species.

Agroforestry, Social Forestry, and JFM
Topics include agroforestry systems, social forestry concepts, Joint Forest Management (JFM), tribal economy, forest-based livelihoods, and community participation in forest management.

Forest Soils, Soil Conservation, and Watershed Management
This section explains soil formation, classification, properties, erosion control, watershed management principles, and the role of forests in soil and water conservation.

Environmental Conservation and Biodiversity
It includes environmental components, biodiversity conservation, deforestation impacts, pollution, climate change, environmental policies, and legislation related to conservation.

Tree Improvement and Seed Technology
Topics include genetic variation, provenance testing, tree breeding methods, seed production, seed certification, and gene conservation.

IFS Forestry Paper 2 Syllabus

The IFS Forestry paper 2 syllabus focuses on forest management, utilization, economics, and legal aspects. Important areas covered in Paper 2 are:

Forest Management and Management Systems
This section deals with principles of forest management, sustained yield, rotation, working circles, normal forest concepts, and forest cover monitoring.

Forest Working Plan
It includes preparation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of forest working plans, along with their role in biodiversity conservation.

Forest Mensuration and Remote Sensing
Topics include measurement of trees, volume estimation, sampling methods, yield calculation, remote sensing, and GIS applications in forestry.

Surveying and Forest Engineering
This section covers surveying techniques, map reading, forest roads, bridges, and basic forest engineering principles.

Forest Ecology and Ethnobotany
It explains forest ecosystems, ecological succession, forest types of India, ethnobotany, medicinal plants, and traditional forest knowledge.

Forest Resources and Utilization
Topics include timber harvesting, logging, transportation, non-timber forest products (NTFPs), wood seasoning, preservation, and composite wood.

Forest Protection and Wildlife Biology
This section covers forest fire management, pests, diseases, grazing impacts, wildlife conservation, and protected area management.

Forest Economics and Legislation
It includes forest economics principles, cost-benefit analysis, Indian Forest Policies, Forest Acts, Wildlife Protection Act, and environmental laws.

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How to Prepare Indian Forest Service Syllabus?

Preparing for the IFS exam requires a structured approach. Focus on understanding the IFS Forestry syllabus thoroughly.

• Understand the Syllabus: Break down each topic and sub-topic. This clarifies what to study.
• Time Management: Create a realistic study schedule. Allocate time based on subject weightage and your strengths.
• Quality Study Material: Use standard textbooks and reference materials. Focus on conceptual clarity.
• Practice Writing Answers: The Mains exam is descriptive. Regular answer writing practice is essential.
• Solve Previous Year Papers: This helps understand exam patterns and question types.
• Revision: Consistent revision of all subjects reinforces learning.
• Stay Updated: For General Knowledge and current affairs, read newspapers and magazines daily.

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