UPSC IFoS Exam Pattern 2026: Stages, Weightage, Marking Scheme, Selection Process

UPSC IFoS Exam Pattern 2026: UPSC Indian Forest Service- IFS exam pattern is a comprehensively structured and designed to identify and select individuals with the knowledge, skills, and aptitude necessary for roles within the Indian Forest Service. This examination consists of a multi-stage evaluation process that assesses candidates in various aspects related to forestry, environmental science, and general studies. The IFS exam pattern includes a Preliminary stage, a Mains stage, and a Personality Test (Interview), each serving distinct purposes in determining the suitability of candidates for a career in the Indian Forest Service. Let’s explore each stage in detail.

UPSC IFS Exam Pattern 2026

• Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Stage 1: Prelims
  • The preliminary stage, as part of the UPSC Indian Forest Service – IFS exam pattern, consists of two papers, GS I and CSAT, both objective in nature. 
  • In the General Studies paper, each question carries 2 marks. Each paper has maximum marks of 200. It has a total of 100 questions.
  • In the Civil Service Aptitude Test (CSAT) paper, each question is valued at 2.5 marks. It have total 80 questions
  • There is a 1/3 mark deduction for every incorrect answer.
  • Paper-II of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination is dedicated to the IFS exam pattern.
  • CSAT is a qualifying paper with minimum qualifying marks fixed at 33%. 
  • The question papers will be set both in Hindi and English. 
  • It is mandatory for the candidate to appear in both the Papers prelims examination for the purpose of evaluation otherwise the candidate will be disqualified in case he/she does not appear in both the papers of Civil Services (Prelim) Examination.
• Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Stage 2: Mains
  • The UPSC IFS Mains exam is distinct from the IAS (UPSC CSE) exam. It comprises 6 descriptive papers, and candidates must choose two optional subjects from a provided list of subjects.
  • UPSC IFS Mains Exam: Understanding the Structure
    • When it comes to the UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFS) Mains Exam, a comprehensive understanding of the paper structure is essential. Here’s a breakdown of the key components.
    • UPSC IFS Paper I (General English): Key Test Insights
      • This paper is designed to test the candidates’ understanding of English and use of words. It typically includes essay writing, comprehension, and précis writing. The purpose is to evaluate the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English.
    • UPSC IFS Paper II (General Knowledge): Political & Historical Proficiency
      • Paper II of the Indian Forest Service examination covers a wide range of subjects, encompassing Indian politics, its political framework, and the Constitution. 
      • Candidates undergo evaluation on their proficiency in Indian history and geography, demanding a thorough understanding of the socio-political terrain that defines our nation. 
      • This comprehensive assessment aims to analyse the candidates’ capabilities in navigating the complexities of India’s political and historical dimensions.
    • Indian Forest Service (IFoS) List of 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.
      • This emphasizes the importance of thoughtful consideration when picking optional subjects that align with individual strengths.
      • 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 atleast 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.
    • Please note here all the papers of the UPSC IFS Mains examination i.e Paper I, II, III,  IV, V, VI are considered for evaluation. The marks scored in these paper will determine your rank in final result.
• Interview Insights: UPSC IFS Selection Process
  • Candidates who obtain score more than cut off  marks in the written part of the Main Examination which is fixed by the Commission Summoned for the next process in the IFS exam pattern – the interview.
  • Interview, also referred to as the Personality Test, in this process candidates get marks according to his/her ability to critically examine and evaluate a given situation, problem, or topic. 
  • The number of candidates to be summoned for an interview will be about twice the number of vacancies to be filled.
  • The interview will carry 300 marks (with no minimum qualifying marks).
  • Marks thus obtained by the candidates in the Main Examination (written part as well as interview) would determine their final ranking.
  • During the interview, candidates may be asked to analyze various aspects related to forestry, environmental conservation, and wildlife management. 
    • This involves breaking down complex issues, identifying key factors, and providing insightful observations or recommendations.

IFoS Exam Pattern for Interview

The UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) interview, also known as the Personality Test, is the final stage of the selection process after clearing Prelims and Mains. It evaluates a candidate’s intellectual depth, leadership qualities, communication skills, and suitability for forestry services, contributing significantly to the final merit list.​

UPSC Syllabus Breakdown: Prelims & Mains Insights

• UPSC Prelims: Mastering Key Subjects for Success
  As per the official guidelines of UPSC the syllabus of prelims is as follows candidates are advised to strictly follow this syllabus for getting good marks.
  • UPSC Prelims paper I: Key Topics for Success
    • Current events of national and international importance
    • History of India and Indian National Movement
    • Indian and World Geography- Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.
    • Indian Polity and Governance- Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Right Issues, etc.
    • Economic and Social Development- Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
    • General issues on Environmental ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization.
    • General Science.
  • UPSC Prelims Paper II: Skills for Success”
    • Comprehension
    • Interpersonal skills including communication skills;
    • Logical reasoning and analytical ability
    • Decision making and problem solving
    • General mental ability
    • Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. – Class X level) 
• UPSC Mains Papers I & II: Key Insights
  • UPSC Mains Paper I: English Proficiency Essentials
    • In this paper candidates will be evaluated on the basis of ability to read, write and understand english.
    • Questions in this paper will consist of Reading comprehension, letter writing, Report writing, Precis, essay writing and basic vocabulary.
  • UPSC Mains Paper II: Core Insights
    This paper encompasses following dimensions:
    • Knowledge of current events and everyday observations.
    • Understanding of scientific aspects expected of an educated person without specialized scientific study.
    • Inclusion of questions on Indian Polity, covering the political system and the Constitution of India.
    • Exploration of Indian History and Geography, with questions answerable without specific study in these areas.

UPSC IFS Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

Here are the marks distribution for each paper in the IFS Mains examinations. Now, let’s take a closer look at the specific syllabus for each paper.

IFS Mains Exam Total Marks

• The total marks for the IFS Mains Exam, including both compulsory and optional papers, is 1400 Marks.

IFS Mains Paper Marks Duration of Each Paper

• Each paper, including both mains papers and optional papers, is of 3 hours duration.

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