IFoS Agriculture Optional Syllabus 2026, Subject Wise PDF Download

IFoS Agriculture Optional Syllabus: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination, a highly competitive assessment for recruitment to the Indian Forest Service. Understanding the IFoS Agriculture optional syllabus is vital for effective preparation. 

This examination evaluates candidates’ knowledge in various fields, including optional subjects like Agriculture. A clear grasp of the syllabus helps candidates organize their study plan, identify important topics, and strategize their approach to secure a good rank. Provided here is a detailed overview of the Agriculture optional subject for the IFoS Main Examination.

IFoS Agriculture Syllabus2026  Overview

The Agriculture optional syllabus for the IFoS Main Examination is divided into two papers, Paper I and Paper II.The optional subject consists of two papers: Paper I and Paper II. Each paper carries 200 marks, making a total of 400 marks for the optional subject.

Both papers follow a descriptive format. You must answer questions that test your conceptual understanding and your ability to apply scientific principles to practical farming and forestry scenarios. The IFoS Agriculture exam pattern requires a balanced focus on both physical sciences (soil and water) and biological sciences (genetics and physiology).

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IFoS Agriculture Syllabus PDF Download

A detailed PDF version of the IFoS Agriculture syllabus is available for download. This PDF helps candidates plan their studies effectively. It offers a clear, structured format of all topics. This ensures thorough coverage and systematic revision. Downloading the syllabus provides a ready reference for consistent preparation.

IFoS Agriculture Optional Syllabus Paper I and II

This section covers the in-depth information for the IFoS Agriculture optional syllabus. It details the main topics and sub-topics for both Paper I and Paper II.

IFoS Agriculture Paper I Syllabus

Refer to the details mentioned below for the IFoS Agriculture Paper I Syllabus: 

• Ecology and Natural Resources: Study of ecology, natural resource management, environmental factors in crop distribution, and pollution impacts on crops and animals.
• Cropping Systems: Cropping patterns in different agro-climatic zones. Multiple cropping, intercropping concepts, and their role in food production.
• Crop Production: Practices for important cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fibers, and fodder crops during Kharif and Rabi seasons.
• Forestry Plantations: Features, scope, and propagation of various forestry plantations including agro-forestry.
• Weed Management: Characteristics, dissemination, and control methods for weeds.
• Soil Science: Physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. Soil formation, Indian soil classification, and role of soil constituents.
• Nutrient Management: Essential plant nutrients, soil fertility principles, integrated nutrient management, and nutrient fixation in soils.
• Problem Soils: Identification and reclamation methods for problem soils.
• Soil and Water Conservation: Planning on a watershed basis, erosion control, dryland agriculture, and rainfed production technology.
• Water Management: Water-use efficiency, irrigation scheduling, drip and sprinkler irrigation, drainage, and industrial effluent effects.
• Farm Management: Scope, characteristics, farm planning, resource use, budgeting, and economics of farming systems.
• Agricultural Economics: Marketing and pricing, price fluctuations, role of cooperatives, and farming systems.
• Agricultural Extension: Importance, evaluation methods, socio-economic surveys, farm mechanization, and training programs.

IFoS Agriculture Paper II Syllabus

Check the information below for the detailed IFoS Agriculture Paper II Syllabus:

• Cell Biology and Genetics: Cell structure and function, cell division, nucleic acids, gene structure. Laws of heredity, chromosome structure, and mutation in crop improvement.
• Plant Breeding: History, modes of reproduction, origin and evolution of crop plants, and genetic resource conservation.
• Crop Improvement: Application of plant breeding principles, selection methods (pure-line, pedigree, mass, recurrent). Hybrid vigor, disease resistance breeding, and biotechnology in plant breeding.
• Seed Technology: Importance, production, processing, and marketing of different seed types in India.
• Plant Physiology: Significance in agriculture, water relations, transpiration, enzymes, photosynthesis, respiration, and metabolism.
• Plant Growth Regulators: Growth and development, photoperiodism, vernalization, auxins, hormones, and their agricultural importance.
• Horticulture: Climatic requirements, cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Post-harvest handling, preservation, and role in human nutrition.
• Plant Protection: Diseases and pests of various crops. Principles of control, biological control, Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM), and pesticides.
• Storage Management: Pests and diseases of cereals and pulses in storage, and their control.
• Food Policy: Food production trends, national and international food policies, and dietary patterns in India.

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How to Prepare IFoS Agriculture Syllabus?

Effective preparation for the IFoS Agriculture optional syllabus requires a structured approach.

• Understand the Syllabus: Start by thoroughly reading and understanding each topic listed in the syllabus.
• Create a Study Plan: Candidates need to develop a realistic study schedule. Allocate time based on topic weightage and personal strengths.
• Refer Standard Books: Use authoritative textbooks for each section of the syllabus. Avoid relying on too many sources.
• Make Concise Notes: Summarize key concepts, definitions, and theories. This aids quick revision.
• Practice Answer Writing: One must regularly write answers to previous year’s questions. Focus on clarity, structure, and technical accuracy.
• Revise Regularly: Frequent revision reinforces learning. It also helps in retaining information for longer periods.
• Stay Updated: For relevant topics like agricultural policies or new technologies, keep abreast of current developments.

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