The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Indian Forest Service (IFS) examination annually to recruit officers dedicated to preserving India’s rich forest resources. The 2025 UPSC IFS Exam is structured in three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and the Personality Test (Interview). Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation.

Key Highlights

• Organization Name: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Exam Name: Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2025
• Preliminary Exam Date: May 25, 2025
• Main Exam Date: November 16, 2025
• Selection Stages: Prelims, Mains, Interview
• Prelims Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper)
• Mains Mode: Descriptive Written Test
• Interview Marks: 300
• Official Website: upsc.gov.in

Preliminary Examination 📝

The Preliminary Examination serves as a screening test and is conducted alongside the Civil Services Examination (CSE) Prelims. It comprises two objective-type papers:

• Paper I: General Studies (GS)
  • Marks: 200
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Content: Topics include History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, and Current Affairs.
• Paper II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)
  • Marks: 200
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Content: Tests Comprehension, Interpersonal Skills, Logical Reasoning, and Analytical Ability.

Note: Both papers are conducted offline and are available in both Hindi and English. There is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for each incorrect answer. Candidates must score at least 33% in Paper II to qualify for the Mains.

Main Examination 📚

The Main Examination is descriptive and assesses candidates’ in-depth knowledge. It consists of six papers:

1. Paper I: General English
   • Marks: 300
   • Focus: Tests understanding of English and essay writing skills.
2. Paper II: General Knowledge
   • Marks: 300
   • Focus: Covers Current Events, Indian Polity, Constitution, History, and Geography.
3. Papers III, IV, V & VI: Optional Subjects
   • Marks: 200 each
   • Focus: Candidates choose two subjects, each having two papers. Options include Agriculture, Botany, Chemistry, Forestry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Zoology, among others.

Note: Each paper is of 3 hours duration. The Mains exam totals 1400 marks.

Personality Test (Interview) 🗣️

Candidates who clear the Mains are called for the Personality Test:

• Marks: 300
• Objective: Assesses personal suitability for a career in forestry, including mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgment, and leadership qualities.

The final merit list is prepared based on the combined marks of the Mains and the Interview, totaling 1700 marks.

Preparation Tips 📅

• Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the detailed syllabus for each stage.
• Structured Study Plan: Allocate time for each subject and stick to a consistent study schedule.
• Practice Previous Papers: Solve past years’ question papers to get a feel of the exam pattern and difficulty level.
• Stay Updated: Regularly read newspapers and journals to keep abreast of current events, especially those related to the environment and ecology.
• Revise Regularly: Periodic revision is key to retaining information and performing well in the exam.

Embarking on the journey to join the Indian Forest Service requires dedication, strategic planning, and a thorough understanding of the exam pattern. With the right approach, aspirants can navigate the selection process successfully and contribute to the conservation of India’s natural heritage.