Indian Forest Service Exam 2025 – The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Indian Forest Service (IFS) examination to recruit officers for forest management, wildlife conservation, and environmental administration. IFS is one of the most prestigious pan-India exams for candidates interested in forestry, environment, and ecology.
The selection process for Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam 2025 includes a Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Personality Test (Interview).
Table of Contents
Indian Forest Service Exam 2025 – Exam Pattern
Stage 1 – Preliminary Exam
The Preliminary Exam is objective type (MCQs) to screen candidates for the Main Exam.
Total Marks: 400 (2 Papers)
Duration: 2 Hours per paper
Negative Marking: 1/3rd marks deducted for wrong answers
Preliminary Exam Structure
Paper I – General Studies – 200 Marks
Paper II – Aptitude Test / CSAT – 200 Marks
Stage 2 – Main Exam
The Main Exam is descriptive and focuses on forestry, ecology, and related subjects.
Total Marks: 1000
Main Exam Structure
Paper I – General English – 100 Marks
Paper II – General Knowledge – 100 Marks
Paper III – Forestry Paper I – 200 Marks
Paper IV – Forestry Paper II – 200 Marks
Paper V – Optional Subject Paper I – 200 Marks
Paper VI – Optional Subject Paper II – 200 Marks
Stage 3 – Personality Test / Interview
The interview carries 300 marks and evaluates overall personality, communication, decision-making, and suitability for forest service.
Indian Forest Service Exam 2025 – Syllabus
Preliminary Exam Syllabus
Current Affairs, Indian Polity, History, Geography, Environment, Ecology, Science & Technology, Economic and Social Development, and CSAT for reasoning and quantitative aptitude.
Main Exam Syllabus
General English
Comprehension, Precis Writing, Essay, Grammar, and Vocabulary.
General Knowledge
Current Affairs, Geography, History, Polity, Environmental Awareness, Indian Economy, and Science & Technology.
Forestry Papers
Forest Ecology, Silviculture, Forest Management, Wildlife Management, Forest Legislation, Social Forestry, Forest Mensuration, Forest Policy, and Research Methods in Forestry.
Optional Subject
Candidates can choose an optional subject from UPSC list including Agriculture, Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics.
Preparation Tips for Indian Forest Service Exam 2025
Focus on NCERTs and standard forestry books for core concepts. Regularly read newspapers and magazines for current affairs. Practice CSAT aptitude questions. Revise previous year papers. Prepare for interview by improving communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Official Email & Website of Indian Forest Service
- Official Website: IFS Division, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change — ifs.nic.in
- Official Contact Email:
ifs.nic.in
Address for correspondence:
Prithvi Wing, 6th Floor, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, Aliganj, Jorbagh Road, New Delhi – 110003
Office Phone: +91-11 20819413
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Indian Forest Service Exam 2025
Q1. What is the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam 2025 and who conducts it?
Ans. The Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit officers for the forestry services of India. It is one of the three All India Services along with IAS and IPS, responsible for managing the country’s forest resources, wildlife, and environment.
Q2. What is the selection process for the IFS Exam 2025?
Ans. The selection process includes three stages – Preliminary Examination (shared with Civil Services Exam), Main Examination (written), and Personality Test (Interview). Candidates who qualify the Prelims are eligible to appear in the IFS Mains.
Q3. What is the exam pattern for the IFS Exam 2025?
Ans. The Preliminary Exam consists of two objective papers – General Studies Paper I and CSAT Paper II. The Main Exam includes six descriptive papers followed by a Personality Test. The marks of the Mains and Interview are counted for final merit.
Q4. What is the eligibility criteria for the IFS Exam 2025?
Ans. Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following subjects – Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering. The age limit is 21 to 32 years, with relaxation as per government norms.
Q5. What subjects are included in the IFS Mains Examination?
Ans. The IFS Mains includes six papers – General English, General Knowledge, and four papers from two optional subjects chosen by the candidate. Optional subjects include Agriculture, Forestry, Botany, Zoology, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering disciplines, and more.
Q6. How should candidates prepare for the Indian Forest Service Exam 2025?
Ans. Focus on both conceptual understanding and current environmental issues. Study NCERTs and standard reference books for core science subjects, practice answer writing for descriptive papers, and keep track of forestry-related government schemes and policies.
Q7. Is the IFS Prelims syllabus different from the Civil Services Prelims?
Ans. No, the IFS Preliminary stage is common with the UPSC Civil Services Prelims. Both have the same syllabus and exam pattern. However, only candidates opting for IFS are considered separately for the Mains eligibility list.
Q8. What is the marking scheme for the IFS Exam 2025?
Ans. The Preliminary Exam has two papers of 200 marks each, both objective type. The Main Exam carries 1400 marks across six papers, and the Personality Test carries 300 marks. Final selection is based on Mains and Interview marks combined.
Q9. What are the optional subjects available for the IFS Exam 2025?
Ans. Optional subjects include Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Forestry, Geology, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Statistics, and Zoology.
Q10. What are the official contact details, website, and email for the Indian Forest Service Exam 2025?
Ans. Official Website: https://www.upsc.gov.in
Email: upsc@nic.in
Address: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi – 110069, India.
Conclusion
The Indian Forest Service Syllabus 2025 includes General Studies, Forestry, Optional Subjects, CSAT, and Personality Assessment. Consistent preparation, revision, and mock tests are key to cracking this competitive exam.
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