UPSC IFoS Mains 2025: Pattern, Date, Syllabus and Complete Guide

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Mains 2025 exam dates. This is exciting news for all students and candidates who dream of joining the Indian Forest Service, one of the most prestigious services in India.

What is UPSC IFoS Exam?

The Indian Forest Service (IFoS) is a Group A All India Service under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Officers selected through this exam work in forest and wildlife management. They are responsible for protecting forests, wildlife, and natural resources in India.

The UPSC IFoS Exam is conducted every year at the national level. The exam has three stages:

1. Preliminary Exam – A screening test with objective questions.
2. Main Exam – A detailed written exam with descriptive questions.
3. Interview / Personality Test – A personal interview to judge the candidate’s suitability for the service.

Candidates who clear all three stages get selected as officers and join training at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) in Dehradun.

IFoS Exam Pattern 2025

The IFoS Exam 2025 has three stages:

Stage 1 – Preliminary Exam

• Objective type questions
• Marks: 200 (General Studies), 200 (CSAT)
• Duration: 2 hours each
• Negative marking: 1/3rd for wrong answers

Stage 2 – Main Exam

• Descriptive type papers
• Six Papers:
  1. General English – 300 marks
  2. General Knowledge – 300 marks
  3. Optional Subject Paper-I – 200 marks
  4. Optional Subject Paper-II – 200 marks
  5. Optional Subject Paper-III – 200 marks
  6. Optional Subject Paper-IV – 200 marks
• Duration: 3 hours each

Stage 3 – Interview / Personality Test

• Marks: 300
• Evaluates confidence, personality, and suitability for IFoS

Final Result Calculation:

• Mains Marks (1400) + Interview Marks (300) = 1700 Marks

Syllabus Overview

Preliminary Examination

• General Studies Paper I:
  • Current events of national and international importance
  • History of India and Indian National Movement
  • Indian and World Geography
  • Indian Polity and Governance
  • Economic and Social Development
  • General issues on Environmental ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change
  • General Science
• Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Paper II:
  • 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.)
  • Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc.)

Mains Examination

• General English Paper: Tests the candidate’s ability to read and understand English, and to express themselves in English.
• General Knowledge Paper: Covers a wide range of topics including current events, history, geography, polity, economy, environment, and science.
• Optional Subject Papers: Candidates must choose two optional subjects from a list provided by UPSC. Each subject has two papers, and the syllabus varies based on the chosen subject.

Optional Subjects

Candidates can choose their optional subjects from a list provided by UPSC. Some of the popular optional subjects for the IFS Examination include:

• Agriculture
• Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
• Botany
• Chemistry
• Geology
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Statistics
• Zoology

Each subject has a detailed syllabus, and candidates should choose subjects based on their interest and academic background.

UPSC IFoS Notification 2025 Overview

The UPSC IFoS Notification 2025 provides all important details like:

• Total vacancies
• Eligibility criteria
• Exam dates
• Application process
• Syllabus and exam pattern

Key points from the notification:

• Exam Name: Indian Forest Services
• Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Application Start Date: 22nd January 2025
• Last Date to Apply: 21st February 2025
• Exam Level: National
• Mode of Exam: Offline (Prelims, Mains, and Interview)
• Exam Frequency: Annual

Candidates who qualify in UPSC Civil Services Prelims are eligible for the IFoS Mains Exam.

Please refer to the official notification for details.

Important Dates & Timetable for IFoS 2025

The IFoS Mains Exam 2025 is scheduled from 16th November 2025 onwards. The timetable is as follows:

UPSC IFoS Vacancy 2025

For 2025, UPSC has announced a total of 150 vacancies for the Indian Forest Service Exam. The vacancies include horizontal reservations for PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities).

Breakup of PwBD Vacancies:

The remaining vacancies are distributed across categories like General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, as per government rules.

Eligibility Criteria for IFoS 2025

Candidates must meet UPSC IFoS Eligibility Criteria 2025 to apply. These include nationality, age, educational qualifications, attempts allowed, and physical standards.

Eligibility Details:

 Post List and Salary Structure

Once selected, candidates join as probationary officers and undergo training at IGNFA, Dehradun. After training, they are posted across India in state forest departments.

IFoS Rank and Post List:

Starting Salary:

• Junior Time Scale: ₹56,100
• Salary increases with promotions

Preparation Tips for IFoS 2025

Preparing for IFoS requires a planned approach, dedication, and regular practice. Here are some easy-to-follow tips:

1. Understand Exam Pattern and Syllabus

• Know the stages, marks, and type of questions
• Cover topics in Prelims and Mains carefully

2. Make a Study Plan

• Divide study time into daily, weekly, monthly targets
• Focus on each subject systematically

3. Focus on Core Subjects

• Important subjects: General Studies, Environment, Forestry, Geography
• Use NCERT books for basic understanding

4. Revise Regularly

• Make short notes for revision
• Revise key topics frequently

5. Practice Previous Years’ Papers

• Solve past question papers for better understanding
• Take mock tests to improve speed and accuracy

6. Stay Updated with Current Affairs

• Read newspapers daily
• Focus on environment, wildlife, and forest conservation news

7. Improve Answer Writing Skills

• Practice writing descriptive answers
• Work on clarity, structure, and presentation

8. Seek Guidance

• Join coaching or online study groups if needed
• Talk to mentors and experts for tips

9. Take Care of Health

• Eat healthy, exercise, and sleep well
• Practice yoga or meditation for stress management

10. Stay Consistent and Motivated

• Follow your study plan daily
• Keep your goal in mind and stay positive

Apti Plus IFS Coaching in Kolkata

Apti Plus Academy is a renowned coaching institute located in Kolkata offering specialized training for the UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination. The academy provides:

Experienced Faculty: Learn from seasoned educators with a deep understanding of the IFS syllabus.

Comprehensive Study Material: Access well-structured materials covering all aspects of the IFS syllabus.

Regular Mock Tests: Evaluate your preparation through periodic tests designed to simulate actual exam conditions.

Personalized Guidance: Receive one-on-one mentorship to address individual learning needs.

For more information, visit Apti Plus IFS Coaching in Kolkata.

For a visual overview of Apti Plus Academy and its offerings, check out:

Best UPSC Civil Services Coaching Center in India | APTI PLUS Academy

Conclusion

The UPSC IFoS Exam 2025 is a golden opportunity for candidates who want to serve India in the field of forest management, wildlife protection, and environmental conservation. With 150 vacancies, proper planning, consistent preparation, and dedication, candidates can achieve their dream of joining the Indian Forest Service.

Remember, the key to success is understanding the syllabus, practicing regularly, and staying motivated. Start early, revise often, and focus on improving your weak areas. The journey may be tough, but the rewards of serving the nation and protecting its forests are truly remarkable.

Good luck to all aspirants for the UPSC IFoS 2025 Exam!

FAQs About UPSC IFoS 2025

1: What is the full form of IFoS?

Indian Forest Service

2: How many stages are in IFoS Exam 2025?

Three – Prelims, Mains, Interview

3: Can candidates choose their optional subjects?

Yes, two optional subjects from the UPSC list

4: What is the age limit?

21–32 years as of 1st Aug 2025, with relaxations

5: Where is the training for IFoS conducted?

Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), Dehradun

6: How many vacancies are there for 2025?

150

7: Can I choose any subject as my optional?

Yes, you can choose any subject from the list of optional subjects provided by UPSC. However, it is advisable to select a subject you are comfortable with and have a background in.

8: Is there any negative marking in the Preliminary Examination?

Yes, there is a negative marking of one-third of the marks assigned to a question for each wrong answer in the General Studies Paper-I.

9: How can I stay updated with the latest information about the UPSC IFS Examination?

Regularly visit the official UPSC website upsc.gov.in for the latest notifications and updates.