There are many state government as well as Central Government Vacancies that are released every year to become an officer. Here in this article, I am going to share with you the complete details about the How to become an Indian Forest Service Officer. You will get to know the required Eligibility Criteria, Selection process, Number of Vacancies, How to apply Online, etc. In order to get complete information about this. You must check out the blog below. I have shared all the mandatory details about this.

Indian Forest Service is one of the most prestigious jobs. This Job pretty much similar to Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS). In order to get selected as a Forest Service officer in India. One will need to clear the Civil Service Examination that is conducted by the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission). The Civil Service Exam is considered the toughest exam in India. Through this exam, one can get the highest recruiting job position in India. Now let’s see the complete details about its Eligibility Criteria to apply for the vacancy and complete selection process etc.
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Eligibility Criteria for Indian Forest Service:
In order to apply for the IFS (Indian Forest Service) Examination, One must have done graduation in any of the following subjects:
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Engineering
- Zoology
- Statistics
- Geology etc
The graduation must have done from any government recognized Institute or University. There are no minimum marks criteria in Graduation to apply for the vacancy. Candidates who are in their final year are also eligible to apply for the vacancy. But, they will need to produce proof of passing before appearing for the Mains Examination.
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Age Limit for Indian Forest Service Vacancy:
The age of the candidate must be at least 21 years old and the maximum age to apply for the vacancy is 32 years old as per their Aadhar card or High School Marksheet There is also some relaxation that has been given to the candidates in Age who belong to OBC (Other Backward Class), SC/ST (Scheduled Tribes/ Scheduled Caste), etc.
- For General categories Candidates: 21-32 years old
- For OBC Candidates: 21-35 years old.
- For SC/ST Candidates: 21-37 years old.
- Three years of relaxation will be also given to the Ex- Defence Personnel and Ex-Servicemen etc.
- Up to 10 years of relaxation in age to Physically Disabled candidates.
In order to get the complete and exact information about the relaxation criteria. You must visit the Official Website and check the latest notification. The relaxation Criteria keeps on changing.
Indian Forest Service Officer Selection Procedure:
The Selection of the candidates in the IFS as an Officer will be done through the three phases of selection. A candidate will need to clear the following phases;
- Preliminary Examination
- Mains Examination
- Interview etc
After the submission of the application form, One will appear for the Preliminary Exam. The Preliminary Exam would have Objective Type Questions with Multiple Choice Answer While the Mains Exam is Objective as well as Descriptive. The Mains is considered as the toughest phase of selection. It is mandatory to clear each phase of selection individually. The only candidate will proceed for the mains Exam who would clear the Preliminary Exam.
Indian Forest Service Exam Syllabus:
There are three phases of Selection. The syllabus of each phase is different. Here is the complete syllabus of the Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Interview, etc.
Preliminary Exam | Mains Exam |
General Knowledge | General English |
Civil Service Aptitude Test | General Knowledge |
Optional Subjects |
General Knowledge:
- Current Event
- History of India
- Indian National Movement
- Geography
- Indian polity
- Economic
- Social Development
- General Science
- General Issues etc
Civil Service Aptitude Test:
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal skills
- Logical reasoning
- Analytical ability
- Decision-making
- Problem-solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy
- Data interpretation
General English:
- Active Voice
- Passive Voice
- Sentence Correction
- Comprehension
- Passage etc
The English will be asked till class 10th level. One just needs to prepare the basics to score well in this paper. This is the easiest part of the paper and one can score well in this.
How to Prepare For the Indian Forest Service Exam:
There are many ways to start your preparation. most of the candidates join the coaching academy in their initial Days. If you are completely new to the competitive exam, Joining the coaching academy could be a better decision. In the coaching Institutes, You get to learn the basic tips and tricks to solve the attempt a question in less time. But you have an idea about the exam and its level. You can prepare for this exam at home.
Even after joining the coaching academy, You will have to prepare by yourself. Better coaching can just guide you in a better manner. There are many self-study Materials are available in the market that you can purchase to prepare at home. The exam is tough but with proper preparation, it can be easily cleared. Make sure to choose the right Study Material and make a proper plan and strategy, Be very strict about it.
Indian Forest Service Officer Salary:
The Salary of the Indian Forest Service Officer depends on their rank. The Salary of an officer can be between 47,400/- per month to 72,300/- per month. After the first promotion, the Salary may hike. The Salary structure would be like this:
Grade | Pay Band | Grade Pay | Service Years Required |
Junior Scale | 15600-39100 | 5400 | NA |
Senior Time Scale | 15600-39100 | 6600 | 5 years |
Junior Administrative Grade | 15600-39100 | 7600 | 9 years |
Selection Grade | 37400-67000 | 8700 | 12 to 15 years |
Super Time Scale | 37400-67000 | 10,000 | 17 to 20 years |
Above Super Time Scale | 37400-67000 | 12,000 | Varies |
Apex Scale | 80,000 | 0 | Varies( around 30 years) |
Cabinet Secretary Grade | 90,000 | 0 | varies |
There are also many allowances and other benefits that one gets in the service like:
- Travel Allowances
- Dearness Allowances
- House Allowances
- Free ration
- Service Quarter
- Office Vehicle
- Security: 3 Home Guard and 2 Body Guard.
- Study Leave
- Medical Facillities
- Pension facilities etc.
Being an IFS (Indian Forest Service) officer is proud of itself. This job highly respected in society. The joining is extremely tough. YOu will need to prepare so well, In order to crack the examination. If you have such aim Start your preparation from today.