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UPSC IFS Mains Forestry Optional Question Paper 2023: Analysis & Strategies

Priyanka November 30, 2023 07:08 3746 0

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The strategic significance of UPSC Forestry Optional Paper in UPSC IFS Mains, with insights into its scoring potential, paper format, and trend analysis. Unlocking success with a comprehensive overview, including exam overview, success rates, and expert-recommended booklist for effective preparation

UPSC IFS Mains Forestry Optional Question Paper 2023: Analysis & Strategies

UPSC IFS Mains Exam: Optimal Strategies & Forestry Optional Question Paper Analysis

The UPSC IFS mains include a total of six papers with a total of 1400 marks. Out of 6 papers  one paper is of English and one on General Knowledge. The remaining four papers (Paper I, Paper II, Paper III and Paper IV) cover optional subjects that candidates have chosen during the application form filling process. Although Paper I and Paper II have a maximum of 300 marks each, the remaining 800 marks of the mains examination depend on the optional subjects. It becomes very crucial to choose the right optional subject and adopt the right strategy so that candidates can score as much as possible. So in this article we will first explore the importance and weightage of optionals, and then we will analyze Forestry optional  as an optional subject.

2023 IFS Forestry Optional Paper-01, Download Pdf

2023 IFS Forestry Optional Paper-02, Download Pdf

 

Importance of Optional Subject: Maximize Scores with Forestry Optional question paper Analysis

In UPSC IFS mains examination  candidates have to choose two optional subjects from the list specified in the official notification unlike UPSC IAS mains exam in which candidate has to choose only one optional subject. In IFS exam optional subjects have very high scoring potential because after Paper I and Paper II which consist of  600 marks optional have 800 marks so here optional plays a decisive role in determining your selection as well as to achieve a good rank.

Forestry Optional question paper Analysis

It is evident that in the entire selection process, the optional subject plays a crucial role in preparing for the UPSC IFS exam, as it accounts for almost 48% of the total marks. This substantial portion contributes significantly to the overall evaluation of the entire exam.

Marks Distributions in IFS Mains Exam

Upon further magnification, we can conclude that in the IFS mains examination, the optional section carries almost 58% of the total mains marks. Therefore, scoring well in the optional section, along with Paper I and Paper II, will result in higher overall marks in the exam.

UPSC IFS Optional Paper Format: A Guide with Forestry Optional question paper

  • Optional Subjects (Papers III, IV, V and VI)

    • Candidates have the flexibility to choose optional subjects based on their preferences and expertise. 
    • These selections play an important role in Papers III,IV,V and VI shaping the content and focus of these segments.
    • Understanding each paper and how optional subjects fit in helps you get ready for the UPSC IFS Mains Exam.
    • Total number of questions in the question papers of optional subjects will be eight. 
    • Every question alloted equal marks. Each paper will be divided into two parts, Part A and Part B, each part containing four questions. 
    • Out of eight questions, five questions are to be attempted. One question in each part will be compulsory. Candidates will be required to answer three more questions out of the remaining six questions, taking at least one question from each Part. 
    • In this way, at least two questions will be attempted from each Part i.e. one compulsory question plus one more.

UPSC IFS Mains Forestry Optional Question Paper: Insights and Tips

In the UPSC IFS Mains examination, Forestry optional subjects include two papers, specifically Paper I and Paper II. Each of these papers have a maximum weightage of 200 marks, which makes a total of 400 marks for this optional subject. Among the various optional subjects mentioned by UPSC in IFS, Forestry is one of the 14 optional subjects available to candidates.

Forestry Syllabus of Forestry Optional
Paper I of Forestry Optional Question Paper Silviculture

  1. General : General Silvicultural Principles : ecological and physiological factors influencing vegetation, natural and artificial regeneration of forests; methods of propagation, grafting techniques; site factors; nursery and planting techniques-nursery beds, polybags and maintenance, water budgeting, grading and hardening of seedlings; special approaches; establishment and tending.
  2. Silviculture – systems : Clear felling, uniform shelterwood selection, coppice and conversion systems. Management of silviculture systems of temperate, subtropical, humid tropical, dry tropical and coastal tropical forests with special reference to plantation silviculture, choice of species, establishment and management of standards, enrichment methods, technical constraints, intensive mechanized methods, aerial seeding and thinning.
  3. Silviculture – Mangrove and Cold desert : Mangrove : habitat and characteristics, mangrove, plantation-establishment and rehabilitation of degraded mangrove formations; silvicultural systems for mangrove; protection of habitats against natural disasters. Cold desert – Characteristics, identification and management of species.
  4. Silviculture of trees : Traditional and recent advances in tropical silvicultural research and practices. Silviculture of some of the economically important species in India such as Acacia catechu, Acacia nilotica, Acacia auriculiformis, Albizzia lebbeck, Albizzia procera, Anthocephalus Cadamba, Anogeissus latifolia, Azadirachta indica, Bamboo spp, Butea monosperma, Cassia siamea,Casuarina equisetifolia, Cedrus deodara, Chukrasia tabularis, Dalbergia sisoo, Dipterocarpus spp., Emblica officindils, Eucalyptus spp, Gmelina Arborea, Hardwickia binata, Largerstroemia Lanceolata, Pinus roxburghi, Populus spp, Pterocarpus marsupium, Prosopis juliflora, Santalum album, Semecarpus anacardium,. Shorea robusta, Salmalia malabaricum, Tectona grandis, Terminalis tomemtosa, Tamarindus indica.
  5. Agroforestry, Social Forestry, Joint Forest Management and Tribology : Agroforestry – scope and necessity; role in the life of people and domestic animals and in integrated land use, planning especially related to (i) soil and water conservation; (ii) water recharge; (iii) nutrient availability to crops; (iv) nature and ecosystem preservation including ecological balances through pest-predator relationships and (v) providing opportunities for enhancing biodiversity, medicinal and other flora and fauna. Agroforestry systems under different agro-ecological zones; selection of species and role of multipurpose trees and NTFPs, techniques, food, fodder and fuel security. Research and Extension needs. Social/Urban Forestry : objectives, scope and necessity; people’s participation. JFM – principles, objectives, methodology, scope, benefits and role of NGOs. Tribology – tribal scene in India; tribes, concept of races, principles of social grouping, stages of tribal economy, education, cultural tradition, customs, ethos and participation in forestry programmes.
  6. Forest Soils, Soil Conservation and Watershed management : Forests Soils: classification, factors affecting soil formation; physical, chemical and biological properties. Soil conservation – definition, causes for erosion; types – wind and water erosion; conservation and management of eroded soils/areas, wind breaks, shelterbelts; sand dunes; reclamation of saline and alkaline soils, water logged and other waste lands. Role of forests in conserving soils. Maintenance and build up of soil organic matter, provision of loppings for green leaf manuring; forest leaf litter and composting; Role of microorganisms in ameliorating soils; N and C cycles, VAM. Watershed Management – concepts of watershed; role of mini-forests and forest trees in overall resource management, forest hydrology, watershed development in respect of torrent control, river channel stabilization, avalanche and landslide controls, rehabilitation of degraded areas; hilly and mountain areas; watershed management and environmental functions of forests; water-harvesting and conservation; ground water recharge and watershed management; role of integrating forest trees, horticultural crops, field crops, grass and fodders.
  7. Environmental Conservation and Biodiversity : Environment; components and importance, principles of conservation, impact of deforestation; forest fires and various human activities like mining, construction and developmental projects, population growth on environment. Pollution – types, global warming, green house effects, ozone layer depletion, acid rain, impact and control measures, environmental monitoring; concept of sustainable development. Role of trees and forests in environmental conservation; control and prevention of air, water and noise pollution. Environmental policy and legislation in India. Environmental Impact Assessment. Economics assessment of watershed development vis-a-vis ecological and environmental protection.
  8. Tree Improvement and Seed Technology : General concept of tree improvement, methods and techniques, variation and its use, provenance, seed source, exotics; quantitative aspects of forest tree improvement, seed production and seed orchards, progeny tests, use of tree improvement in natural forest and stand improvement, genetic testing programming, selection and breeding for resistance to diseases, insects, and adverse environment; the genetic base, forest genetic resources and gene conservation in situ and ex-situ. Cost benefit ratio, economic evaluation.  
Paper II of Forestry Optional Question Paper
  1. Forest Management and Management Systems : Objective and principles; techniques; stand structure and dynamics, sustained yield relation; rotation, normal forest, growing stock; regulation of yield; management of forest plantations, commercial forests, forest cover monitoring. Approaches viz., (i) site-specific planning, (ii) strategic planning, (iii) Approval, sanction and expenditure, (iv) Monitoring (v) Reporting and governance. Details of steps involved such as formation of Village Forest Committees, Joint Forest Participatory Management.
  2. Forest Working Plan : Forest planning, evaluation and monitoring tools and approaches for integrated planning; multipurpose development of forest resources and forest industries development; working plans and working schemes, their role in nature conservation, bio-diversity and other dimensions; preparation and control. Divisional Working Plans, Annual Plan of Operations.
  3. Forest Mensuration and Remote Sensing : Methods of measuring – diameter, girth, height and volume of trees; form-factor; volume estimation of stand, current annual increment; mean annual increment. Sampling methods and sample plots. Yield calculation; yield and stand tables, forest cover monitoring through remote sensing; Geographic Information Systems for management and modeling. 4. Surveying and Forest Engineering : Forest surveying – different methods of surveying, maps and map reading. Basic principles of forest engineering. Building materials and construction. Roads and Bridges; General principles, objects, types, simple design and construction of timber bridges.  
  4. Forest Ecology and Ethnobotany : Forest ecology – Biotic and aboitic components, forest eco-systems; forest community concepts; vegetation concepts, ecological succession and climax, primary productivity, nutrient cycling and water relations; physiology in stress environments (drought, water logging salinity and alkalinity). Forest types in India, identification of species, composition and associations; dendrology, taxonomic classification, principles and establishment of herbaria and arboreta. Conservation of forest ecosystems. Clonal parks, Role of Ethnobotany in Indian Systems of Medicine; Ayurveda and Unani – Introduction, nomenclature, habitat, distribution and botanical features of medicinal and aromatic plants. Factors affecting action and toxicity of drug plants and their chemical constituents.
  5. Forest Resources and Utilization : Environmentally sound forest harvesting practices; logging and extraction techniques and principles, transportation system, storage and sale; Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) definition and scope; gums, resins, oleoresins, fibres, oil seeds nuts, rubber, canes, bamboos, medicinal plants, charcoal, lac and shellac, Katha and Bidi leaves, collection; processing and disposal. Need and importance of wood seasoning and preservation; general principles of seasoning, air and kiln seasoning, solar dehumidification, steam heated and electrical kilns. Composite wood; adhesives-manufacture, properties, uses, plywood manufacture-properties, uses, fibre boards-manufacture properties, uses; particle boards manufacture; properties uses. Present status of composite wood industry in India in future expansion plans. Pulp-paper and rayon; present position of supply of raw material to industry, wood substitution, utilization of plantation wood; problems and possibilities. Anatomical structure of wood, defects and abnormalities of wood, timber identification – general principles.
  6. Forest Protection & Wildlife Biology : Injuries to forest – abiotic and biotic, destructive agencies, insect-pests and disease, effects of air pollution on forests and forest die back. Susceptibility of forests to damage, nature of damage, cause, prevention, protective measures and benefits due to chemical and biological control. General forest protection against fire, equipment and methods, controlled use of fire, economic and environmental costs; timber salvage operations after natural disasters. Role of afforestation and forest regeneration in absorption of CO2. Rotational and controlled grazing, different methods of control against grazing and browsing animals; effect of wild animals on forest regeneration, human impacts; encroachment, poaching, grazing, live fencing, theft, shifting cultivation and control.
  7. Forest Economics and Legislation : Forest economics: fundamental principles, cost-benefit analyses; estimation of demand and supply; analysis of trends in the national and international market and changes in production and consumption patterns; assessment and projection of market structures; role of private sector and co-operatives; role of corporate financing. Socio-economic analyses of forest productivity and attitudes; valuation of forest goods and service. Legislation-History of forest development; Indian Forest Policy of 1894, 1952 and 1990. National Forest Policy, 1988 of People’s involvement, Joint Forest Management, Involvement of women; Forestry Policies and issues related to land use, timber and non-timber products, sustainable forest management; industrialization policies; institutional and structural changes. Decentralization and Forestry Public Administration. Forest laws, necessity; general principles, Indian Forest Act 1927; Forest Conservation Act, 1980; Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and their amendments; Application of Indian Penal Code to Forestry. Scope and objectives of Forest inventory. 

Download UPSC IFS Forestry Optional question paper: 2018-2022 Prep Boost in PDF

UPSC Forestry Optional Question Papers from 2018 to 2022 are readily available for aspirants seeking to enhance their preparation. We provided access to the UPSC IFS Forestry optional question papers in PDF format, an invaluable resource for your preparation.

Year  Paper 
UPSC IFS Forestry Optional Question Paper  2018 Download Paper I

Download Paper II
UPSC IFS Forestry Optional Question Paper 2019 Download Paper I

Download Paper II
UPSC IFS Forestry Optional Question Paper 2020 Download Paper I

Download Paper II
UPSC IFS Forestry Optional Question Paper 2021 Download Paper I

Download Paper II
UPSC IFS Forestry Optional Question Paper 2022 Download Paper I

Download Paper II

UPSC IFS Optional: Strategic Insights for Success (Forestry Optional Question Paper  Included)

Candidates appearing for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) IFS examination must make a thoughtful decision while selecting their optional subject, as it holds substantial weightage in the evaluation process. With a total of 800 marks allotted, the optional subject carries approximately 48% of the combined marks for both the written exam and the personality test (interview).

Forestry Optional Success: Insightful IFS Examination Rates

The table below offers a comprehensive overview of the success rate achieved by candidates who opted for Forestry optional  as their optional.

Year Number of Candidates of Forestry Optional
Appeared in Interview Recommended Passing (%)
2015 215 73 34
2016 232 90 38.3
2017 256 96 37.5
2018 189 79 41.8
2019 188 80 42.6
2020 195 84 43.1

Forestry Optional Question Paper Trend

Forestry Optional Question Paper Trends: Depth, Past Papers, and Current Affairs Impact

By examining the past papers of the Forestry Optional, we can identify a trend in the types of questions asked. There is also a noticeable shift in the themes of the questions. Understanding the UPSC IFS Forestry Question Paper Trend Analysis is advantageous, as it allows candidates to streamline their preparation effectively and enhance their performance in this optional subject.

  • Shift towards In-Depth Knowledge: Recent Papers Emphasize Environmental Knowledge
    • According to the recent previous year question papers, the exam may test candidates’ depth of knowledge in various topics like, biochemistry, physiology, diversity conservation etc.
  • Influence of Previous Year Papers: Strategic Insights for Exam Success
    • Many questions are indirectly related to topics previously asked in the preceding years. Therefore, solving questions from previous years will undoubtedly help candidates score well.
  • Current Affairs Impact on Optional Papers: Recent Impact and Relevance
    • In recent years, questions have been posed with relevance to current affairs topics. 
  • Back to the Basics Approach: Basics Mastery for Scoring Success
    • In past Forestry optional papers, questions haven’t been excessively difficult or beyond the syllabus. Candidates can score well if they have a command over the syllabus and a clear understanding of the subject’s basic fundamentals.

 Pros of Forestry Optional Subject: Choosing Physics as Your UPSC Optional

  • Relation with IFS
    • Forestry is directly related to the work profile of IFS officers as it involves the sustainable management of forest resources. Choosing forestry can provide a strong foundation for understanding the core responsibilities of an IFS officer.
  • Syllabus alignment  with General Studies Paper
    • There is a good amount of overlap between the forestry optional syllabus and the general studies papers, especially in the domain of environmental science, geography, and ecology. This ultimately facilitates the candidate’s preparation for the exam.
  • High Scoring Potential
    • Forestry is often known as a good scoring optional subject. The questions are generally straightforward and to the point, and candidates with a good understanding of the subject can secure high marks.
  • Provide insight of Exposure of Field
    • To the candidates who have their genuine interest in the practical aspects of forest management, choosing forestry as an optional subject can provide you with a deeper insight into field-related issues and challenges.
  • Alignment with the Career
    • Opting for forestry aligns well with a career in the Indian Forest Service. The knowledge gained by the candidate by studying forestry during the preparation can be directly applied in your future role, enhancing your performance as an officer.

Cons of Forestry Optional Subject: Choosing Physics as Your UPSC Optional

  • Limits scope of Career development: As the syllabus defines, forestry is highly relevant to the IFS, it may have limited application in other UPSC exams. If candidates have more career aspirations the candidates are advised to choose a more versatile optional subject.
  • Difficulty in finding the study material and resources: While there are resources available for forestry but for in-depth knowledge, the quality of study materials might not be as extensive as for some other optional subjects. This can pose a challenge for candidates seeking comprehensive materials.
  • Dynamic Nature: Just like any other subjects like agriculture, the syllabus of  forestry is dynamic with evolving policies and practices. Staying updated with these changes might be challenging, and outdated information can impact your performance in the exam.
  • Interest Factor: If Candidate does not have have a genuine interest in forestry then it is advised to not go with this subject as it may become challenging to stay motivated and consistently prepare for it.

Please note that before selecting Forestry Paper as your optional subject, carefully weigh these disadvantages against the advantages and consider your own background, interests, and the time you can dedicate to preparation.

Booklist for Forestry Optional Question Paper: Essential Resources for UPSC Exam

  • Principles and Practice of Silviculture by L.S. Khanna
  • Theory and Practice of Silviculture Systems by Ram Prakash, L S Khanna and S. Prabhu
  • Introduction to Forest and Renewable Resources by R. Manikandan
  • A Textbook of Forest Management by G. Kuppusamy
  • Forest Ecology and Environment by P. P. Dhyani and M. S. Rawat
  • Forest Mensuration by Parshotam Kaushik and A. K. Misra
  • Forest Policy and Law by Ram Parkash
  • Forest Resource and Sustainable Development by Kailash Chanda Bebarta
  • Agroforestry in India by KG Tejwani
  • Indian Forestry by S.Prabhu
  • Principles and Practice of Agroforestry by P. K. Ramachandran Nair
  • Forest Hydrology and Watershed Management by S. L. Dingman
Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024

 

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Forestry Optional FAQs

Scoring in any subject depends on many factors like availability of resources, guidance, prior knowledge and right strategy. If candidates have all these options accessible then yes any subject is scoring.

There are two papers of Forestry subject each paper divided into two parts.

No, as per the official notification of the UPSC Candidate can choose both subjects.

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