UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2026, Age Limit, Nationality, Qualification

The Indian Forest Service (IFoS) exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates for the country’s forest and wildlife management services. To appear for the UPSC IFoS 2026 exam, candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria related to nationality, age limit, educational qualifications, and physical standards. Here, we have provided a complete overview of the expected UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2026.

UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2026 Overview

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release the UPSC IFoS Notification 2025 on 14 January 2026 on its official website, upsc.gov.in, detailing important information, including the eligibility criteria. However, interested candidates can get an overview of the eligibility criteria based on the previous notification. By understanding and fulfilling these criteria, candidates can ensure their eligibility for the prestigious UPSC IFoS 2026 exam and take a step closer to a career in forest and wildlife services.

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UPSC IFoS 2026 Nationality Criteria

The nationality criteria for the UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) exam define the eligibility based on the citizenship or origin of the candidate. To be eligible for the UPSC IFoS 2026 exam, a candidate must meet the following nationality requirements:

• Citizen of India
• Subject of Nepal or Bhutan
• Tibetan Refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, intending to settle permanently in India.
• Person of Indian Origin (PIO) who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, or Tanzania, intending to settle permanently in India.

Note: Candidates other than Indian citizens must produce a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.

Age Limit for UPSC IFoS 2026

The age limit for candidates is 21 years to 32 years. However, relaxations in the upper age limit are provided for various categories. The minimum and maximum age limits to appear for the Indian Forest Service Exam are as follows:

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UPSC IFoS 2026 for Educational Qualifications

The educational qualification criteria for the IFoS exam are designed to ensure that candidates possess the academic background necessary for managing complex environmental and forest-related challenges. Interested candidates must meet the following educational qualification criteria:

• A Bachelor’s degree: At least one of these subjects: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology.
• OR Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture/Forestry
• OR Engineering from a recognized university

Important Notes:

• The degree must be obtained from a recognized university or equivalent institution.
• Final-year students awaiting results can also apply, but they must produce proof of passing before the Mains exam.

UPSC IFoS 2026 Number of Attempts

The UPSC has set specific limits on the number of attempts allowed for the IFoS exam to maintain fairness and ensure equal opportunities for all aspirants. The number of attempts allowed for candidates appearing for the UPSC IFoS Exam is as follows:

Physical Requirements for Indian Forest Service Exam

The physical standards for the IFoS exam are stringent, as they are necessary for forest and wildlife-related services.

Minimum Physical Standards

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Other Requirements

1. Vision Standards: Must meet specific vision standards (corrective lenses allowed in some cases).
2. General Health: The candidate should be free from any physical or mental condition that might hinder efficient performance.
3. Physical Fitness Test: Candidates may have to undergo a medical examination to confirm their physical fitness.

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