If you’re targeting IFoS 2025, this guide gives you the latest, exam-ready syllabus—clearly split by stages and subjects. If you’re learning with the best forest service coaching institute in india, use this as your master checklist for classes, notes, and tests. Choosing the best forest service coaching institute in india also helps you prioritize high-yield topics and avoid common prep gaps. With mentors from the best forest service coaching institute in india, you can align your optional subjects, past-paper practice, and revision cycles perfectly to the official blueprint.
Exam Pattern at a Glance
Stage I — Preliminary Examination (CSE-Prelims)
Two objective papers (200 marks each). GS Paper-II (CSAT) is qualifying with 33% minimum.
Stage II — IFoS Main Examination (Written)
6 papers:
Paper-I: General English (300)
Paper-II: General Knowledge (300)
Papers-III to VI: Two Optional Subjects, two papers each, 200 marks per paper → Total Mains = 1400 marks.
Stage III — Personality Test (Interview)
300 marks; final ranking = Mains (1400) + Interview (300) = 1700.
Tip: The best forest service coaching institute in india will mirror this pattern in their test series and mocks so you peak at the right time.
Stage I — Preliminary Examination: Syllabus & Focus
Paper-I: General Studies (Objective)
Current events
Indian history & national movement
Indian & World Geography (physical, social, economic)
Indian Polity & Governance
Economic & Social Development
Environmental ecology, biodiversity & climate change
General Science
Paper-II: CSAT (Objective, qualifying)
Comprehension
Interpersonal skills
Logical reasoning & analytical ability
Decision-making
General mental ability
Basic numeracy and data interpretation (Class X level)
How to use this: At the best forest service coaching institute in india, you’ll get PYQ-driven drills (especially environment & polity) and weekly CSAT fluency sessions to secure the 33% buffer early.
Stage II — IFoS Mains: Compulsory Papers
Paper-I: General English (300)
Essay writing
Comprehension
Précis/summary
Usage & vocabulary
Grammar and sentence correction
Paper-II: General Knowledge (300)
Current events
Everyday science perspective
Indian Polity & Constitution
Indian History
Geography of India (expected at a general level)
Stage II — IFoS Mains: Optional Subjects (choose any TWO)
Official List (2025):
Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Forestry, Geology, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Statistics, Zoology.
Not allowed combinations:
Agriculture + Agricultural Engineering
Agriculture + Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
Agriculture + Forestry
Chemistry + Chemical Engineering
Mathematics + Statistics
More than one Engineering optional
Subject-Wise Syllabus Pointers
Agriculture – Ecology & cropping systems, soil science, irrigation, watershed management, farm management, genetics, breeding, pests & diseases, agri-economics.
Agricultural Engineering – Soil & water conservation, irrigation systems, farm machinery, post-harvest technology, renewable energy.
Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science – Animal nutrition, livestock production, breeding, reproduction, pathology, dairy science.
Botany – Morphology, taxonomy, physiology, genetics, pathology, ecology, biotechnology.
Chemistry – Physical, inorganic, organic chemistry, spectroscopy, kinetics, analytical methods.
Chemical Engineering – Fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, process design, plant safety.
Civil Engineering – Structural analysis, geotechnical, hydrology, environmental engineering, transportation.
Forestry – Silviculture, forest ecology, agroforestry, wildlife biology, forest policy, law, and economics.
Geology – Mineralogy, stratigraphy, paleontology, hydrogeology, environmental geology.
Mathematics – Algebra, real analysis, differential equations, probability, fluid dynamics.
Mechanical Engineering – SOM, thermodynamics, power plants, manufacturing, refrigeration.
Physics – Mechanics, EM theory, quantum mechanics, electronics, nuclear physics, optics.
Statistics – Probability, distributions, estimation, linear models, sampling, time-series, multivariate analysis.
Zoology – Chordates, genetics, physiology, ecology, entomology, fisheries, economic zoology.
Optional papers are set at Honours-degree level (higher than bachelor’s, lower than master’s), while Engineering subjects align to bachelor’s level—plan depth accordingly at the best forest service coaching institute in india.
Preparation Strategy
Block the prelims first – Secure CSAT 33% early with consistent practice.
Write weekly mains answers – Focus on General English & GK answer writing.
Optional depth over breadth – 70:30 ratio of PYQs to fresh notes.
Integrate environment with GS – Build consolidated binders for cross-linking topics.
Interview prep early – Soft-skill mocks at the best forest service coaching institute in india help maximize conversion.
FAQs
Q1. Is the IFoS Preliminary syllabus the same as CSE Prelims?
Yes—two objective papers of 200 marks each; CSAT is qualifying at 33%.
Q2. How many papers are there in IFoS Mains?
Six papers: General English (300), General Knowledge (300), and two optional subjects (200 each × 4). Interview adds 300 marks.
Q3. In which language do I write IFoS Mains?
All papers are to be answered in English only.
Q4. Which optional subject combinations are not allowed?
Examples: Agriculture–Forestry, Mathematics–Statistics, Chemistry–Chemical Engineering, and more than one Engineering optional.
Q5. What’s the standard of papers?
Compulsory papers = graduate level; optionals = Honours-degree level.
Q6. Do I need different books for Prelims and Mains?
Yes—Prelims focuses on breadth and MCQs; Mains requires depth and descriptive writing.
Q7. How should I pick my optionals?
Choose based on your graduation subject, availability of resources, scoring trends, and guidance at the best forest service coaching institute in india.
Q8. How often should I take full-length tests?
Mini-tests weekly; full-lengths every 2–3 weeks, increasing closer to the exam.
Q9. Are calculators allowed in Mains?
Yes, only non-programmable scientific calculators are permitted.
Q10. Where can I check the official syllabus?
On UPSC’s official notification for IFoS 2025—your mentors at the best forest service coaching institute in india will align exactly with it.
✅ With this breakdown, you now have a clear, subject-wise roadmap. Guided preparation with the best forest service coaching institute in india will ensure you cover the syllabus smartly, practice PYQs strategically, and succeed in IFoS 2025.
