UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2025, Nationality, Qualification

UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria include nationality, educational qualification, age limit, number of attempts, and physical requirements. Check expected UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2025.

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December 23, 2024

UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2025, 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 2025 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 2025.

UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2025 Overview

The detailed UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2025 will be released along with the UPSC IFoS notification on January 22, 2025. However, here 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 2025 exam and take a step closer to a career in forest and wildlife services.

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IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2025 Overview

Criteria Details
IFoS 2025 Notification Date January 22, 2025
Nationality Indian, or as per specific conditions for Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibetan refugees.
Age Limit 21-32 years (Relaxation for reserved categories).
Educational Qualification Bachelor’s degree with specific subjects or in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering.
Number of Attempts General: 6, OBC: 9, SC/ST: Unlimited.
Physical Standards Minimum height: Men – 163 cm, Women – 150 cm (Relaxations applicable).

UPSC IFoS 2025 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 2025 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 2025

The age limit for candidates is 21 years to 32 years as of August 1, 2025. 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:

Age Limit for UPSC IFoS 2025

Category Age Criteria
General 21 years to 32 years as of August 1, 2025
OBC Upper age relaxation of 3 years (up to 35 years)
SC/ST Upper age relaxation of 5 years (up to 37 years)
PwBD Upper age relaxation of 10 years
Defense Personnel Upper age relaxation of 3 years
Ex-Servicemen/ECOs/SSCOs Upper age relaxation of 5 years

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UPSC IFoS 2025 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 2025 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:

Category Number of Attempts
General 6
OBC 9
SC/ST Unlimited
PwBD (General/OBC) 9

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

Criteria Men Women
Height (minimum) 163 cm 150 cm
Chest (minimum) 84 cm (5 cm expansion) 79 cm (5 cm expansion)

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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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UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria FAQs

The age limit is 21 to 32 years for general candidates, with relaxations for reserved categories.

Candidates must meet the minimum height, chest, and fitness criteria, including vision standards, as specified in the rules.

General candidates get 6 attempts, OBC candidates get 9 attempts, and SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts.

Yes, final-year students can apply but must produce proof of passing before the Mains exam.

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in specified subjects (e.g., Animal Husbandry, Botany) or Agriculture/Forestry/Engineering from a recognized university.

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