IFoS Application Form 2026 (Open), Check Application Dates

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially activated the online registration for the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination 2026 as of February 4, 2026. Prospective candidates can now access the application portal  to complete their registration for the 150 prestigious vacancies announced this year. The application window is strictly scheduled to remain open until February 24, 2026 (6:00 PM), making it imperative for aspirants to complete their One-Time Registration (OTR) and final submission within this 21-day timeframe. As the IFoS and Civil Services share a common Preliminary exam on May 24, 2026, this single application form serves as the entry point for both, provided candidates meet the specific science-based eligibility criteria required for the Forest Service.

UPSC IFoS Application 2026

The application process for the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) 2026 is conducted exclusively through the UPSC’s official portal and requires candidates to complete a mandatory One-Time Registration (OTR) before filling out the specific exam form. Since the IFoS and Civil Services share a common Preliminary exam on May 24, 2026, applicants must carefully select “Indian Forest Service” or “Both” in the examination choice field to be considered for this specialized cadre. The registration window remains open until 6:00 PM on February 24, 2026, during which candidates must upload a recent photograph (not older than 10 days), a scanned signature, and a valid photo ID. Completing the Part-II registration involves paying a nominal fee of ₹100 (exempt for female, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates) and choosing the preferred examination center for the prelims.

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IFoS Application Form 2026 Overview

This overview provides a quick glance at the IFoS Application Form 2026. It details essential information regarding the examination, including the conducting authority, key dates, and application specifics.

UPSC IFoS Application 2026 Dates

IFoS 2026 application form has been made available from February 04 to 24, 2026 with candidates required to upload documents and pay fees in Part I and Part II of the form.

UPSC Category Wise Vacancy 2026

The UPSC CSE 2026 notification, released on February 4, 2026, announces approximately 933 vacancies across various civil services posts. Reservations apply for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and 33 vacancies for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), with potential adjustments by the government.

IFoS Application Form 2026 Release Date

The official release of the IFoS Application Form 2026 took place on February 4, 2026, following a brief administrative postponement from the original January schedule. This release coincided with the publication of the comprehensive UPSC 2026 notification, marking the start of the 21-day registration window. Candidates can now access the form on the official portal, and must complete their submission by the deadline of February 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Since the Preliminary exam on May 24, 2026, is common for both the Civil Services and the Indian Forest Service, applicants must ensure they select the “IFoS” option within this specific window to be considered for the forest service cadre.

IFoS Application Form 2026 Apply Now Link

The official application link for the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination 2026 is now live and can be accessed at upsconline.nic.in. Candidates must use this centralized portal to complete their One-Time Registration (OTR) before filling out the combined application form for both the Civil Services and the Forest Service. The window for submission will remain open from February 4, 2026, until February 24, 2026 (6:00 PM), and applicants are strongly advised to apply early to avoid potential technical delays during the final hours. Once the registration is complete, you can also download your submitted application and check your payment status directly through the dashboard.

IFoS Application Form Documents Required

Submitting the correct documents is a vital step in the IFoS application process. Candidates must prepare these items for successful online submission.

• Scanned Photograph (recent passport-sized, not older than 10 days, with a white background)
• Scanned Signature
• Government-Approved ID (Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, PAN Card, Passport, or any other government-issued ID)
• Educational certificates
• Category/Reservation certificate (if applicable)

IFoS Application Form Fee

The application fee for the IFoS Exam 2026 varies by category. For General/OBC candidates fee is  ₹100. SC/ST/PwD/Female candidates are exempt from paying the application fee. Payment can be made through online modes such as credit/debit card or net banking.

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How to Apply For IFOS 2026

As per the Examination Notice No. 06/2026-IFOSE dated February 4, 2026, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has introduced significant updates to the application workflow. Candidates must note that the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) selection begins with the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, which acts as a screening test.

Step 1: One-Time Registration (OTR)

Before accessing the application form, all candidates must complete the OTR on the upsconline.nic.in portal.

• Generate URN: Provide basic details like name, date of birth, and contact information to generate a permanent Universal Registration Number (URN).
• One-Time Modification: The Commission allows a one-time facility to update or modify the URN profile. However, changes made to the URN will not reflect in applications already submitted.

Step 2: Filling the Common Application Form (CAF) & New Requirements

This year, the UPSC has integrated several new modules into the application process:

• Live Photo Capture (Mandatory Change): In a major shift for 2026, applicants must not only upload a recent photograph but also capture a live photograph while filling out the CAF. Both must be clear and meet official specifications.
• Updated Signature Upload: Candidates are now required to sign three times (one below the other) on plain white paper using black ink and upload this single scanned document.
• Photo ID Verification: You must provide details and upload a scanned copy of a valid Photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, etc.). This same ID must be carried to the examination hall.

Step 3: Examination Specific Module

After completing the CAF, you must fill out the fourth module specific to the IFoS/CSE 2026:

• Dual Application: If you wish to apply for both the Civil Services and Indian Forest Service examinations, you must indicate this clearly in the form.
• Centre Selection: Choose your preferred exam centre from the provided list. Allotment is strictly on a “first-apply-first-allot” basis. Once a centre reaches its capacity, it will be frozen for non-PwBD candidates.

Step 4: Fee Payment & Final Submission

• Application Fee: A fee of ₹100 is required for the Preliminary stage. Female, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are exempted from payment.
• No Withdrawal: Once submitted, candidates are not allowed to withdraw their applications.
• Deadline: The online application link will be disabled on February 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM.

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