The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination every year for recruitment to top positions in the forest services of India. The exam pattern is designed to test the candidate’s intellectual abilities, scientific knowledge, and aptitude for conservation and administration.
The examination is conducted in three stages:
1. Preliminary Examination
The IFoS Prelims is the same as the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination.
It serves as a screening test. Only those who qualify are eligible to appear for the IFoS Mains.
Prelims Structure
Paper I: General Studies (GS) – 200 marks
Paper II: CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) – 200 marks (Qualifying with 33%)
👉 Both papers are of 2 hours each.
👉 Marks of Prelims are not counted for final merit, but qualifying is mandatory.
2. Main Examination
The IFoS Mains Examination is descriptive and consists of six papers.
Candidates who clear Prelims are eligible for Mains.
Mains Paper Pattern & Mark Distribution
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General English | 300 |
| Paper II | General Knowledge | 300 |
| Paper III & IV | Optional Subject 1 (Paper I & II) | 200 + 200 = 400 |
| Paper V & VI | Optional Subject 2 (Paper I & II) | 200 + 200 = 400 |
| Total | 1400 |
👉 Candidates must choose two optional subjects from the list prescribed by UPSC (like Agriculture, Forestry, Botany, Zoology, Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, etc.).
👉 Papers are of 3 hours duration each.
3. Personality Test (Interview)
Conducted by UPSC for candidates who qualify Mains.
Marks: 300
Tests candidate’s overall personality, leadership qualities, communication skills, and suitability for the Indian Forest Service.
Final Merit Calculation
Mains (1400 marks) + Interview (300 marks) = 1700 marks
Based on these, UPSC prepares the final merit list.
Key Points to Remember
Medium of Exam: Candidates can write in English or any language allowed by UPSC.
Negative Marking: In Prelims, 1/3rd marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
Optional Subject Restrictions: Candidates cannot take certain combinations together (e.g., Agriculture & Agricultural Engineering, Mathematics & Statistics).
Role of English Paper: Qualifying but marks are counted in merit (unlike UPSC CSE where language papers are just qualifying).
FAQs on UPSC IFoS Exam Pattern
Q1. Is the IFoS Prelims different from UPSC Civil Services Prelims?
No, both exams share the same Preliminary stage.
Q2. How many optional subjects are allowed in IFoS Mains?
Two optional subjects, each having two papers.
Q3. What is the total marks of the IFoS exam?
Total marks = 1700 (Mains 1400 + Interview 300).
Q4. Are the optional subjects the same as in UPSC Civil Services?
No, IFoS optional subjects are science/engineering-oriented like Agriculture, Forestry, Zoology, Physics, etc.
Q5. Is CSAT compulsory in Prelims?
Yes, Paper II (CSAT) is compulsory but only qualifying with 33% marks.
