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Indian Forest Service Salary 2026 vary from ₹56,100 to ₹2,25,000/month based on rank and experience. They receive allowances like DA, HRA, and LTC. Roles include forest management, wildlife protection, and policy enforcement. Perks include official housing, medical care, pension, and educational leave.
Indian Forest Service Salary 2026: The Indian Forest Service (IFoS) officers are responsible for managing and conserving India’s forests and wildlife. The profile is important not only for its ecological and social roles. But it is also a financially supporting career due to the India Forest Service salary structure.
Therefore, for candidates aspiring to build a career in the Indian Forest Services. Provided here is a detailed view of the Indian Forest Service salary, rank-wise pay, monthly earnings, and allowances in 2026.
The starting Indian forest officer salary per month for entry-level officers, such as Assistant Conservator of Forests or Assistant Deputy Conservator of Forests, is Rs 56,100. Over the period with experience and promotions, officers can reach a maximum salary of Rs 2,25,000 as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, the head of the forest force.
It is suggested that the salary structure increases gradually over time. Here is the number of years in service when an increase can be expected: 5, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 27 years of tenure correspond to higher pay scales and designations.
| Indian Forest Service Salary Per Month 2026 | |
| Grade | Indian Forest Service Salary |
| Junior Time Scale | Rs 56,100 |
| Senior Time Scale | Rs 67,700 |
| Junior Administrative Grade | Rs 78,800 |
| Selection Grade | Rs 1,18,500 |
| Super Time Scale | Rs 1,50,000 |
| Senior Administrative Grade | Rs 1,75,000 |
| HAG Scale | Rs 2,00,000 |
| HAG+ Scale | Rs 2,05,400 |
| Apex Scale | Rs 2,25,000 |
The Indian forest service salary rank wise 2026 is structured according to grade and designation. The following table summarizes the 2026 pay scale:
| IFoS Salary Rank Wise 2026 | |||
| Rank/Grade | State Government Designation | Government of India Designation | Indian Forest Service Salary 2026 |
| Junior Time Scale | Assistant Conservator of Forests / Asst. Deputy Conservator of Forests | Assistant Inspector General of Forests | Rs 56,100 |
| Senior Time Scale | Deputy Conservator of Forests | Assistant Inspector General of Forests | Rs 67,700 |
| Junior Administrative Grade | Deputy Conservator of Forests | Assistant General of Forests | Rs 78,800 |
| Selection Grade | Deputy Conservator of Forests | Assistant Inspector of Forests | Rs 1,18,500 |
| Super Time Scale | Chief Wildlife Warden | Deputy Inspector General of Forests | Rs 1,50,000 |
| Senior Administrative Grade | Chief Conservator of Forests | Inspector General of Forests | Rs 1,75,000 |
| HAG Scale | Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests | – | Rs 2,00,000 |
| HAG+ Scale | Principal Conservator of Forests | Additional Director General of Forests | Rs 2,05,400 |
| Apex Scale | Head of Forest Force | Director-General of Forests | Rs 2,25,000 |
In addition to the basic salary, Indian Forest Service officers receive multiple allowances to support their professional and personal expenses. Common Indian forest service allowance in 2026 includes:
| Allowance | Purpose |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | Adjusts salary with inflation |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | Covers accommodation, varies by city |
| Transport Allowance | For commuting and official travel |
| City Compensatory Allowance (CCA) | For high-cost city postings |
| Daily Allowance | During official trips or fieldwork |
| Medical Allowance | For officer and family health |
| Leave Travel Concession (LTC) | Travel benefit for officer and family |
Indian Forest Service (IFoS) officers follow the same pay matrix as other Group A services like IAS and IFS, with 8th CPC projections using fitment factors of 2.225-2.5 for levels 10-18 hikes from current 7th CPC scales. Entry-level Assistant Conservator of Forests at Level 10 earns ₹56,100 basic pay now, potentially rising to over ₹1.26 lakh post-revision effective January 2026. Total in-hand salary includes DA, HRA, and field allowances, with apex roles reaching substantial increases amid DA merger.
| Indian Forest Service Salary After 8th Pay Commission | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pay Level | 7th CPC Basic Pay (₹) | 8th CPC Projection (~2.25x, ₹) |
| Level 10 | 56,100 | 1,26,225 |
| Level 11 | 67,700 | 1,52,325 |
| Level 12 | 78,800 | 1,77,300 |
| Level 13 | 1,23,100 | 2,76,975 |
| Level 14 | 1,44,200 | 3,24,450 |
| Level 15 | 1,82,200 | 4,10,950 |
| Level 16 | 2,05,400 | 4,62,150 |
| Level 17 | 2,25,000 | 5,06,250 |
| Level 18 | 2,50,000 | 5,62,500 |
Indian Forest Officers handle diverse tasks in forest and wildlife management. Their key duties are outlined below:
| Responsibility | Description |
| Forest Management | Afforestation and reforestation programs |
| Wildlife Protection | Enforcing anti-poaching laws |
| Biodiversity Conservation | Managing national parks and protected areas |
| Research | Forest ecology and species studies |
| Community Engagement | Promoting sustainable practices |
| Policy Implementation | Formulating and enforcing forest policies |
| Disaster Management | Handling forest-related natural disasters |
Beyond salary and allowances, IFoS officers enjoy several benefits. The table below highlights major perks:
| Perk | Description |
| Supplementary Allowances | Incentives for exceptional work |
| Educational Leave | Leave for higher studies |
| Post-Retirement Pension | Monthly retirement benefits |
| Official Housing & Vehicles | Accommodation and transport facilities |
| Medical Coverage | Health benefits for officers and family |
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The starting salary for an Indian Forest Service officer in 2026 is ₹56,100 per month.
At the highest rank, the salary can reach up to ₹2,25,000 per month.
Officers receive allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, City Compensatory Allowance (CCA), Daily Allowance, Medical Allowance, and Leave Travel Concession (LTC).
Key responsibilities include managing and conserving forests, protecting wildlife, preserving biodiversity, conducting research, engaging with local communities, formulating policies, and handling natural disasters.
Yes, officers receive post-retirement benefits, including a monthly pension after retirement.
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